Social Media

As we know, social media has many benefits but also has a number of disadvantages and risks. This year in particular, staff at Concord School have become increasingly concerned by the risks that some social media communications present for our students.

We have taken a clear stance at Concord School that secondary students in Years 7-12 do not access their phone during school hours, or only do so with adult supervision. We provide cyber-safety education to all students and provide individual guidance and counselling to many students around this issue, however we cannot do this alone. I urge you as a parent or carer to monitor closely the communications your teenager is having online and provide supervision and/or restricted access to social media.

The tragedy that happened to “The Face of Akubra” 14 year old Dolly Everett, who was subjected to online bullying and took her own life last year, has been widely publicised. The website www.dollysdream.org.au has some excellent resources to help students, parents and carers. One suggestion is to “Set up parental controls. Monitor your child’s online activities, both formally and informally. Install software or apps on their laptop, tablet or phone and routinely and randomly check their devices to see what they are doing – at least until you’re sure they can be trusted.”

I urge you as a parent or carer to ensure that your teenager is given the guidance they need.

Other resources that may help you manage this situation:

• www.kidshelp.com.au/teens/issues/cyberbullying

• www.esafety.gov.au/complaints-and-reporting/cyberbullying-complaints/i-want-to-report-cyberbullying

• https://bullyingnoway.gov.au/WhatIsBullying/FactsAndFigures/Pages/FAQs-Students.aspx

Internet safety apps

• https://www.familyzone.com/au/#fzvideos/0/

• https://www.parents.com/kids/safety/internet/best-apps-prevent-cyberbullying/

Please contact me if you require further support or information.

SRC Meeting- May

The May Student Representative Council (SRC) meeting was held and some amazing ideas and suggestions were discussed.

Attendees:

Colin Simpson ( Assistant Principal), Karen Jordan (Secretary) Kylie Lewin (School Council Rep), Oliver W PDC, Naihi PSC, Trey PMJ, Jacob C PCA, Jack F SJH , Jake T SAL , Jesse P SFH, Samuel B SKH, Faisal SVI, , Danny L SMB , Jaz B SJC, Amy SKL, Travis SKA, Melinda F SHY( School Captain), Tenesha R SJS (Vice Captain) Gabriel B PKO Jane Stacey (AMPLIFY support), Luca Z SMV

Apologies:

Lachlan S SSB, Josh C SAP, Robert SBR Gekonde SCK, Max SMO, Roger SSO Brayden GSJG Alex W SMN, Cody M PDJ Daniel S PCA, Liam SMO Sierra SEW

Business Arising:

The first SRC Action team will be organised to assist with the request for a basketball ring on Concord Oval. Oliver, Trey and Jacob have volunteered their time to work with Colin. Colin, Kirrily and Jacob met to discuss opinions. The backboard has been ordered and we have found a pole and hoop. The team have decided to place the basketball hoop near the broken seat on Concord oval.

Leadership has discussed the possibility of ‘Bring Their Pet to School Day’ but unfortunately policy does not allow it.

The second SRC Action team will be organised to ensure better recycling at Concord school. Jack, Faisal and Lachlan S have volunteered their time to work with Jess Greenway and Anthony Brown on strategies regarding recycling. A further meeting will take place regarding the project and the building works.

The plumber and electrician will work together to ensure that new water taps are available in Upper Primary.

The third Action team will be working on the proposed mural for Sec 7/8 section. Jaz, Danny and Alex have volunteered their time to work with Jane on this project. Jane will coordinate this project and request student and staff support as required.

Bomber Jacket designs were presented and shared by Kylie. The cost will be about 90 dollars per jacket. School council will revisit costings at next meeting. Kylie and Deb and Sec11/12 staff will continue to work on the process of ordering and sizing students.

Jack F (Sec 7/8) and Josh C (Sec 11/12) would like to suggest other options for Breakfast Club. Sometimes the toast runs out quickly. Colin explained that Sec 11/12 Breakfast club has moved to the Secondary 11/12 section and he suggested that juice and fresh fruit could be added to the menu. He will liaise with Jen Z, the coordinator of the program.

Colin D to follow up on the hammock in Upper Primary. The hammock requires major work and is being sent away for repair.

A huge thank you to Chrissy Fini, Mum of Melinda for donating the fruit for Breakfast club. Jen Z is still investigating juice options.

Architect Feedback:

Building works have started and the Concord school buses will be using the front of the school next week due to the bus garage being dismantled. Works are ongoing.

New Business:

Jack F( Sec 7/8) would like an upgrade of the Courtyard and Concord oval playground. Colin said great idea. We are working on relocating the Gaga court, adding the basketball hoop and there may be a possibility of the fitness equipment being relocated.

Amy (Sec 7/8) suggested that all teacher aides should stay in the same room for the whole year. This suggestion is coming from Sec 9/10. Colin said he would discuss this with Sec 9/10 Team leader.

Amy (Sec 7/8) have a suggestion from her section for students to be able to go up on Loyola at break times. Colin said this cannot happen due to number of students.

Amy (Sec 7/8) have suggested more ‘Out of Uniform’ days. Colin said thank you, we will have maybe 1 or 2 more this year.

Amy ( Sec 7/8)suggested that we had more Basketball games with the Police and CFA. Colin said excellent idea, the Police will play Concord students term 1,2 and 4 and Footy day will be held at the end of term 3.

Song Selection:

-Jump- ‘Van Halen’ suggested by Trey

- Men in Black- ‘Will Smith’ suggested by Gabriel

-I need a hero’- Bonnie Tyler suggested by Jack F.

Colin will listen to and ensure they appropriate.

Reminder-Please bring 2 music suggestions to next meeting.

Karen Jordan will send SRC Meeting dates and times to Team Leaders to share with classes to ensure student meetings are held prior to SRC meetings to enable maximum student opinion and voice.

Colin Simpson

Assistant Principal

Dates To Remember

Term 2