PASTORAL FOCUS LESSON - TERM 2

We are delighted to share with you the highlights of our Term 2 Pastoral Focus Lesson for Year 8 students, which centred around the crucial theme of "Being Smart and Safe Online."

The session was presented to students in the PALS time and aimed to equip our students with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate the online world securely and intelligently.

Here's a glimpse of what the session entailed:

Understanding Online Safety: Students were introduced to the concept of online safety, emphasising the importance of being cautious while interacting on the internet. They learned about potential online threats such as cyberbullying, identity theft, and scams, and were educated on strategies to safeguard themselves against these risks.

Digital Citizenship: PALS teachers stressed the significance of being responsible digital citizens. Students engaged in discussions about the impact of their online actions on themselves and others, emphasising the values of respect, empathy, and integrity in their online interactions. PALS classes also went over the CEDoW Student Responsible Use of Technology Agreement which is in place for all students and staff at St John’s. 

Privacy and Security Measures: Practical tips and techniques were provided to students on how to protect their personal information online. In collaboration with their Digital Citizenship sessions throughout the year, students learn about the significance of strong passwords, privacy settings on social media platforms, and the importance of being cautious while sharing information online.

Positive Online Behaviour: Encouraging positive online behaviour was a primary focus of the session. Students were encouraged to use their online platforms to spread kindness, positivity, and support, fostering a healthy digital environment for themselves and others.

ESafety guides have also been shared with our Year 8 students to further enhance their understanding of online safety and responsible digital citizenship. These guides serve as valuable resources for students, providing information about the latest games, apps, and social media platforms, along with essential tips on how to protect personal information and report inappropriate content. To explore information provided in the ESafety guides, we encourage both students and parents to visit the ESafety website at https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-topics/esafety-guide. 

As partners in your child's education, we encourage you to continue the conversation at home by reinforcing the principles of responsible online behaviour and maintaining open communication about their online experiences.

LUNCHTIME FUTSAL COMPETITION

Our wonderful Assistant Stage 4 Coordinator, Mr Stephenson will be running a lunchtime Futsal Competition for Year 7 & 8.  

• It is open to all skill levels - the main goal is to have some fun and meet some new people in your year group 
• Teams will play roughly one game per week at lunch in the gym over a 5 week period, with a grand final at the end of the competition for our top 2 teams 
• There will be 2 competitions - one for yr 7/8 boys (in term 2) and one for yr 7/8 girls (early term 3)

We look forward to seeing some healthy competition amongst Year 7 & 8.

ST JOHN'S WORKING BEE 

The school working bee was held this week and I would like to praise the following students for volunteering their time to make our school environment a better place for all of us. These students will receive house points and recognition towards extra curricular/community service affirmations.

Lachlan Francis, Noah McCoy, Chayse Mahoney, Cayden Bramble, Ethan Spark, Nick Alduk, Will Anderson, Leila Ferreira, Tanisha Vella,

McKenzie Smith (afternoon tea donation)

SHINING LIGHT AWARDS

Our Year 8 ‘Shining Light Awards’ will be coming back for 2024! Each week students and staff will have the chance to nominate a student in Year 8  for letting their light shine around others. Students can be nominated for being a good friend/helping hand, trying their best in class or engaging in extra curricular activities at school. Every week one student from the nominee list will be chosen at random to receive a special prize - this will be announced at our Monday year meeting each week and published in the school newsletter. 

You are the light of the world. A city built on a hill cannot be hid. No one after lighting a lamp puts it under the bushel basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)

YEAR 8 PDHPE - MOVE IT

Year 8 PDHPE have been studying the elements of dance in their new practical topic ‘Move it!’

Classes have been engaging in a range of dance styles including small group and individual movements. Here are some snaps from a combined lesson we had earlier in the term. During this lesson, classes tried the Cha Cha Slide, Nutbush and finished it off with a crowd favourite - Just Dance. 

Mrs Kate Jennings

Year 8 Coordinator