The Girton eLink

From the Head of Senior School

Digital safety

Thank you to the parents and carers who have completed our online safety survey. These insights will prove immensely valuable in developing digital education programs for the benefit of our entire school community. If you haven't already, we would greatly appreciate it if you could take some time to complete the survey before it closes at 6pm on Sunday 3 November using the link below.

 

Click here to complete the parent and carer survey >

 

Remaining on the topics of digital distraction and online safety, I wanted to take this opportunity to share some strategies for managing your child's technology use that are recommended by the online Study Skills Handbook, which is available to all parents and students via Astra.

  1. Model good technology behaviour: Parents serve as the primary role models for their children. You may inadvertently convey that such behaviour is acceptable if you frequently engage with your phone, iPad or computer, even for professional purposes. It is advisable to intentionally allocate time to disconnect from devices and to illustrate that interpersonal interactions take precedence over technological engagement. 
     
  2. Try to understand the technology your child is using and why: It is important to comprehend the technology your child is using and the motivations behind its use. Some students may effectively leverage available technology to assist with their homework without succumbing to distractions. Conversely, many may find themselves easily distracted by or may prioritise social media, online gaming, applications related to their interests, YouTube and similar platforms. To aid your child in managing these distractions, it is a good idea to engage in discussions to gain insight into their technological usage and its purpose. Cultivating this understanding will enable you to establish acceptable boundaries for both parties.
     
  3. Monitor technology usage: If you are uncertain about your child's activities while using the computer, whether for academic purposes or otherwise, consider relocating the device to a more visible area. If this is not feasible due to your family's circumstances or available space, you might engage in quiet activities near their usage, such as reading or ironing, to enable supervision.
     
  4. Establish 'screen-free' days and spaces: It is essential to ensure that technology does not dictate home and family life dynamics. You could create screen-free spaces – for instance, in the kitchen and at the dining table. Consider implementing a screen-free day during the weekend. This practice encourages the entire family to engage in more active pursuits and fosters positive interactions. In addition, have a rule that all handheld devices are stored in one place (along with their chargers) so that when it's not an approved technology time, the device is away and not causing a distraction.
     
  5. Use technology time as a reward: Demonstrate your capacity for reasonableness and flexibility. When your child has completed all their school assignments and engaged in various activities or completed household chores, there is no justification for withholding some additional screen time as an occasional reward. Nevertheless, integrating these rewards with other activities will benefit the entire family.
     
  6. Provide opportunities for physical activity and social interaction: Time previously dedicated to physical activity or more creative leisure pursuits is frequently superseded by technology. By offering children the chance to engage in meaningful and enjoyable activities away from technology, they are encouraged to explore alternative interests and foster connections with others. Potential options include organised sports, musical pursuits, crafts and acquiring new skills.
     
  7. Use parental controls: Parental controls are practical tools for blocking specific websites that contain inappropriate content or those that may distract your child. The eSafety Commissioner website provides a range of recommendations for parental controls. 

Upcoming exams: Weeks 5 and 6

As we approach the Semester 2 examinations, it is important to note that the Year 11 exams will take place next week, followed by the Year 7 to 10 examinations in Week 6. We encourage parents and students to make use of the valuable information on study skills and effective revision habits that can be found in the Study Skills Handbook. You can access the handbook by clicking the link pictured below, which you will find on the Student Services and Parent Services pages in Astra. 

As a reminder, Study Leave applications are necessary for all students in Years 9 to 11. If your child did not take study leave in Semester 1 and requires it for the Semester 2 exams, you must apply via Astra. Study leave for Year 9 students is applicable only during the first four days of the examination period. An alternative program has been organised for the Friday of exam week, and attendance is mandatory for all Year 9 students. Year 7 and 8 students must remain at school for their examinations and do not receive Study Leave. After the examinations, we will provide alternative programs, activities and PAT testing for Year 7 and 8 students. 

 

I wish all students the best of luck in their examinations over the next two weeks.

 

Head of Senior School

Ms Dawn Davis