Dear Parents and Carers,

The CEO has released a blurb to remind parents of the responsible use of Social Media and some further explanation of the Diocesan Social Media Policy. Please see below for some important messages in regard to this system policy.

Social Media and our school community - Update for parents and carers

Social Media is an important part of all our lives and in relation to Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW), and our community of St Michael’s, it is a valuable part of creating a vibrant Catholic school community of faith and learning in a contemporary world. When used in valid educational contexts social media supports student learning and wellbeing, as well as parent/carer engagement and connection to our school.

It is important however that all members of the community use social media in a way that maintains our school environment as a safe, supportive and respectful one, upholding our Catholic values and building positive, respectful relationships. 

As we commence another school year it is timely that we update you about the expectations of the CEDoW Social Media Policy and Social Media Statement and what they mean for parents and carers at St Michael’s.

First some background…..

The CEDoW Social Media Policy and Social Media Statement exist to ensure social media:

• is used in our school to support communication for valid educational contexts,
• is appropriately established and maintained to protect all stakeholders when communicating on social media, and to minimise the reputational risk to individuals, the school and/or the CEDoW.

The Parent School Partnership Framework (released in 2020) also references adhering to the Social Media Standards (as outlined in the Social Media Statement) as part of the commitment of us all to maintaining a safe, supportive and respectful school environment.

What this means for parents/carers……

1. When using social media in relation to CEDOW or any of its school communities it is expected that individuals will:

• respect the dignity of self and others in the context of their role
• not promote perspectives contrary to the Catholic faith
• not bring the school into disrepute
• not publicly criticise CEDoW, schools, staff or students

These standards, and the expectations regarding any material posted, apply to all members of our community. Find them here.

2. Any social media presence established by parent/carers that is associated with the school must be approved by the Principal and established using the CEDoW Social Media Administration Procedure.

3. Parents/carers are expected to:

• not post content on social media of other students without the express consent of their parents/carers;
• notify the school of any inappropriate use or content on official school social media, or on any social media that may impact negatively on CEDoW or any of its school communities.

Inappropriate use or content posted by a parent or carer will be addressed using the CEDoW Social Media Standards Noncompliance (Parents/Carers) Procedure.

The full Social Media Policy and Statement can be found at www.dow.catholic.edu.au/socialmediapolicy. 

A parent/carer information flyer is available here.

Please contact the school office if you would like more information or have any questions. 

Last newsletter I shared the Pope’s message for Lent. On the CEO website there is also a video message from the Pope in regards to Social Media, please take a few minutes to hear his papal message.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/16sn95u1Jq8onQUtMF6iobQw-Xkm7_TgH/view

God Bless,

Mrs Belinda Hughes - Principal