Principal's Message
Many conversations that we have with parents revolve around the amount of time and the challenge of managing their child’s screen time. There is no doubt that this is a very difficult conversation in households. The esafety website and the raising children network is a great place for parents to go to get some advice and support about what is suggested and appropriate for their children. It is important to remember that all families are different and are able to set the expectations and boundaries for their children. It is important for parents to be aware that what experts suggest is safe for children is essential for making informed decisions.
Here are some important takeouts from these sites:
- Screen time and digital technology use can be part of a healthy lifestyle when they’re balanced with other activities that are good for your child’s development.
- Working together on family rules or a technology plan. Your rules and plan will work best if they apply to everyone in the family, including you. It is important that the adults in the household are role models, this includes them also honouring and following the rules.
- The rules could include: Where, When, and How your child can use technology
For example:
- Technology can only be use in shared spaces and not the bedroom
- Mealtimes are free of technology
- Technology can be used for creating worlds in minecraft but not for Candy crush?
- School-age children need plenty of sleep – 9-11 hours a night. It is well researched that screen time and digital technology use before bed can affect how quickly your child falls asleep and how well they sleep. If your child avoids mobile phones, tablets, computer screens or TV in the hour before bed, your child is likely to get to sleep more quickly and sleep better.
- If you keep mobile phones, iPads and other devices out of your child’s bedroom at night, your child won’t be able to stay up late playing games or messaging friends. This can also stop your child being disturbed in the night by messages or notifications.
- Your plan could include time limits to assist children balancing their screen time with other things such as physical activity, sleep and socialising. The plan will depend on your family situation, and it will probably change as your children get older and your family needs change. The work you do helping your child to manage and balance their screen time when they are younger, will help them make good choices when they are older.
School Counselling Term 2
Unfortunately, the Catholic Care counsellor is no longer available for the West Coast Schools. In the interim, families can contact Anglicare directly on 1800 243 232 and speak with intake about a counselling program (Child and Youth Healthy Minds Program).
The criteria requires the young person to display emerging mental health concerns such as anxiety, low self-esteem or depression to be eligible for the program.
The form below will start the intake process.
Cross Country
Due to poor weather we have made the difficult decision to cancel the Cross Country for now. We will continue to look for a way that we can offer this activity for students later in the year.
Parent Teacher
Our latest parent teacher conversations were well supported by families this year. 80% of families engaged in this opportunity. We have heard positive things about the time spent with teachers and learning about how children are achieving at school. We are looking for feedback to improve this opportunity. Please use the survey to help us.
With Kindness
Teresa