Leader of Wellbeing & Pastoral Care
Ms Patricia Star
2022 Mission Australia Youth Survey
In week one of term 3 students from years 9 to 11 will be participating in the 2022 Mission Australia Youth Survey. This is the largest annual survey of young people in Australia. The survey is designed to help schools, community organisations, governments and policy makers to gain an understanding of young people’s values, concerns, challenges and ambitions. The College will receive a tailored report based on our student’s responses and we will use this as a valuable resource for planning wellbeing and school engagement programs.
Please find attached information for parents. If you do not wish your child to participate in the survey please contact the office and inform them of this. Students will be given more information about the survey in homerooms.
Youth Survey - Information for Parents
Navigating the challenges of social media and school
Social media platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook have had a widespread impact on the way in which we communicate and express our thoughts and opinions. Unfortunately, here at Marian, we are experiencing an increasing number of situations where social media has been the platform for inappropriate behaviour by students. We have concerns that the growing number of non-school related issues are impacting our students and their learning. There have been occasions where things said in the virtual world are, at best unhelpful, and at worst may constitute harassment, bullying or intimidation which could ultimately lead to police involvement.
There have been a growing number of situations where the College has had to deal with students using social media to be unkind to others. These often start outside the College and beyond school hours, however they have serious implications for relationships within the school and a negative impact on teaching and learning. Some recent examples of ill-considered use of social media have caused staff to spend a disproportionate amount of time trying to manage issues and situations. We would much prefer this time to be focused on your child's education.
Please remember, once a comment or image has been posted, even privately, there is nothing to stop other users forwarding or sharing it widely, causing perhaps unintended harm. If postings are threatening or discriminatory then the police may become involved and they have the authority to seize mobile devices and contact service providers.
We have no wish to stifle the opportunity for students to express their views but we do wish to encourage and promote responsible citizens, both in the digital and real world. It is in partnership with parents and families that we can help them to navigate these platforms wisely, safely and responsibly. Take an opportunity to have a conversation with your child/children regarding this behaviour, the impact it could have on others and the potential consequences. If you have concerns that your child might be on the receiving end of harmful social media posts, or playing a part themselves, please contact their Pastoral Leader.
The eSafety Commissioner website has a great page with information for young people