How are we feeling?

As we now enter the second week of remote learning this time around it is appropriate for us to stop and check and see if – R U okay?

As we are now here for the sixth time, we need to ask the question are we finding this time of remote learning harder than previously.

For many, the answer for that will be YES.

We want you to know that it is okay to say YES as well.

The Homeroom/Mentor teachers and Year Level Leaders are looking out for those students who are not engaging in their learning and avoiding classes as well as those students who have not submitted work or tasks for assessment.

We are constantly examining our calendar and staff teams look at the College program to make it possible for all to keep moving forward without being overwhelmed. We will keep doing this even when we return to make the transition back as smooth as possible.

If you are concerned about your daughter and how they are travelling at home please contact their homeroom teacher or Year Level leader to see how we can support you with the process.

Please know that we are looking for ways to support the community throughout this time.

Take care and remember to ask if you need anything or any assistance from us.

Community Police Meeting with the eSafety Commissioner

On Friday 6 August I attended a special meeting held by the Community Police in the Brimbank Melton region with the eSafety Commissioner on the topic of young people on social media and the world they live in.

I would like to share with you some of the data presented on the day:

Research shows that 94% of children as young as 4 up to 10 have access to some form of technology which they are using everyday. Not a surprise.
That tiktok, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat are the most common apps used by most people. Instagram is the most common with about 48% of people using the app.
On average students are using these technologies around 14.5 hours per week. Some parents will say that is a lot others will say that my child is on for more than that.
Most young people are using 4 social media services at the same time.
Between 1 to 5 young people aged between 8-17 have experienced some form of bullying/cyberbullying on line via one of the apps that they are using.
During remote learning bullying has significantly decreased in the school space but an increase in cyberbullying has occurred due to the use of technology during this time.
14,000 complaints were made to the eSafety Commissioner last year about abuse of the technology. This included asking for content or images to be removed or memes that were inappropriate.
Parliament has passed recent changes to the eSafety laws to now include adults in the process of being supported through the challenges of inappropriate use of the technology.
Doxing – has become a common issue which involves personal details being exposed to others without your permission.
The eSafety Commissioner has a significant amount of resources that we will be using to assist us in making our students aware of what is happening in the virtual world they live in.

We look forward in further editions of the Marian of letting you know how are work in this space is going.

Attendance during remote learning

We remind all students and families that attendance for each class is taken on the basis of how the subject teacher interacts with the class.

For example, attendance could be substantiated by attending a google meet, submitting work the teacher has set for the lesson or completion of a set task. All students need to be aware that we have a process for following up attendance in remote learning that involves the Year Level Leader contacting families.

Please ensure that you support your daughter in getting on and finding out what is expected of them for the lesson and monitoring their on line use. Just because they are in their room and on the computer does not mean they are necessarily online and learning.

Also remember that they need time away from their computer as well. Down time to go for a walk, read a book or just bake a dessert for tea. Something to take them away and rejuvenate their minds.

We hope you are finding time to do those things as well to look after yourself.

Stay Safe.

Please remember that we are here to help and support both your student and yourself through this.

Kerrie Williams

Assistant to the Principal - Student Wellbeing

Student Wellbeing (continued)