Principal Update
Dear Parents and Carers,
As we approach the school holidays, I want to take a moment to talk about an important issue that affects all of us—cybersafety. With more free time and increased access to devices, our children may be spending more hours online, engaging with games, social media, and digital content. While technology offers many benefits, it also presents risks that we must be vigilant about.
As a Catholic school community, we are committed to nurturing the whole child—spiritually, emotionally, and physically. This includes ensuring their safety in the digital world. Our school Vision “Aspiring to be people of faith, courage and examples of justice for all” extends to how we interact online.
Understanding the Risks
The eSafety Commissioner provides excellent resources for families to help navigate the online world. Some key concerns include:
- Inappropriate content: Children may stumble upon material that is not age-appropriate.
- Online grooming and exploitation: Some platforms can expose children to strangers with harmful intentions.
- Cyberbullying: Hurtful messages and exclusion can occur even outside school hours.
- Excessive screen time: This can impact sleep, mood, and overall wellbeing.
Games such as Roblox, while popular, have been flagged for potential risks. Although marketed as child-friendly, Roblox allows users to interact with others in real time, which can expose children to inappropriate language, unsafe interactions, and unmoderated content. It’s essential that parents activate parental controls, monitor gameplay, and talk regularly with children about what they’re experiencing online.
Tips for a Safe and Balanced Holiday
Here are some practical steps you can take, inspired by the eSafety Commissioner’s advice:
- Set boundaries around screen time and encourage offline activities.
- Use parental controls and privacy settings on devices and apps.
- Talk openly with your child about what they do online and who they interact with.
- Encourage kindness and empathy in all digital interactions.
- Model good behaviour—children learn from how we use technology too.
You can explore more resources and guides at the eSafety Commissioner’s website, which includes tailored advice for parents and carers.
Our Shared Responsibility
As a Catholic school, we believe in the dignity of every child and the importance of community. Let us work together to ensure our children are not only safe but also guided by the values of faith, integrity, and compassion—online and offline.
Wishing you all a restful and joyful holiday break. May it be filled with meaningful moments, both on and off screen.
Stay safe and God Bless,
Danielle Reed
Principal
PB4L ASSEMBLY
On the first day of Term 4, our school assembly will include PB4L awards. If you recieve notification this week that your child is receiving a PB4L award 'next week', it is referring to Week 1, Term 4.
END OF YEAR MASS AND AWARDS
Our end of year Thanksgiving Mass and Award ceremony will be held on Tuesday, 9th December commencing at 9.15am. We look forward to celebrating with you.
YEAR 6 FAREWELL LITURGY
Year 6 parents will have received details of this event and the farewell celebration evening this week via Compass Events.
PUPIL FREE DAY
Our final pupil free day for 2025 will be on Monday 4th November. There will be no school for students on this day.
SCHOOL PRIORITIES CONSULTATION
As part of our commitment to continuous improvement, each year our school identifies a list of priorities. These priorities are carefully considered to ensure is using its resources wisely and to best support student learning, wellbeing and school operations.
As valued partners in our school community, I would like to invite you to complete a short survey, which will inform how our school will work towards its 2026 priorities. The survey also provides an opportunity for you to have your say on aspects of our school you think should be prioritised to ensure it operates at a high standard now, and into the future.
SURVEY LINK https://forms.office.com/r/9ZnK95VwcH
I thank you in advance for completing this survey. Your feedback will provide valued insights into the wants and needs of our school community and strengthen decision-making.