What a great start to the new school year last week. A huge welcome to all of our new families joining our St Catherine’s community.  It was lovely to see all of the smiling faces as they headed towards the classrooms. The playground was a buzz with friends catching up and sharing stories about their holidays. 

Students can have mixed emotions at the beginning of a new school year or new term. It’s important to acknowledge these emotions and let them know that it’s ok to feel this way. Remind students that talking about how they are feeling is a great way for adults to help them get the support they might need each day at home and at school. 

Tuesday the 8th February is International Safer Internet Day. The theme for this year is #Play it Fair Online. Each class will acknowledge this important day with activities assisting the students to learn more about the importance of being safe, respectful and kind when working and playing online at school and at home.

Last Friday or today you will have received a copy of the St Catherine's F-6 Cybersafety Acceptable User Agreement for 2022. We would love each family to read through and discuss the statements on the agreement before signing.  Please return the form on Tuesday 8th February Safer Internet Day as a way to show our school community’s commitment to ensuring the safety of all, when using digital technology at school and at home.

The eSafety Commission have developed several Parent webinars that will be held each month throughout 2022.

We all want young people to be able to socialise, learn and have fun online safely. With so many new online platforms and an infinite amount of information available to teens, it's important Australian parents are informed about safe ways to use technology. eSafety Commission 2022

The webinar for February is: eSafety Parent Guide Helping kids thrive online

The presentation will cover:  

- How to talk to young people about online risks on different social media platforms and games.  

- How to help young people develop skills to protect themselves when they are online.  

- Where to go for help if things go wrong including eSafety and mental health support. 

Tuesday 8 February - 12.30 to 1.30 pm 

Thursday 10 February - 12.30 to 1.30 pm

Wednesday 23 February - 7.30 to 8.30 pm

To register open the following link: Parent Webinars

Take care and stay safe,

Maree