Education is Key

Several weeks ago, I included a link to the Federal Government’s eSafety website that provides resources to support Safer Internet Day 2020. Staying safe online requires continual engagement and discussion with our young people. The eSafety Commissioner has resources for parents at Parent Advice. Unpacking one aspect of this advice relates to online activity. Signs that your child’s online activity may be having a negative impact on them or on your family include:

• less interest in social activities like meeting friends or playing sport;
• not doing so well at school;
• tiredness, sleep disturbance, headaches, eye strain;
• changes in eating patterns;
• reduced personal hygiene;
• obsession with particular websites or games;
• extreme anger when being asked to take a break from online activity;
• appearing anxious or irritable when away from the computer; and/or
• becoming withdrawn from friends and family.

Education is key and at Pacific we are engaging students in a range of topics associated with being a responsible digital citizen. This term in Personal Development, we are guiding Year 6 and 7 students through the eight modules prepared by eSmart supported by the Alannah and Madeline Foundation. Junior College students are also continuing with this program. We thank Mr Damian Davis (Head of Staff and Students P-5) for his leadership in establishing this program for Middle College. Successful completion of the modules will provide students with their digital licence. More importantly it will provide them with a greater understanding of how to remain safe online and capacity to support others. Further information can be found at Digital Licence. We also encourage parents and carers to browse the various SchoolTV editions that relate to cybersafety.

Next Friday is Pacific as a Peace Place day, which coincides with the National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence. Pacific continues to work with all students to ensure a safe community and we should be proud of the work we do collectively in making the College a place of peace. During their Personal Development lessons, Middle and Senior College students will complete an anonymous survey covering a range of topics that will inform how we continue to support our young people.

A polite reminder that all car parks on the College campus require vehicles to travel at no more than 10km/h. For the safety of students, staff and visitors, it is important that the speed limit is adhered to. We thank you for your ongoing support on this matter.

Finally, there is a lot of lost property in the Wellbeing Centre including reading glasses, jewellery, wireless earphones as well as sports shoes and clothing. These items have been in lost property for several weeks. If parents or students are missing any of these items, please visit Ms Angela Hill in the Wellbeing Centre.

Mr Ben Ryan, Director of Students