Assistant Head of Gioia House

CYBERSAFETY TALK

This week, the Gioia House students listened to a presentation on Cybersafety and Healthy Relationships, led by Sergeant Jim from the Burwood Police Area Command. Sergeant Jim discussed ways students can be safe and smart when online. He spoke about the importance of privacy and not sharing personal photos or information when online and respecting personal boundaries. 

Sergeant Jim showed the students a couple of short clips and asked them to identify any ‘red flags’, the girls were able to respond with the correct observations and understood why we shouldn’t share personal details such as our home address, photos in our school uniform or real name as we are never sure who we are speaking to online. 

The use of social media was also discussed and reminded the students that the age restriction is 13 years and above on all social media apps. He stressed the importance of all children who are under that age and using social media need to ensure their parents are helping them navigate and monitor their use, as content isn’t always age appropriate for children under 13 years of age. He also stressed the importance of children not having devices in their bedrooms and encouraged them to leave devices in their loungerooms where parents are present and shared that ‘throughout his career, nothing good has ever happened after 9:00pm’. He stressed the importance of open communication with their parents.

Sergeant Jim encouraged the girls to always be upstanders and tell trusted adults when they see something that is not right, especially if they are part of group chats. He also spoke about bullying, clearly distinguishing the difference between defining what bullying is and how this is different to someone being mean that day. He reminded the students ‘Bullying is when someone hurts, harms or humiliates someone over and over again’ and the importance of telling someone when they have not been treated respectfully.

This was a very informative session for the students and provided them with appropriate tips and information to ensure they are safe online. At the conclusion of the presentation, we were impressed by the responses the students gave in ways they can continue to be safe when online, and reach out to trusted adults when issues arise.

FRIENDSHIP PLEDGE

During our Action Girl Pastoral lessons, the Gioia House students focused on the topic of friendships. Students identified what qualities they admire in a friend and also what type of friend they are to others. Research shows us that friendship plays a vital role in a student’s wellbeing, personal growth and academic success. Therefore, it is important for students to be aware of what qualities they appreciate in others, as well as what qualities they want to display towards their peers. Students wrote the Friendship Pledge and identified the characteristics they will display towards others. Some of the qualities the students wrote were: Be inclusive, kind, respectful, be a good listener and be supportive. We will continue to look at healthy relationships, responsible digital citizenship and effective communication during our Pastoral lessons. 

OUTREACH – CARITAS

 Each term, we encourage the Gioia House students to focus on ways they can make a difference in our world. During the season of Lent, we continue to focus on praying for our family, friends and the people around our world who need our prayers. The students take part in fasting by giving up one of their favourite foods and we also call on the students to give alms and identify ways they can help others in need. 

During our Ash Wednesday Liturgy, the students watched Caritas videos, which raised awareness of people around our world who do not have clean water to drink and communities where education provides people with the opportunity to learn and is a privilege. Students have been asked to think about how they can help contribute towards raising much needed funds for Caritas – Project Compassion. 

The Gioia House students will be hosting a Bake & Treat Sale on Wednesday 19 March. Students have been asked to donate nut-free cupcakes, slices or lolly bags. Please bring the baked goods or treats in a disposable container or box and make sure the ingredients list is attached to the item. Thank you in advance for supporting this very worthy cause. We know the students enjoy a sweet treat and we hope to raise as much money as possible.

Marisa Maks
Assistant Head of Gioia House