From the Acting Assistant Principal
- Following instructions
- Being supportive and encouraging of others
- Taking care of our belongings and the belongings of the school and others
- Cooperating with others
- Being a positive role model to our peers
- Using technology appropriately
Did you know? Research has shown that 93% of communication is non-verbal or paraverbal. Only 7% of our communication is verbal - the words we choose and use. Given this, we realise the importance of teaching our students about how to communicate effectively using non-verbal and paraverbal skills.
- Focusing on choice of words, pitch, volume, speed and other vocal features.
- Tone of voice can affect how the listener perceives and responds to the speaker.
- It is important to find the right tone of voice when communicating.
- Soft tones, as opposed to harsh or angry tones, make people feel safe.
- Motivational tone keeps people engaged and inspired.
In this digital age, ensuring the safety of our children online is an essential responsibility. The internet offers incredible opportunities for learning, connection, and entertainment, but it also comes with potential risks that we must be vigilant about. Here are a few important reminders and suggestions to help protect our children while they navigate the online world:
Open Communication: Maintain open and non-judgmental communication with your children about their online activities. Encourage them to talk about their experiences, concerns, and anything that makes them uncomfortable online. Let them know that they can always come to you for guidance and support.
Education: Teach your children about the potential dangers of sharing personal information online. Help them understand the importance of not sharing their full name, address, school name, or any other sensitive details with strangers online.
Privacy Settings: Familiarise yourself and your children with the privacy settings of the platforms they use. Make sure their profiles are set to private and that they are only sharing information with trusted friends and family.
Screen Time Management: Set healthy limits on screen time to ensure a balance between online and offline activities. Excessive screen time can negatively impact their well-being and physical health.
Parental Controls: Utilise parental control tools and software to filter out inappropriate content and monitor your child's online activities. These tools can help you keep an eye on what your child is accessing and provide necessary restrictions.
Cyberbullying Awareness: Talk to your children about cyberbullying and its consequences. Encourage them to treat others with kindness and respect online, and let them know that they should report any instances of bullying they encounter.
Lead by Example: Be a positive role model when it comes to online behaviour. Show them how to engage respectfully and responsibly online through your own actions.
Critical Thinking: Teach your children to critically evaluate information they come across online. Help them understand that not everything they see is accurate or reliable.
Safe Online Friendships: Advise your children to only accept friend requests and engage with people they know in real life. Online friendships should be treated with caution.
Report Suspicious Activity: Make sure your children know how to report any suspicious or uncomfortable encounters online, whether it's through social media platforms, gaming sites, or other online spaces.
Remember that staying involved and informed about your child's online activities is key. It's not about restricting their access, but rather empowering them with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the digital world safely. By working together and fostering a culture of open communication, we can help our children make the most of the internet while staying protected from its potential risks.