Assistant Principal News

“Think before you click.” Germany Kent

According the Australian Bureau of Statistics, Australian teenagers are spending on average, 18 hours a week online. Up to 91% of this time is spent connecting with their peers through the use of social media which highlights the need for education regarding the responsible use of the internet, especially when it is not being used for educational purposes.

Last Week Year 7 and 8 were visited by the Schools Police Liaison Officer, Senior Constable Alex Davies. He spoke to students about the importance of being aware of their digital footprint, being wary of who they are interacting with online as well as the legalities and social ramifications of online bullying, harassment and sexting. The students were made aware of the realities of their online choices and the importance of ‘thinking before they click.’

Senior Constable Davies will also be visiting over the next few months to speak to the students in other year groups about age appropriate issues regarding online interactions as well as safe driving practices and safe partying for our Yr 11 and 12’s.

With our students possessing such access to the internet, it is essential that conversations are being held both at school and at home about how it is being used. Attached is some information about some of the most widely used social media platforms being used by our students and some ‘tips’ for parents on how to monitor, access and discuss these sites with their children.

This appropriate use of technology will be even more important in 2019 as, this year, all CEDWW Schools will complete NAPLAN Online.

Year 7 and 9 students at Marian Catholic College will use their laptops to sit the tests, under examination conditions in the Hall. Students will have a lock down browser installed on their computers to replicate the examination conditions on their device.

In preparation for this new form of testing, students will have the opportunity to engage in a range of practice tests and simulated exam situations to avoid extra anxiety and errors when NAPLAN goes live in May.

During one lesson on Monday 25th March (Week 9), Year 7 and 9 students will be explicitly taught how to use some of the key features of the Online Platform. They will then have the opportunity to become more familiar with the the features of system by completing the short informal demonstration tests.

Two days later, on Wednesday 27th May, all Year 7 and 9 students will sit an Online Practice Test which replicates examination conditions. This test is completed by all Schools, to ensure the smooth delivery of the tests on all devices and technology.

In preparation for this test, I encourage all parents to ensure students have their laptops fully charged and in correct working order. Students are also encouraged to bring their own compatible set of headphones (with volume control) for the audio components of the test.

Below is a summary of the key dates for NAPLAN Online 2019 at MCC:

I ask that students ‘think before they click” and take time and care when completing their NAPLAN practice and live tests, as they become a great tool for teachers to use to identify areas of concern and improvement needed in student learning in preparation for Minimum Standards Testing and the HSC.

In this newsletter I have also included two important fact sheets for parents in regards to NAPLAN. Furthermore, here is the link to the Public Demonstration Tests. I encourage all parents and students to familiarise themselves with the test environment, structure and question types, by participating in these free tests.

Yours in Learning,

Lora Segrave and Damien Herb

Co Assistant Principals