Principal's Log

An important habit for life is to keep the decency and fairness of our humanity intact when we are using technology. We have all seen material written digitally that would not have been communicated in a face-to-face environment. To assist in this, the College has produced social media policies for parents, staff and students. The theme across all three policies is in keeping with the College’s core values of care, dignity and respect. Students and staff receive ongoing education in this area so that they can be highly effective as networkers and learners in the online space. One of the key understandings we stress to our staff and students is to assume that anything written in this environment is public. There are important understandings for parents contained within the Social Media Policy that is included in the Parent Handbook and reprinted as part of this newsletter. All parents are asked to familiarise themselves with this policy to ensure that they are acting legally and in a way that builds people and community. 

Another important policy to maintain safety in our community is our Child Protection Policy, which is also in the Parent Handbook and is reprinted in this newsletter. The maintenance of young people’s safety is a priority of our community and we would encourage all families to re-familiarise yourselves with this material. Teachers have recently completed their annual in-service in this area.

On Sunday, I had the delight of being part of a welcoming ceremony for our kindergarten children where they received a blessing and a small gift from the College and the congregation. We thank Pastor Ray, Pastor Tim, the St Mark’s congregation and the kindergarten families and staff for this wonderful opportunity for the three different parts of our community to come together.

We look forward to the International Women’s Day Breakfast and the Cat and Fiddle Barn Dance next Friday. Both events are promising to provide opportunities for connection and fun in many and varied forms.  

Dr Bronwyn Dolling, Principal