From the Head of Junior School
Although it is a short week due to the public holiday, it has nevertheless been a hard-working and productive week of learning for all our Junior School girls. Kindergarten students showcased their learning at our Kindergarten to Year 5 assembly. It was lovely to see so many parents in attendance.
Children and Screen Time
During an enrolment interview this week, I was asked about our School’s mobile phone policy, and I was pleased the question was raised. Research indicates that children in upper primary school are spending around 6.5 hours per day on screens, including television and devices. Extended screen time can be unhealthy for developing brains, with children who have very high screen use experiencing up to three times more negative developmental effects than their peers. This reminds us that managing screen time is a shared community responsibility across both school and home.
Importantly, not all screen time is unhealthy. When used purposefully, technology can be educational, engaging and highly supportive of learning. In our Junior School, technology is used deliberately to enhance creativity, collaboration and thinking skills. Students use digital tools to create, research and work together, to receive timely feedback on their learning, and to access tasks that are tailored to their individual needs. When thoughtfully guided by teachers, technology supports different learning styles and helps all children to feel challenged, included and successful.
At MLC School, we are very mindful of striking a healthy balance. Devices do not replace books, hands-on experiences or face-to-face interaction; rather, they complement them. By modelling responsible use at school and working in partnership with families at home, we can help children develop healthy habits and a positive, balanced relationship with technology.
If you wish to learn more about supporting your child at home, I encourage you to visit the eSafety Commissioner website.
Piano, Voice and String Festival
We wish all the girls participating in this afternoon’s Piano and Voice Festival all the very best. It is wonderful to see so many girls participating from the Junior School and across the whole School.
I am also looking forward to seeing many of our parents at the MLC School 140th Year Anniversary Gala Dinner this weekend.
The MLC School Advantage in Literacy: Using Complex Texts for Comprehension Year 3 Parent Workshop
8am
The Daphne Line Hall