Online safety for Kids 

As children start to navigate the online world and interact with others more independently, they are more likely to be exposed to risks of bullying or unwanted contact, accidentally coming across inappropriate content or racking up bills through in-app purchases.

Your guidance can help them be aware of the risks and understand what is expected of them. And let them know you are always there to support them. 

For kids aged 5 to 12, it is important to

• Keep the computer or device in an area of your home that can be supervised. And check in regularly with your child to see what they are viewing.
• Stay engaged with their online activity. Consider setting up your own accounts with the sites they use most so you can see how they work and understand the risks. 
• Explore the online world with them to help establish that this is not just a solitary activity. Play games with them. Do a creative project together.
• Think about social media readiness. Most social media sites require users to be at least 13 years of age before they can register, although some sites are created especially for children under 13. See if they are old enough?
• Encourage respect and empathy. Teach them to avoid sharing or posting things that may upset others. See good habits start young.
• Start building resilience. Teach your child that there are ways they can deal with material that worries or frightens them. This includes immediately telling you or another trusted adult of any concerns or uncomfortable material. See good habits start young.
• Be clear about how much time they can spend online, the apps they can use, the websites they can visit and what they can share or post online.
• Use parental control tools appropriate for the age and experience of your child.  Be upfront about this and get your child on board. Let them know that these can be reviewed and changed as they get older and they continue to demonstrate responsible behaviour. Consider installing a ‘child-friendly’ search engine that will allow them to explore a limited number of sites.
• Ensure your own devices are protected by a password or pin, so your child cannot accidentally come across inappropriate content. 

 For more information, visit: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/skills-advice 

NAPLAN - For Yr 3 & Yr 5 Parents – 

There will be parent information about the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) sent home to families with students in Yr 3 and Yr 5 in the coming weeks. As it was last year it will be an online assessment (except for writing in Year 3). Please contact the school if you require further information.

2021 Kindergarten Enrolment Applications

2021 Kindergarten Enrolment Forms are now available from the school office. You may also access the forms from our school website. We look forward to welcoming siblings and new families to our wonderful community.

The enrolment package is available from our school or online at www.dow.catholic.edu.au

ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS

St. Michael’s Clean Up Day / Clean Up Australia Day

On Friday 28th February, all classes were involved in St. Michael’s Clean Up Day as part of Clean Up Australia Day.
The main aim of our clean up was to pick up rubbish in the areas that were allocated for each class. Each class was also responsible in cleaning their own classroom eg. recycling, picking up rubbish off the floor, clean out of desks and cleaning their classroom set of bins. 

During this week all classes took the time to revise their coloured bin posters in the classroom and had a discussion on what type of items go in each coloured bin.

Thank you to all staff and students for your enthusiastic involvement in the Clean Up Day. Also, thank you to staff, students and families for your continual support with all the environmental initiatives at St Michael’s.

Primary Student WEN Day

On Friday, 27th March there is going to be a Primary Student WEN Day ‘Caring for Our Common Home – A Call to Action’ held at St Paul’s Catholic Primary School, Albion Park. I’ll be attending the day as the Wollongong Environmental Network Contact for St Michael’s.  Four Stage 3 students will be joining me for the day.

The 4 students representing our school will actually have a very important role on the day as they will be presenting about our school’s environmental initiatives.

I’m sure the day will be one full of inspiration, sharing and collaboration for both students and teachers.

Mrs Katie Kelly (WEN – Wollongong Environmental Network Contact)

Band Performance

At the week 10 assembly, the children who are involved in the Band with Yule Music will be performing, showcasing how far they have come in such a short time of tuition. We look forward to the performance.