Alphington Primary School Newsletter

Principal Update

Melissa Mackenzie

Last night we hosted a cyber-safety session presented by James from Microsoft and Andy from Victorian Police on behalf of the 'Think U Know Foundation'. They spoke about the apps, games and programs that children use and the risks associated with all online activities, particularly in relation to scams, grooming and child sexual exploitation. 

Their presentation was informative and their message was strong: the adults in our children’s lives need to be actively monitoring all aspects of devices and the online environment. Suggestions of not allowing device usage behind closed doors; talking with your children to understand what they are doing online and researching the apps they are using; setting the environment for children to discuss with the adults what is happening for them. 

 

For more information and resources from Think U Know, please use the following links.

In addition to this, the eSafety Commissioner, (an Australian Government initiative), provides a range of free resources and webinars to parents and families, to help you learn about online activity and behaviours.

There are a couple of interesting webinars coming up, that are all free to attend and provide relevant and practical information.

Please see the link for more information on times and how to attend.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/webinars

 

Last week I was fortunate enough to be at the Network Principal Conference. We were at the RACV Club in Cape Schanck which was a beautiful setting although it was an intense program so not much time to enjoy the surroundings. We started the conference hearing from the Area Executive Director and she discussed Network data. In particular absences, which have increased which is also true for Alphington. There is a lot of illness where families are stopping the spread and keeping their children home; there is also a notable number of families taking family holidays during term time. The second part of the day was spent with Dr Paul Browning who ran a workshop on Compelling Leadership and then we had a very engaging session with Mark “Squiz” Squirrell OAM who spoke about his various adventures and challenges and the ways he coped. 

 

Day 2 was opened by the Regional Director and she was sharing the success of Victoria compared to the other States looking at NAPLAN. This session was then followed by Tracey Ezard who involved us in her Ferocious Warmth approach to leadership. It is energizing to spend time with colleagues and to have the time to do some professional learning. 

 

We have had many successes this term with the focus on STEM, excursions and incursions, Year 5/6 interschool sport and individual sporting achievements. Today we recognized “Thank a First Responder” day and the SRC raised $245. We have also raised money for the Cancer Council and Red Dust recently. I am always striving to learn more about our students and relish the times when I am included in a conversation and hear about the interesting things our students do. 

 

This will be my last newsletter for the term as I am taking some Long Service Leave to visit my aunt in Western Australia. We are planning to travel up to Broome and spend some time in the warmer climate. I hope the rest of the term goes well for you all. I’ll see you all on Friday 28 June for our final day of term 2.

 

Enjoy your week

Melissa Mackenzie 

Principal