Communication

Each week the newsletter is distributed via the Schoolzine platform and Compass Parent Portal. Reading our school newsletter is the best way to stay up to date with what is happening at St Michael’s.

Did you know that when you click on the link and are directed to the online newsletter you then have the option to:-

• Visit the school website
• View previous newsletters
• Subscribe to the newsletter. This is a great way for relatives and community members to keep up to date with the wonderful things happening at St Michael’s school.
• Like us on Facebook
• View the newsletter in different languages.
• Contact the School.
• View the school calendar.
• Print a hard copy of the newsletter.

Please take the time to use the tabs and links to explore features available.  The advantages of this mode of communication is we can include many more photos, videos, pdf flyers, links to the school calendar and a direct link to our school website.

Our School Newsletter and Compass Parent Portal are the most important forms of regular communication with parents and families. Our school Facebook page is regularly updated with photos and updated information regarding events. 

Cyber Safety
Over the past few newsletters, parents have been provided with "app factsheets" which outlines things to watch out for when children are using technology.  The link below is a great way for parents to explore strategies to support the safe use of technology with their children at home. We highly recommend accessing this content to develop a range of skills and strategies to assist your children with developing safe practices when using technology in all environments.   The esafety government initiative aims to support all Australians in accessing the digital world in a safe and positive way.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/education-resources/iparent

Social Media facts:

On average, children aged 10 to 14 years have 2 active social media accounts. Outside of school, 10 to 14 year olds spend 23 hours online per week.

1. Talk regularly with your child about privacy settings on social media. Updating your own privacy settings sets a great example and helps you understand potential safety issues. Be aware of any minimum age requirements.
2. Keep your ears and eyes open. Other parents and the media can be a great source of information when it comes to the latest or most preferred app.
3. Let your child know that you’re really interested in how they’re connecting with friends. They might be more inclined to talk openly about social media if you talk about what others (their friends and peers) are doing online.

Screentime

There is a lot of conflicting advice and emerging research around screen time. But, the right amount of screen time can depend on a range of factors like your child’s age and maturity, the kind of content they are consuming, their learning needs and your family routine. It can be easy to focus only on the clock and how long your child is spending in front of the screen, but the quality and nature of what they are doing online, and your involvement are just as important. 

1. Be involved. Sharing screen time and online activities like gaming with your child helps you gauge the appropriateness of what they are doing and manage potential risks. It’s also a great way to start conversations with your child about their online experiences. 
2. Work with your child to set boundaries for screen use.  If you decide that setting screen time limits is right for you and your child, discuss these new rules with your child. Older children are more likely to cooperate if they have been part of the decision making process. Colourful pictures or charts of daily limits and other important activities is a fun way to get younger children on board. 
3. Be clear about the consequences of not switching off.  Part of our role as parents is to set clear limitations and boundaries. The same applies to technology limitations so, being clear and consistent about the consequences for your child if they do not stick to these rules is paramount. 
4. Set device-free zones and times at home.  Device-free zones can help you manage your family’s digital use. Here are some ideas for setting digital boundaries within your home:
   • no devices in the bedroom for younger children
   • all screens off in bedrooms after a certain time for older children
   • all screens off at least one hour before planned bedtime
   • all family members switch off at dinner time
   • charge devices overnight in a place your child cannot access
5. Ask your child to explain their screen use.  Get your child in the habit of explaining why they want to be in front of a screen or online. It’s a great way to get them thinking about their own digital habits and balancing screen time with other activities. 
6. Use tech tools to help manage access.  There are robust products and device functions which allow you to see which apps are being used in your home and for how long. But try not to use these tools to secretly monitor your child. Instead, be open about the process and check the whole family’s usage, including your own. Start with Google Family Link for Android devices or parental controls and Screen Time for iPhone/iPad. 
7. Lead by example. Your behaviour is one of the most effective ways to help your child develop a positive digital mindset. Show your child you can put down your device too.