From the Principal

Lessons from the young

I had the pleasure of joining our Year 6 staff and students for part of their Canberra adventure last week. Our young people were thoroughly good company and our staff very committed and dedicated in ensuring a memorable learning experience. A visit to the nation’s capital provides many opportunities to engage with our systems of government and our Year 6 students were very inquisitive and knowledgeable. Their questioning was superb and indicative of young people who will grow to be responsible and mature citizens.

Since our visit has concluded Miss De Pinto has forwarded many emails of appreciation from parents and also from members of the public who interacted with our students. Congratulations to our young people and thank you to our wonderful staff for accompanying the students. Although it is a labour of love, there is enormous responsibility attached to interstate camps and I am very grateful to our wonderful teachers.

MEN OF JOHN XXIII COLLEGE FUNCTION

Last weekend I joined over fifty of our Dads to listen to a presentation from online safety expert, Mr Paul Litherland. As I was listening to the information I realised how rapidly technology and social media interaction is evolving and how little I know about various sites. We learned about the level of engagement on the most popular sites such as Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Skype and Snapchat but then we were given some information on the less well known Musical.ly, Discord, Omegle and Tinder. We were informed on the most popular online games and the very worrying sexting culture.

Some practical tips were also given on how to monitor online usage. However, my reflection is that the most valuable tool is the art of conversation with our sons, daughters and students. Invariably technology will continue to evolve and it is essential that we develop the capacity to engage in meaningful conversations with students, parents and the school.

We have already engaged Mr Litherland (and other experts) with our students and will continue to do so in the future. This is one area of education where there needs to be a genuine partnership between the school and the home.

Parental groups such as the Men of John XXIII College and Inspire, provide excellent avenues to bring our parents together to work in a collaborative manner. In this instance, congratulations to Mr David Thompson, Chair of the Men of John XXIII College, and his dedicated colleagues for organising the event. Further information on Mr Litherland’s work can be found at surfonlinesafe.com.au

Sr Mary Murray

Sr Mary Murray ibvm, will be remembered at the John XXIII College Mass on Friday 8 June at 8:00am. Sr Mary Murray worked at Loreto and John XXIII College for over 25 years. All are warmly invited to attend this community Mass.

Robert Henderson

Principal