We are almost at the end of Term 3. I am hoping that there might be some changes in COVID restrictions so we can run Kinder Orientation next term. We are also awaiting advice on how the Year 6 Graduation can be organised in Term 4. It is looking likely that it will be limited to our Year 6’s and perhaps two from each family, with no socialising after the event. These are the guidelines that have been put in place for Year 12 celebrations. Once the arrangements are sorted we will let families know.

Please remember that the first 2 days of Term 4 2020 are Staff Development Days and students should return on Wednesday October 14^th in their full Summer Uniform.

Online Cybersafety

Recently there has been a lot of media talk about dangerous content on a particular Social Media platform.

My advice to parents is that on any day, at any particular time, the online world has many dangers. Children can be exposed to these just through a simple Google search.

At school we try to teach students about the dangers that can be found in the online world. Many of the Social Media platforms say children under 13 years should not be using them. Also we try to warn children that our digital footprint can follow us through life.

Parenting under these conditions is not easy. I would encourage you to regularly check what your child can access online. Limiting time on devices is also a good idea. Children’s sleep can be affected by too much time spent looking at a screen.

Below are some common sense tips about Cybersafety

Set the ground rules

• Establish rules about the types of content or information your child should report to an adult – for example, telling you about any swearing or bad words they find online
• Set rules to make sure your child knows what information they can share or post online and the websites they can visit. This includes telling a trusted adult before posting any personal information online, including for competition entries
• Encourage your child to use the same manners and communication they would use offline, and remind them it’s okay to report others who aren't being nice

Stay involved

• Closely monitor younger children’s internet use
• Try to keep the computer in a shared or visible place in the home
• Be aware of how your child uses the internet and explore it with them

Proactively guide

• Help your child understand that what they say and do online is important
• Encourage your child to learn about online safety with fun resources from the eSafety Comissioner website, like Hector’s Worldand #GameOn
• Talk to your child about personal information and why it is special and remind them how it can be used to identify or locate them
• Bookmark a list of favourite sites you are comfortable with your child visiting and teach them how to access this list
• Consider using filters to help manage your child's online access.

Support positively

• Advise your child not to respond to any negative messages and to report any hurtful messages they receive to you or another trusted adult
• Teach your child that there are ways they can deal with material that worries or frightens them – this includes immediately telling a trusted adult of any concerns or uncomfortable material and how to close a web page or turn off a screen
• If your child shows any concerning changes in behaviour or mood then talk to them or seek professional support – Kids Helpline provides free, confidential online counselling for young people, and your school may also be able to help.

For tips to help you support your children to become safe and responsible online users or to report offensive or illegal content visit the eSafety Commissioner website.

ENJOY THE SPRING WEATHER!