Previous news and information

This page will specifically be used for previous information that has been printed in our newsletter and will act as a "REMINDER page" for you to check what is still in date but perviously published. I hope this can be helpful for you! ~ Annie

Managing Challenging Information on Social Media 

No doubt you have heard about the recent disturbing political news about Donald Trump's attempted assassination. All too often our children hear and see things like this, even though we do our best to protect them. With mobile phones at the ready, everyone documents "news" and posts it to any platform they use. Often these stories can be upsetting and disturbing for adults, let alone out teenagers and children.

Kirra Prendegast (International expert in online safety & cybersecurity) released some helpful information this week which I thought may be helpful for parents:

Children are increasingly exposed to content on social media that may not be appropriate for their age due to complete disregard for age recommendation guidelines. This exposure can be particularly harmful during politically charged times or when violent events occur. Age recommendations in an app's terms of use exist in those terms, so when that "accept" is ticked, they are off the hook and not liable - age recommendations are not in terms because they care. Still, most are governed by COPPA (US Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act) because children are not emotionally equipped to handle everything they might see. It is not just about keeping their accounts private and secure; it is about managing what they are exposed to, from political violence to explicit material. 

Some practical steps 

Start by having open and honest conversations with your children about the content they might encounter online. Explain the nature of political violence and why certain content is inappropriate for their age. Encourage them to come to you with questions or let you know if they see something upsetting. 

Be attentive to your children's emotional and mental well-being....and your own. Exposure to violent or disturbing content can be traumatic. No matter how desensitised we might be to such content, it affects everyone differently. Seek professional help if needed. 

Please check the credibility of the sources you read. Look for news from reputable outlets. Before sharing any information, ask if it is from a trusted source and if it is confirmed by multiple credible reports. There is already a lot of misinformation out there. 

Have open conversations about the impact of misinformation with your children as well. Explain how false information can create unnecessary fear and division. Help them understand the importance of sharing accurate information and recognising fake news. Having a keen interest in how these tactics work online, informed by my past work, I see similar war strategies of fear and division deployed as part of the current US election process. Social media is rife with misinformation that creates panic and mistrust, undermining public confidence in the democratic process. These tactics exploit social and political divides, making it harder for communities to stay united. Online and off, it's crucial to promote resilience, verify information, and maintain unity to counteract these efforts. 

Please encourage children to think critically about the information they see online. Discuss how to spot fake news and why not everything on social media is true. This critical thinking skill is essential for their digital literacy. 

Make it a habit to stay informed with your children by reading news from reliable sources together. This can be a learning experience for both you and your child, fostering an environment of shared knowledge and understanding.

Asthma Plans & Medication

At this time of year and with the changeover of seasons chances are children who suffer from asthma are likely to need their ventolins more regularly. We have also had smoke in the air recently, which can also make asthma flare up. We remind our families to please ensure that you have provided asthma medication that is within it's use by date along with updated asthma plans to the school office. All medication that is required to be administered during the school day must be accompanied by the appropriate forms in the original pharmacy packaging and will be administered by school staff.

St Michael's Art Show

THURSDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 

2.30pm Offical Opening, lead by St Michael's Arts Student Leaders

2.40-6.30pm Gallery Open 

FRIDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER

8.00-9.00am Gallery Open

We invite you to bring along your family members, neighbours and friends to view the incredibly talented works by our students.

Psychology Services

As mentioned in previous newsletters, St Michael's School has partnered with Advanced Psychology to provide assessment and counselling services for families in our community. We ask that if you are interested in any services that are provided by a qualified psychologist, that you please make contact with Advanced Psychology, using the booking procedures below. You may call to get advice about the services and ask questions as well. Please note that your communication and any services undertaken are completely confidential. St Michael's School simply provides the site for these services to take place.

SCHOOL FEES & LEVIES – 2024

Thank you to all families who have paid their school account, or who continue with their 2024 payment plan. We remind families that if you have not yet paid any of your fees or if you would like to arrange an alternative payment plan, please contact Kathy Muhllechner  –kathym@smashburton.catholic.edu.au

Any information regarding school fees and concessions that may be available, please see Mrs Kathy Muhllechner in the school office on Mondays, Tuesdays or Friday. 

Hands on Music

Hands On Music is a company St Michael's has been using for some time.  If you wish for your child to learn an instrument this year, please make contact with Jen Capon via email: handsonmusic.j@gmail.com or phone: 0402 910 330