Online responsibility
With the Year 7 camps over for another year, it is pleasing to see a change in dynamics among our newest students. An extra sense of confidence and belonging to their new College is evident in the levels of energy they bring each day. New friends have been made and an increased appreciation for the work their teachers do has been gained.
With the Year 7 students returning to school from camp they have been given the added responsibility of a Chromebook and another avenue to connect to the wider world. It is this connection that needs our ongoing vigilance. With this new device comes an extra layer of responsibility for parents and guardians. Just as we supervise and monitor our children’s activity in other areas of life, it makes sense to be vigilant in their online world. So please be prepared to look at what your child is doing online. This is much more a safety issue than a privacy issue. It is important to trust your child but experience shows that online activity can see young people demonstrate behaviour that is out of character. The need for acceptance within a peer group can drive this.
The responsibility that goes with having a device that allows young people to be active in the social media world is not a given. They require guidance to understand how their actions can impact on others and to realise that it is not a game. What rules operate in your home for the use of devices? Where in the home are they charged? Is there a cut-off time, after which the devices are stored overnight? It may require the Wi-fi being switched off — and this is a good opportunity for the adults in the house to lead by example. Extra ideas on how to best protect your children in a social media world can be found at the Office of the eSafety Commissioner at www.esafety.gov.au/iparent
Dropping off items during school hours
In a world of improved communication, we are finding parents and students are forgetting some of the processes we have in place to ensure your child’s safety. Understandably, the College has a blanket rule of students not being able to meet people at the gates to collect items. There has recently been a growing trend of students contacting family and friends to drop off a forgotten lunch or item needed for school. The College asks that all items being delivered to students during school hours are done so via Reception.
Uniform
Please be aware that the blazer-free start to the school year is almost over. From March, students will be required to wear their blazer to and from school. Announcements will be made to inform students if they are not required to wear their blazer home. With new holiday piercing still not fully healed, there has been a re-emergence of students wearing plastic piercings. Please be mindful that the College uniform expectations allow students to wear one sleeper/stud in the lower lobe of each ear. Plastic earring or bandaids covering earrings are not permitted. Thank you for your understanding.
Central Australia 2019
Expressions of interest for the 2019 Central Australia trip are now called for. All expressions of interest are being collected on the Parent Portal. To express interest in your child attending the trip in September 2019, you need to open the ‘Events’ tab on the Parent Portal and lodge your RSVP. This RSVP should be completed by Tuesday 5 March. From here the final list will be decided. Participants will be notified by the end of Term 1. Please note: this is the only way ‘Expressions of Interest’ are being collected. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to call.
Road safety – dropping off and picking up students
Parents who are picking up and dropping off students at school are reminded to exercise great caution as you drive into the College grounds. You will have noticed our sign asking you to slow down. We cannot emphasise strongly enough how important it is that you monitor your speed so our school remains a safe environment for our students. Please adhere to our speed limits.
Parents who pick up and drop off their children in the streets surrounding the College be aware that some roads have no standing zones in force at the times most popular for drop-off. Please be aware that the council does send out representatives to fine those who do not heed the signage.
