Principal's Prayer
"Let love guide you in all you life" (1873).
St Mary of the Cross MacKillop, pray for us.
Dear parents, carers, teachers and students,
From the Principal
Welcome to Week 7. Only four weeks until we prepare for Easter celebrations. This term is flying, and amidst the trials and tribulations of COVID outbreaks, building and uniform hold-ups, the staff and children have remained steadfast in their endeavours to enjoy every day and engage wholeheartedly in their learning.
We will continue to manage COVID cases as they arise in the safest and best possible way. I hope to invite parents and carers to attend our Holy Week ceremonies and Easter Raffle draw, especially in the last week of this term. Updates will continue to be sent out via email and Seesaw. Thank you to all parents and carers for their ongoing understanding and support in receiving these updates, sometimes daily, during these trying times. A reminder that if your child is home learning, our teachers will do their best to provide as much continuity of learning as is possible for each child's circumstances. Please allow a reasonable amount of time to enable teachers to contact you and set any work, if necessary, as they still have daily teaching to attend to with the class.
State Election
With the State Election this weekend, Catholic Education SA has been actively engaging with the major political parties to ensure they are aware of and commit to matters of importance. I shared with the community via Seesaw a Political Party Comparison Booklet earlier this week. The booklet provides information about the two major political parties in South Australia and their position regarding the issues raised by CESA. I have also written to our Local MPs about these important issues, including student funding for Catholic Schools, Capital Funding, COVID 19 responsibilities and more. For more information, refer to https:///www.cesa.catholic.edu.au/news/state-election
Student Leaders 2022
As a result of the school expansion into Year 8 (2022) and Year 9 (2023), we are in the process of reviewing the Student Leadership process across all year levels. The Student Voice Council (SVC) for 2022 is currently being planned by leadership, with additional ideas and a new format that aims to provide more opportunities for students. We aim to ensure that the SVC roles in each year level provide regular opportunities to listen to and act upon students' voices. We strive for all those students involved to build their confidence, attempt challenges, and contribute as positive role models to their peers and within the school and broader community. More information will follow in future newsletters.
Pupil Free Days Semester 1, 2022
Staff will be undertaking training days on Monday, April 4 (Week 10) and Monday, May 2 (Week 1 Term 2). There is NO SCHOOL for students on these days.
We are exploring the possibility of Camp Australia providing OSHC facilities on the Student Free Day.
Online Awareness and Safety
Teachers are increasingly supporting students about their confusion, challenges and many times sadness after a weekend or holiday using online forums or 'chat' apps. In recent weeks there have been many reports from teachers where students have expressed problems while using online gaming and especially Snapchat. Unfortunately, this is filtering back into the classroom, affecting student wellbeing and behaviours.
Parents need to talk to their children regularly about what they are doing online and make sure that they know that they should always speak to you or another trusted adult if they have any concerns. Please ensure the appropriate privacy settings are set up, and your child knows how to block and report other users if necessary.
Did you know about Snapchat? Snapchat is an app used for messaging and sharing photos and videos. You must be 13+ to sign up. Users can send messages (snaps) to others that can only be seen for a set time period, e.g. 10 seconds. Users can also upload snaps to stories which then disappear after 24 hours. However, Snapchat content can be easily copied by taking a photo screenshot to share and re-share the communication, which can be dangerous. I recommend you explore Snapchat with your child and suggest why certain options are safer, for example, setting your account so only friends (rather than everyone) can see your content and only those who you are friends with can contact you.
Please talk to your child about being kind online, for example, only posting positive comments, don't say anything they wouldn't say in real life and treat others as they would expect to be treated. Teachers will inform parents of any concerns that come to school involving online problems. Attached to this newsletter is the latest eSafety parent guide to popular apps.
In all things kindness,
Mrs Ros Oates
Principal
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