Tech Learning & Innovation

Jessica Hallal

Leader of Technology Learning & Innovation

At St Mary’s we have made a commitment to promote the safe use of ICT devices, we want to proactively address the need for our community on how to respond properly to issues of cyber-bullying and to receive education about the safe and responsible use of present and development of technology. 

Cyberpass looks at all areas of digital and media literacy. Whilst e-safety and cyberbullying are of paramount importance and well covered in Cyberpass, we believe that an overall understanding of technology is the only way to ensure that students (and adults) are safe and responsible users. Here at St Mary’s, we know that digital technologies provide many benefits for our students, but we are committed to ensuring they are educated about how to participate in the digital world safely and safeguarded against cyberbullying and other online risks. We are implementing the Cyberpass in Year 7 and invite you to visit The Cyberpass to learn more about the program. 

Year 7 students and parents will be participating in the Cyberpass through JacPlus Australia (https://www.jacplus.com.au/) in the coming terms. Information about the Cyberpass will be shared to parents and students at the beginning of Term 2. 

While the internet is an amazing tool for communication and education, everyone also needs to understand the downside of it: exposure to inappropriate content, sexual exploitation, fraud and scams, as well as bullying. These are just some of the hazards your kids are exposed to on a regular basis. We have implemented multiple programs throughout your child's journey with us to continue to develop their digital literacy. 

The Australian Communication and Media Authority in collaboration with the eSafety Commissioner released an annual report detailing their efforts and outcomes related to all things digital security. The images below are from the 2019 - 20 report detailing data gathered from their illegal content reporting system and of the world-first cyberbullying complaints scheme. 

Images: Annual reports. (2020). ESafety Commissioner. https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/corporate-documents/annual-reports

For more information on how you might engage in these important discussions with your child please visit eSafty Commissioner   there are ample resources for learning available for both students and parents. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with me if you have any questions.