PRINCIPAL'S PEN

Dear members of the Saints family, 

The jungle is exciting.

Children move about the jungle before they speak. People in their 40s walk the jungle even though they didn’t as children. The jungle is in our bedrooms, at our workplaces and schools, 47% of us even explore the jungle while on the toilet! 

The digital jungle is more present in our lives than ever. As a jungle, it has many hidden treasures, but it is also riddled with predators. Staring into the jungle from the outside, it is hard to determine what lies behind dense foliage and thick canopies let alone foresee what might be lurking behind the next clump of strangler fig.

Last week, we were fortunate to have Dr Kristy Goodwin present at our Parents-in-Touch evening and to our Year 7 to 11 students. While we are aware of the concerns around the digital world, Dr Kristy clearly articulated statistically the pitfalls of the jungle and armed parents and students with helpful strategies. She recognises that technology is here to stay and that we as adults must help our teenagers explore the jungle safely. Dr Kristy’s presentation to parents can be seen by clicking on the photo below:

The jungle is enticing. 

Every reward experienced through navigating the jungle releases dopamine, giving the explorer's brain a reward. The average teenager spends 44 hours a week accessing the digital world. However, as mentioned above, Dr Kristy emphasises that the digital world is here to stay. Digital "amputation" is not the answer.

Opportunity cost and its associated displacement effect is a major concern. Teenagers require eight to 10 hours of sleep a night and at least one hour of vigorous activity each day. The questions to ask are: are your sons meeting these requirements? Are sleep and vigorous activity being displaced by exploration of  the digital jungle?

Our first face-to-face Parents-in-Touch evening since Covid was a great success. I thank Frazer Rigby for recognising a need and facilitating Dr Kristy Goodwin's visit. I highly recommend you watch her presentation as it is vital information needed to navigate the digital jungle. 

Meanwhile, this week people around the world continue to pay tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Whatever your thoughts on the monarchy, Queen Elizabeth’s deep sense of duty, her resilience and her kindness have defined an era. To honour the Queen flags at St Augustine’s are flying at half-mast. 

Finally, I extend a thank you to everyone in the Saints community for your messages of support following my appointment as principal. My family and I are excited and looking forward to continuing the fine traditions and excellent education that St Augustine’s offers.