Assistant Head of Gioia House

Project Compassion – Caritas Fundraising

Thank you to the Gioia House students for your incredible support in making our recent Bake Sale Fundraiser a success. Your generosity, whether through baking, assisting at lunchtime (setting up, selling or cleaning up) plays a vital role in helping us raise funds for Caritas Australia, which provides much needed financial support and develops initiatives for communities across the world. I am excited to share the Gioia House Bake Sale raised $735. Well done everyone!

Our current 5-12 ‘Carry for Caritas’ Fundraiser focuses on providing communities in Samoa with filtered water to ensure they have access to clean water for drinking, cooking and maintaining good hygiene. Students have been donating money towards their House collective amount. The Gioia House students have once again shown their generous spirit. Students and teachers also took part in a school challenge and relay event on Friday 27 March.

Gioia House Action Girls

At our whole school Assembly we celebrated our Gioia House Action Girls. Ms Azizian shared the qualities our Action Girls have displayed such as helping others, trying their best in the classroom and on the playground, taking up outreach opportunities, supporting all students and speaking with kindness. Ms Skerman presented the girls with their Action GIrl Certificate and Action Girl badge.

Congratulations to our Gioia House Action Girls!

Responsible Digital Citizen Pastoral Program

This term, the Gioia House students have been focusing on being cybersafe and a responsible digital citizen. This pastoral program focused on how we can use technology safely, ethically and respectfully. The main points we have emphasised with students include:

1. Think before you post anything online (messages, group chats, email etc.) 
   • Once something is online, it cannot be deleted.
   • Do not share any personal information online (name, address, school, location etc.).
2. Respect Others Online
   • Treat everyone with kindness. Use respectful language in comments, chats and post.
3. Protect Your Privacy
   • Use strong passwords and do not share them with anyone.
   • Keep your personal details private. Constable Jim told the girls they should never share their location or if they are at a restaurant, holidays etc. as we do not know who is viewing this post or information.
4. Verify Information Before Sharing 
   • Not everything online is true. Check sources before spreading news. 
   • Be aware of fake news and misinformation
5. Be Aware of Your Digital Footprint
   • Your online actions leave a permanent record
   • Keep your online presence positive (You would not want this to affect you in the future)
6. Report Inappropriate Behaviour
   • If you see cyberbullying or harmful content, report it to a teacher, parent, or the platform. 
   • Don’t engage in harmful discussions or spread negativity.
7. Use Technology Responsibly
   • Avoid excessive screen time and balance online and offline activities.

By following these principles, students can ensure a safer and more positive digital experience for themselves and others.

During this season of Lent, may we continue to come together to pray, give alms and reflect on this season of renewal. I wish you and your family a blessed Easter during the holiday break. 

Marisa Maks
Assistant Head of Gioia House