Cyber Safety
On Tuesday this week, our Stage 3 students met with Senior Constable Tim Burke from the Wagga Police. Tim covered many topics, particularly around staying safe on-line. We have many students (not just in Stage 3) who are using mobile devices and on-line games but very unaware of the implications of what they might post or information they might inadvertently give out to unknown viewers. One of the noticeable factors was the number of students who indicated they owned a phone or other device, who are on apps such as Facebook and Snapchat – yet not one of our students is aged 13 – the minimum age limit for many of these platforms. Last year I provided several information links re a variety of apps – the one below has quite a bit of information our parents and carers may wish to read:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Two of the key messages Senior Constable Burke imparted to our students were the fact that images and messages posted are always there – they can never be fully deleted and be found years later; and inappropriate images/ bullying texts sent to others are an offence and can be reported to police. A reminder to our parents that under the new Government policy, mobile devices are not allowed at school. Students bringing them for use after school must bring them in a labelled zip-locked bag to the office in the morning and collect at the end of the day.
Parent concerns
Just a reminder to our parents and carers that if you have concerns regarding your child, the first contact should always be with your child’s teacher. If following this, there are still concerns, parents next port of call should be to the Stage Assistant Principals:
Early Stage 1 (Kindergarten);Ms Anamaree Williams
Stage 1: Mrs Margaret Tinnock
Stage 2: Mrs Melisa Downing
Stage 3: Ms Anna Markham
If concerns from this point cannot be resolved, then either Mr Eyles (Deputy Principal) or myself can be contacted. For any issues regarding policies or procedures parents and carers are welcome to contact the office to make an appointment to see either Mr Eyles or myself.
