From the Pastoral Office
Conversations about which is busiest term or week are futile as our College is exceptionally busy every week of every term and this week was no different. Senior PTIs, cyber safety presentations, Year 9 Subject Selection Evening, the Year 8 Social with Lourdes Hill and the LIZID Festival were all highlights of the week.
Cyber-Safety Presentations
On Wednesday all year levels attended an informative presentation about keeping safe in the digital world. Cyber-safety expert Brett Lee tailored his discussions to suit the age and stage of our students, ensuring that the most pertinent issues were addressed. However, he asked all students to remember the same five key messages:
- The internet is public and permanent.
- I protect my personal details online.
- People I only know on the internet are strangers.
- We all have rules on the internet and computers, just like the real world.
- I talk to a trusted adult if I have an online problem.
I would strongly recommend that you have a conversation with your son about what he learned or felt was thought provoking from the presentation.
Some key messages that I took away from Brett’s presentation to parents that evening was that parents decide:
WHAT – programs, apps and websites their children use and access
WHEN – time limits and occasions
WHERE – it can and can’t be used, e.g. bedrooms and bathrooms
WHO – to connect with and who not
LANGUAGE – that is acceptable
PROBLEMS – what to do if an issue arises for the son
Finally, I would like to recommend that parents use a site called ‘Common Sense Media’ which reviews apps and websites to keep up to date with the content and purpose of apps and websites that their son is using. Of course Brett also referred to parents accessing the Office of the eSafety Commission for guidance and assistance at www.esafety.gov.au
Year 8 Social
Yesterday afternoon we travelled to Lourdes Hill College for a fun afternoon of games, followed by a barbeque. This joint social was designed to foster respectful interactions, promote cross-gender friendships and create a memorable experience for all participants. This event would not have been possible without the support of a group of eager Year 11 students under the guidance of Mr Matthew Gammie. We thank LHC for hosting the afternoon and Mr Nathan Burridge and Ms Lisa Magee for attending.
Middle School Mentoring and MaPS
Middle School Mentoring Fortnight
Over the next weeks, our House Mentors will be busy during morning administration time, working collaboratively with your sons to discuss his holistic progress on his Lauries Journey. This initiative aims to provide personalised support and guidance, ensuring that each student feels valued and encouraged in their academic and personal growth. We believe this dedicated time will greatly benefit our students as they reflect on their achievements and set goals for the future. Can I stress the importance of your son taking the responsibility to be organised and prepared for his mentoring meeting, by completing the preparation documents available on the Student Portal.
Year 7 and 8 students will complete a document that asks them to reflect on their Semester 1 report card, engagement with college activities and his general wellbeing. Students need to email that document to their House Mentor as this forms the basis of their Mentoring conference and then the subsequent MaPS (Mentor and Parent & Student) meeting held in August.
Whilst our Year 9s do not have a MaPS meeting this year, they have a Year 9 Subject Selection Interview. The reflection document that they complete asks them to reflect on some of the same questions as our Year 7 and 8s, but specifically focuses on thinking about the future.
More information about the booking process for the Year 7 and 8 MaPS meetings will be sent in the coming weeks.
Best wishes for the coming week.
MS VANESSA BELL
Dean of Middle School