Creating Safer Online Spaces

New Digital Literacy Program Coming to ARPS

We are excited to announce that our school has been successful in securing a $5,700 grant through the Bendigo Bank Dingley Village Community Grants program to support cyber safety and digital literacy education for our students. A huge thank you to Mrs Bishop, one of our dedicated Year 5/6 teachers, for applying for this grant and helping us bring the Inform and Empower program to ARPS!

The Inform and Empower program is designed to create safer and more positive online experiences for every child. As the digital world becomes increasingly woven into our daily lives, through learning, friendships, and entertainment, it’s essential that our children are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and strategies to navigate it safely and respectfully.

Through this program, all students from Foundation to Year 6 will participate in one digital literacy session per term, tailored to their age and stage of development. These sessions will explore topics such as respectful online behaviour, recognising unsafe content or contact, protecting personal information, and understanding the impact of digital footprints.

We also recognise the important role families play in shaping positive online habits. That’s why the program includes a parent information session to help families stay informed, understand the challenges children face online, and learn practical tips for supporting safe digital use at home.

We encourage families to visit the Inform and Empower website at www.informandempower.com.au. It’s full of fantastic resources and up-to-date articles to help you navigate the digital world alongside your child. Whether you’re looking for advice on screen time, social media use, or online gaming, you’ll find valuable tools to support your family’s digital wellbeing.

We’re proud to be taking proactive steps in preparing our students for a digital future, where they feel confident, informed, and safe online. 

Thank you again to Mrs Bishop and Bendigo Bank for helping make this possible. 

Stay tuned for more details on the parent session and termly student workshops in upcoming newsletters.

Connected, supported, thriving. 

Rachel Gathercole

Assistant Principal – Wellbeing and Inclusion

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