From the Vice Principal – Term 1 Week 4
Parent Cybersafety Presentation
I am pleased to announce that Newman College will be welcoming back Paul Litherland on Wednesday 6th March at 6:30pm in the Auditorium, for a Parent Cybersafety Presentation.
Paul is the owner of Surf Online Safe, a Perth-based internet awareness business. For close to 20 years, he has been working at the coalface of online crime. Since 2008, he has worked specifically with juvenile victims and their families, and has used those experiences to develop highly informative presentations regarding the risks of the online world.
Since leaving the Western Australia Police in 2014, Paul has grown to become one of the nations most recognised and highly awarded educators in the fields of Cyber Safety and Internet Awareness, culminating in him being named the 2022 WA Australian of the Year.
The aim of the presentation is to help parents better understand the networks and systems our teens are using online and to provide some strategies and advice on how to best support them in the many challenges they have, or will face, while navigating the complex digital world. Paul is also presenting to our Year 5, 6, 9 and 10 year cohorts during the day.
Topics covered;
- Frontline Knowledge – Paul’s experiences, insight and knowledge working at the coalface of juvenile internet use for the past 15 years.
- Digital Citizenship – Where our kids are going online, the Apps they are using and the information they are sharing.
- Online Footprint – How easy it is to find kids online and what they can do to minimise their risk.
- Social Networking & Networking in general – How the systems work and how to overcome their reach. Current popular apps, their risks and benefits.
- Sexting and Sextortion – Trends, risks and up to date stats in regard to this issue.
- Tips & Tricks – How to keep an eye on your kids through software and hardware. Easy instructions on what we can do to keep them safe.
For further information on the Parent Cybersafety Presentation and to book your tickets, please click here.
Year 12 Ball
The Ball is a special occasion for our Year 12 students. This event holds significance as an acknowledgment of the collective experiences, challenges, and friendships that have defined their senior years at the College.
As the date for the Year 12 Ball approaches, we want to bring to your attention that some commercial entities may organise after-ball functions, involving admission fees and the collection of personal details like names and mobile numbers.
It is important to note that these after-ball functions are not endorsed or supported by the College. Due to the inability to verify claimed security measures and the lack of College sponsorship, students attending these events are not covered by the school’s insurance policy.
Should your son or daughter consider attending such an event, we strongly encourage you to directly contact the organising company to confirm details. Consider discussing:
- Security measures in place
- Venue suitability for a large student gathering
- The potential attendance of students from other schools and colleges
- The level of supervision during the function
- How students will prove their association with our College
- Emergency procedures and communication protocols
We believe in informed decision-making, and your active involvement ensures the safety and well-being of your child during any post-ball activities. We look forward to making the College Year 12 Ball a memorable and joyous occasion that is also safe and meaningful for all involved.
Game Changers
Next week, our Game Changer program commences, overseen by Mr Matthew Box, Leader of Youth Ministry and Advocacy.
Game Changers is a program in Marist Youth Ministry that focuses on building a strong sense of community through regular meetings, creative faith formation, and various service opportunities within the school, across the state, and even abroad. The goal of this dynamic program is to shape students into faith-filled leaders and change agents within their school community.
Newman College collaborates with Bunbury Catholic College and St Joseph’s School Northam throughout the year, sharing Marist traditions and the Game Changers program.
We wish Matthew, and the Game Changers team well as they work in this important Marist ministry space and live out the Gospel values as active agents of change.
Mr Michael Chiera
VICE PRINCIPAL