From the Principal

CHILD PROTECTION WEEK

Each year, following Fathers Day, a week is dedicated to highlighting the importance of parenting and the protection of children. The aim of the week is to engage members of the community in supporting families and protecting children. Children are at school for a significant portion of their lives hence we have a significant responsibility to keep them safe and provide the learning opportunities for them to flourish as people where they matter absolutely.

I would recommend every parent take the time to click on the link https://www.parentingrc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Talking-About-Parenting-A-FrameWorks-Toolkit-preview.pdf where there some very helpful tips about being a parent from a child development point of view and not just assuming children will naturally grow to become contributing adults achieving success. There are many roadblocks and contributing factors that can affect a child’s perception and reality of their world.

I am currently attending the national conference for Primary School Principals where the theme is “Collaboration, Connection, Community”. A recurring talking point is the word thriving learners in a world that is undergoing rapid technological and global change. Well being and positive psychology strategies have been the focus with a tipping point being the connection children have to their learning in becoming thriving and capable people. There is also the connection or partnership we have as school and families within the context of a school/Campus community. There is too much ground to cover in this short précis but just to say that relationships, connection and community are a vital component of a school especially when talking about the protection of children.

In the interest of child protection I would ask all parents, caregivers and special fiends to take note of the following;
1) Car Park Safety- adults picking up children by car in the bottom car park are to give way to all pedestrian traffic on the walkways, avoid driving through the crossover in the centre space on the HARD PLAY (we have bunting out to highlight this) and stick to the 5km speed limit.
2) Cybersafety- Digital devices are an excellent learning device when used correctly. I have been dealing with a couple of issues where children are using them inappropriately and placing themselves at risk with their safety. We strongly suggest that primary aged children should be using these devices in public areas where there is an agreed protocol to their use. We do have a User Agreement Policy and we ask all parents and students to support this policy.

If you haven’t clicked on the link above as suggested, please do so and read closely. There are very practical suggestions for you to be the parent who creates the environment where you connect with your child to help them discover themselves and their capabilities to be a thriving person in an increasing complex world. It is not just going to happen, there needs to be an intention and purpose.

Regards

Greg Haynes
Principal