Thank you to the new families who have given us such great feedback about how their young person has transitioned to PBC. It is pleasing to hear how happy students are feeling about being welcomed into the PBC family which has been passed on by Sue Murray our Junior Secondary student services officer.

Year 8 and 9 parents were welcomed at our first OPTIMA assemblies for the year where we recognised achievement from Semester 2 2019. The timing of this is perfect as students reflect on their goals for 2020 and what they need to do to be successful at PBC. There is so much support for students at PBC and we know this is backed up by your efforts with your young person. Identifying goals with students helps us to focus our energies on what really matters and what will make the difference in their next step to improvement.

In the next few weeks during CARE we are focusing on our strengths still. This time of term is when the rubber starts to hit the road so attitude plays a big part in student success. You can check on this attitude through their self-talk or mind set.

Language choices at tough times when you are encouraging your young person can make a big difference. I really like this set of simple swaps below to talk to them about and to try;

The other thing to consider when talking to your young person is research indicates that a ratio of 5:1 positive to negative interactions, both verbal and nonverbal, is what is required to encourage a growth mindset. At school we are challenging ourselves to have this reflected not only in our classrooms but in our ways of working together as a professional workgroup.

This week members of our core teaching team have had collaborative planning time to enhance their understanding of curriculum and the assessment standards so that they can help your child to be successful in their learning.

Digital Footprint

We all have a responsibility to reinforce to our Junior Secondary students when using social media messages should be positive, respectful and safe so they can protect their digital footprint for later in life especially when part-time employment may be an option. Year 7 students predominantly favour Snapchat while Year 8 use Instagram. As parent/caregivers it is important to read the terms and conditions of each digital platform as many students may be in breach of age limits for using different platforms. Students are also reminded that using social media to photograph or film students at school, share and post may result in a suspension.

Student tips

• Google your name on each platform to see what is displayed
• If you have old accounts report yourself so they can be removed
• Check privacy settings on each platform
• Do not provide your full name and date of birth to minimise identity theft
• Look out for friends that may be targeted and use Stymie.com.au for any anonymous notification
• Remove any inappropriate pictures from your device
• “THINK BEFORE YOU SEND – TAKE 10 seconds to 10 minutes”
• To report cyberbullying https://www.esafety.gov.au/complaints-and-reporting/cyberbullying-complaints/i-want-to-report-cyberbullying
• To seek help https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling
• IT misconduct can result in a suspension if there is breach affecting the good order and management of the school
• Be aware of Australian Cyber safety laws Cyber safety | Youth Law Australia

Parent tips

• Use filtering and time limits to monitor any device
• Sit with your child to know what digital platforms they are engaging with
• Read what apps do https://www.wired.com/story/how-to-check-app-permissions-ios-android-macos-windows/
• iParent e-Safety Commissioner gives practical steps and strategies to learn about the digital environment and how to help your child have safe and enjoyable online experiences https://www.esafety.gov.au/education-resources/iparent

To make a complaint https://www.esafety.gov.au/complaints-and-reporting/offensive-and-illegal-content-complaints/report-offensive-or-illegal-content