PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Joshua 1:9 – Words of encouragement for all of us 

The Bible tells us in Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”

There are times in every individual’s life, where they are frightened and distressed about the future. They may feel unsure about whether or not they are capable of handling what is to come or if this is the correct pathway to pursue. However, we can gain encouragement from this Bible verse. We can know that the Lord will always be with us in whatever circumstance He places us in or pathway that He calls us to pursue. Therefore, we can have peace and move forward with strength and courage, knowing that God is on our side.

If you know that God is calling you to adopt, then you can move forward with this process, knowing that He will provide the strength and courage that you need throughout the adoption process. Remember that God will never give you something that is greater than you can bear, so do not fall into the trap of fear. The Lord will not leave you or forsake you. 

During this time of increased technology use and COVID restrictions, I would like to encourage you all to LOOK UP from your devices and see what is actually going on in our world. I am certainly not advocating for the abandonment of technology – the ubiquitous nature of technology being what it is – but I am asking you to actively get in touch with friends, our families, our communities by spending some time away from technology. Take a walk, meet for coffee, play some sport or just spend time talking – for in the current circumstances, we do not know how we will continue to have this available to us. 

This link will allow you to view the clip that has had me thinking and rethinking my views on a range of similar topics around the opportunities life presents us and the absolute necessity to live life to the full. www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7dLU6fk9QY 

LOOK UP…every once and a while and make a concerted effort to connect with your parents, siblings, children, neighbours… and enjoy the lifestyle afforded to us in the Riverina.

In regards to technology, one of the most common conversations I have had this year has been around the ability of parents to guide their children in safe online behaviours. The most important person in the digital life of young people can and should be their parents. Parents should lead by example in their own online behaviours. Parents have the right and the obligation to work with their children in a partnership…in a safe and nurturing environment. I have listed the 10 most important steps in ensuring young people and their parents are on the same page. This information comes from the Australian Federal Police.

• Have an open dialogue with your child about what they do online.
• Learn about the technologies and applications they are using.
• Reinforce the message: “Think before you post.”
• Encourage them to keep personal information private.
• Be a positive role model for your child and look at your own use of technology.
• Discuss rules around mobile phone and internet use with your child and what they should do if something makes them feel uncomfortable.
• Ensure your child only speaks online to people they know and trust.
• Do not let your immediate reaction be the removal of access to the internet or mobile phone. Deal with the issue, not the technology.
• Install real-time protection for your computers and devices and utilise parental controls found in your operating systems.
• Report suspicious behaviour to the appropriate authority.

Paul Humble | Principal