Cybersafety
To ensure all students at Lourdes can learn effectively and feel a sense of belonging, we prioritize the safety of our children, including their online safety. Last week, our Year 4, 5, and 6 students, along with many parents who attended the evening session, had the opportunity to hear from Susan McLean, a cyber safety expert, about the realities of our online world.

Susan reminded the students that rules are with us for life. These rules may form laws. Platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Tic Toc all require users to be 13 years of age. Therefore, none of our primary students should have access to these online apps. Laws are part of being in a community and are an important part of being online.

Susan reminded us that before we write or say anything online, THINK – Is it Thoughtful? Is it Honest? Is it Inspiring? Is it Necessary? Is it Kind? Being online involves being kind, being part of the team, and being brave. There is also no such thing as an online friend. If we do not know them personally; if we would not let them into our home because they are a stranger, then we should not be conversing with them online and sharing any details.

Importantly, we should remember the 3 R’s - Respect, Responsibility and Reputation. Our digital footprint is easy to trace, and our reputation carries online. Try it yourself – ‘google’ your name and see what pops up.

If you ever suspect your child is being cyberbullied, reassure them they have done the right thing to report it to you, take screen shots and keep a copy of the interactions, don’t respond, report to authorities, and after reporting, block and delete the contact.

Working together with our students will help keep them safe.

Booking Parent Teacher Interviews
From Monday next week, Parent Teacher Interviews will be open to register via the Parent Portal.  If you are unsure of how to schedule a time with your child's teacher, please refer to the instruction video via the below link.

Sentral Parents App Parent Teacher Interviews

Naplan
This year, our Year 3 and Year 5 students will begin NAPLAN (National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy) in Week 7 of Term 1. NAPLAN is a point-in-time assessment that provides an opportunity for educators and parents to see how students are progressing in literacy and numeracy against the national standard and compares results with other students across Australia. 

The NAPLAN test window begins on Wednesday 12 March and will be completed in the following sequence: Writing, Reading, Conventions of Language (spelling, grammar, & punctuation) and Numeracy.

Except for the Year 3 writing test, all NAPLAN tests are online and tailored to student responses, providing questions that are more or less difficult depending on their answers.

NAPLAN results are reported using proficiency standards: Exceeding, Strong, Developing and Needs additional support. This report will be sent home later in the year.

Prior to sitting the NAPLAN tests, students will complete practice tests that will have similar questions and format.

This brochure has more parent information about the purpose of NAPLAN, what it assesses, and key points for parents to know.

What you can do at home to prepare for NAPLAN:

• Remind students that it is a one point in time assessment and that all they need to do is their best. It is an opportunity to show what they know but it is okay if some questions challenge them.
• Maintain a positive attitude and engage in positive conversations around NAPLAN.
• Arrive to school on time on the day of NAPLAN testing.
• Ensure students have a good sleep and a full breakfast before the test.
• Check your child has their headphones at school in preparation for NAPLAN.
• This public demonstration site can be used for practice if you wish.

Kind regards

Miranda

Miranda Murray
Assistant Principal