Newsletter Week 8- Term 4, 2023

Advent

Advent is a time in which we prepare for the birth of Jesus at Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin “advenio” which translates as “to come to” and refers to the coming of Christ in celebration of his birth at Christmas. At Christmas time we receive gifts but it is the gift of giving that brings more joy.

Reports

Reports will be available at this stage from Thursday afternoon next week. There have been some changes to comments on reports. There is no longer a religion comment and all other areas have more concise comments. When discussing and sharing these with your child, celebrate some strengths and growth and also identify an area of focus for 2024. Please acknowledge the effort your child has put into each area not focusing on simply the grade. A reminder that reports are all available through https://gsl.engage.cewa.edu.au/

Bushfire Risk Area

Good Shepherd Catholic School is in a bushfire risk area. As part of our commitment to safety, the school has a clearly defined bushfire plan. This includes lockdown and evacuation procedures. The school also follows a maintenance plan where guttering and downpipes are cleared regularly.

School Fees

The 2024 school fee schedule is now available at https://www.gsl.wa.edu.au/school-fees-and-charges/. Please note that the 2024 school fees have had a 0% increase.

Keeping Your Child Safe Online During the Holidays

As we approach the holiday season, it's essential to ensure our children's safety extends beyond physical spaces into the digital realm. With the increased screen time during breaks, it's a great opportunity to reinforce healthy online habits and keep our young ones safe while exploring the vast world of the internet.

Here are some tips to help guide your child's online activities during this holiday period:

1. Open Communication Channels: Encourage open conversations about online safety. Discuss potential online risks, cyberbullying, and the importance of privacy. Let them know they can come to you with any concerns or if they encounter something uncomfortable online.
2. Set Clear Boundaries and Rules: Establish guidelines for screen time usage and the type of content they can access. Consider setting parental controls and using age-appropriate filters on devices to limit exposure to inappropriate material.
3. Explore Together: Engage in their online activities. Explore educational websites, apps, and games together. This not only allows you to monitor their interactions but also encourages healthy online exploration.
4. Educate About Personal Information: Teach your child never to share personal information online, such as their address, phone number, or school details. Remind them that not everyone online is trustworthy.
5. Monitor Social Media and Online Presence: If your child uses social media platforms, regularly check their profiles and privacy settings. Ensure they understand the importance of not accepting friend requests or engaging with strangers.
6. Encourage Digital Wellness: Promote breaks from screens and balance between online and offline activities. Encourage hobbies, outdoor play, and family time away from devices.
7. Stay Informed and Updated: Keep yourself informed about the latest trends and threats in online safety. Consider attending workshops or seeking resources to stay updated on best practices.

God Bless

Nic Gaglia

Principal