Ensuring Student Online Safety:

A Joint Effort Between School and Home

In today's digital age, student online safety is paramount. While schools play a crucial role in educating students about internet safety, parents also have a vital role to play. One effective measure is parents regularly checking their children's mobile devices and social media accounts. However, it's not about policing; it's about fostering positive engagement.

By actively monitoring their children's online activities, parents can ensure they are interacting positively with peers and staying safe from potential online threats. It's an opportunity for open communication, where parents can guide their children on responsible online behaviour and help them navigate any challenges they may encounter.

At Mount Carmel Catholic College, we believe in the collaborative efforts of schools and parents to create a safe online environment for our students. Let's work together to empower our children to make informed choices and thrive in the digital world responsibly.

Bullying and Harassment: Diary Reminder

Implications of Bullying on the Brain

• Bullying is seen as a moral issue, but a meta-analysis of research shows it's a medical issue.
• Bullying, along with child maltreatment, can do physical damage to important brain regions.
• The physical harm bullying does to the brain shows up in poor academic performance and mental illness

Studies demonstrate that neurological interplay between the regions "contributes to the sensitivity toward facial expressions, poor cognitive reasoning, and distress that affect behavioural modulation and emotion regulation." In other words, when damage occurs to these brain regions, the victim may misinterpret or overreact to someone’s facial expressions

See more in the article from Psychology Today. 

Procedure

What should I do if I am being bullied or harassed? Students and families can find information in page 12 of the College diary. Students and families are reminded to reach out via phone or email to your child’s Pastoral Advisor with any concerns. 

The procedure: 

1. Politely tell the person bullying or harassing you that you take offence to their actions and would like them to stop. This may be difficult, but you should try to resolve the problem assertively (this means speak firmly but remain calm and try to be positive). If you would like to approach someone for advice on how to do this, please see your Pastoral Advisor (or Year Coordinator) or one of your teachers you feel comfortable talking to.Please Note: If the situation is a serious one in which you were physically hurt, property was damaged or particularly offensive comments were made, you will need to report this straight away to a teacher.
2. If the bullying or harassment continues then you must tell a teacher. This teacher will report the matter to your Year Coordinator who will interview students concerned, including witnesses.
3. Your Year Coordinator will reach a verbal agreement with all students involved.
4. Your Year Coordinator will contact all parents concerned to discuss the problem.
5. If the problem persists your Year Coordinator will arrange for a formal agreement to be negotiated between students. Parents may well be informed on a formal basis.
6. Specialist group work/programmes on bullying and harassment may be recommended for students who continue to bully and/or harass others.
7. If the problem persists it be will referred to the Pastoral Coordinator or Assistant Principal who will immediately institute appropriate consequences (i.e. isolation, internal suspension) for students who continually bully others. Parents will be interviewed.
8. Any further action/s will be at the discretion of the Principal, Assistant Principal or Pastoral Coordinator.

What should I do if I see someone being bullied or harassed?

1. In a positive manner tell the person harassing/bullying others that their actions are unacceptable.
2. Report the incident to a teacher.
3. It is important to be aware that there is a hands-off policy at the College to support the safety and dignity of each member. 

Gratitude for Mother's Day Breakfast Attendees

We extend heartfelt gratitude to all the mothers, grandmothers, and significant females who graced our Mother's Day breakfast with their presence. Your love, wisdom, and nurturing spirits enrich our community. Your presence not only made the event memorable but also highlighted the importance of family bonds and intergenerational connections. Your support is invaluable, and we are deeply thankful for the role you play in shaping the lives of our students. May your love and warmth continue to inspire us all throughout the year. Thank you for being a cherished part of our College family.

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