How Are We Connected?

How Are We Connected?

This is our big question for  inquiry learning across the school this term. All classes will be learning about how they connect as a group and how they connect with learning. Students will also learn about connecting with technology. Today Grade 3 to 6 learnt about how to be respectful responsible and safe when connecting online from community policing expert Robbie Noggler.

Our children will also connect with our community in a number of ways across the term to learn more about our environment. Our Enviro Learning Day on March 6^th will focus on connecting with local birdlife and the Fire Safety Day, which has changed to March 15^th, will give all students the chance to engage with our local CFA. Students from grade 5 and 6 will next week learn more about Swan Bay, during the first of two canoeing sessions, thanks to the generosity and support of the Bendigo Bank.

Cyber Awareness

Are you raising a future capable learner who will become a great person?

Digital learning is the way of the future and we need to keep up with it!

We all know that digital technologies will play a major role in the lives of our kids.  They already do in ours! Its our job as parents and educators to make sure our kids are prepared for the future, and being a great digital citizen is a vital factor. Most online interactions happen at home, not at school, so we need to work together to do the very best for our kids. They need to interact and treat people on line as they do in the real world, respectfully, responsibly and safely. No doubt, like me, you have examples of social media being a powerful and wonderful tool, which has changed people’s and whole communities’ lives for the better, but you also have stories of it destroying relationships and people. This happens everywhere – SLPS included!

As a family I would like you to consider and discuss:

Do you know what your kids are doing online?

How many social media accounts does your child have? What are they? How do they work?

Does your child have the correct privacy settings?

Does your child share what they post with you, so you are aware of who they are communicating with?

Even if they are too young to connect themselves, are you teaching them how to be great digital citizens by being wonderful role models and teachers?

Do you know what cyber bullying is and that it mostly happens between online friends?

Does your child know what to do if online interactions are unpleasant or inappropriate?

Does your child access digital devices in their bedroom?

How much screen time does your child have?

What are they learning while they are on line?

There is a wealth of online information for parents and we are only too happy to support. Please contact us if you have any concerns. This poster asks families to follow the 3Is of internet safety; being Interested, Informed and  In view. https://gdcf-0916001bcltd.netdna-ssl.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/3is-internet-safety.pdf

You may also like to access 

http://raisingchildren.net.au/articles/internet_safety.html/context/481

https://esafety.gov.au/education-resources/iparent

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Tips-for-Parents-Digital-Age.aspx

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/

These links can be accessed via the school website. Digital technology means we have the world at our fingertips, we can learn anything, anywhere, anytime. It has changed learning in wonderful powerful ways. No doubt you have ‘Just Googled it’ or found a youtube clip to learn how to do something. Who knows where this will take our kids and what will be possible when they are adults – we need to work together to prepare them for it, starting now!