PRINCIPAL'S REPORT
HOW MANY PRACTICING CATHOLICS DO WE NEED ON STAFF TO STILL BE CALLED CATHOLIC?
Confronting. Alarming. Deeply concerned. This was my reaction when this question was raised at a recent Principals Professional Development Day. What would your answer be? Would you have a number, a percentage, or would there be another measure of how well developed they are as Catholics?
What are the implications for our Catholic Systemic schools? How can the Staff teach Religious Education if they are not practicing themselves? All valid questions.
One of the things that sets us apart from the local government school, is that we have a subject called Religious Education and the opportunity to experience Jesus through liturgy and prayer. And through this we live our lives with Gospel values – we are, by our lives, witness to the teachings of Jesus. A sound understanding of these teachings leads to reflection and a deep development of faith. These Catholic social teachings can be summed up by seven values –
1. respect for the dignity of the human person,
2. promotion of the family,
3. the individual's right’s and responsibilities,
4. the common good,
5. solidarity,
6. the dignity of work and workers
7. care for all of God’s creation (earth)
What would our society look like without 20% of its children being educated in a Catholic environment, learning Catholic values? The development of faith-based ethics and respect for others, would need to come from other sources.
We have a very good system of public schools that produce young adults who are wonderful people and contributors to society. I am in no way suggesting they do not educate students in values and ethics.
However, the impact of social media, the pressure on young people to forfeit their childhood and move into adult themes in this world can be problematic when trying to develop a moral compass. How can we best help our children move to a post school life that is fulfilling and positive.
SOCIAL MEDIA DEBATE
In recent weeks there has been much written about the negative effects that social media can have on young people. Evidence suggests that more than three hours a day on social media doubles the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes. Young people clearly identify that there are risks to using social media BUT still do. Almost 85% consider it likely that they will have negative interactions with strangers.
89% of teachers say that social media is having a negative effect on children’s reading habits which is leading to lower reading levels which impact the capacity to access an ATAR at the expected level.
As a result several state governments are considering laws to intervene and save our children. Currently, users must be 13 years of age or older to create a social media account, but this has failed to stop a huge number of underage children signing up. The consideration of age verification technology will likely work in the short term only.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) warned that while digital technologies can enhance teaching and learning, they also present risks such as the invasion of users’ privacy, distraction from learning and cyberbullying. The effect on girls well-being, learning and career choices is greater than that on boys. The report also warns of algorithm driven image-based content has detrimental effects on girls self-esteem and understanding of body image. Which in turn impacts well-being and learning outcomes.
Source: The Educator Australia
ST JOHN'S WORKING BEE
On Thursday 24 May St John's Working Bee was held after school. St John's would like to thank all the students, family members and staff that gave up their afternoon to help complete various jobs around the school. There was a great turnout and we were able to accomplish some of the many tasks that will improve the school environment for our students. It was wonderful to see volunteers across all the year groups helping at the school working bee particularly the number of our senior students that assisted.
