15 November 2011

T (07) 3394 9999

Absentee Line: (07) 3394 9964

E [email protected]

W www.loreto.qld.edu.au

PO Box 1726 Coorparoo DC Qld 4151

ABN 73 602 851 304

Volume 14 - 15 November, 2011

Justice Sincerity FELICITY Verity Freedom

Dear Parents and Students

As the year of Felicity draws to a close I offer this reflection on ‘Hope”, especially for the graduating class of 2011.

COLLEGE GOVERNANCE – An invitation to serve.

Loreto College as an incorporated body is governed by the Loreto College Council. The LCC reports to the National Education Board for Loreto Schools. The College Council currently is supported in its work by a Finance Committee and a Community Relations Committee.

In 2012, the College Council will establish an additional committee: a Capital Works and Property Committee whose primary responsibility will be to oversee the orderly planning and implementation of capital works development and improvement and maintenance of the physical assets of the school.

We are thus keen to receive expressions of interest from members of the community who hold relevant expertise and experience who may wish to serve on the committee.

The two best-known images of Mary Ward are the open circle and the boat.

The circle shows Mary and her young companions full of hope and excitement as they share the dream of doing great things for God.

Mary Ward and her companions faced disappointments and persecutions but they faced them with hope. The open circle of community exists in order to give us strength to get into the boat, even if the sails are blown full by storm winds. The same Christ who called fishers of Galilee and a seventeenth-century Yorkshire girl, calls us each day to have courage and to follow him within the circumstances of our own life. Each one of us is a pilgrim whether at the beginning, middle or end of our life here on earth. Mary Ward wrote:

‘Remember that God be the end of all your actions, and therein you will find great satisfaction, and think all things easy and possible’. She dared to dream the impossible and it came true, though not in her time. May the Spirit of God make us more loving companions in the open circle, more generous and courageous pilgrims as we sail towards an unknown future full of hope.

Excerpt – York Minister Reflection

Sr Gemma Simmonds CJ, 2009

Page 2 Volume 14 - 15 November, 2011


The committee’s terms of reference can be found on the College website www.loreto.qld.edu.au . The Capital Works and Property Committee comprises up to five representative members from the community in addition to other specific membership from the College Council and the school Leadership team. It meets at least six times a year.

If you are interested in serving the school in this important way, we invite you to please submit a 1-2 page resume detailing relevant qualifications, experience and expertise. Submissions should be addressed to The Chair of Council, Mr Sean Reidy, and lodged with the Principal by 20 January 2012.

CONDOLENCES

We send our sympathies and offer prayers to Georgia Terry (Year 12) and Abby Page (Year 12) both of whom lost their Grandfather, Des Meehan, last week. May he rest peacefully in God’s loving care.

Our prayers and thoughts are extended to Wade Bilton (Year 9) and her family on the passing of her Grandmother last week. We pray for her eternal rest and peace amongst the angels of God.

We extend to Ms Jessica Badke (Staff) and her family our deep sympathies and condolences on the passing of Jess’ beloved Nonna. May she rest eternally in God’s love. Amen.

Yours sincerely

Cheryl Hamilton

Principal

Final Term Dates 2012

Term 1 24 January - 30 March

Term 2 16 April - 22 June

Term 3 17 July - 21 September

Term 4 8 October - 30 November (Year 12 - 16 November)

Please note the that the Year 12 Formal will be on Saturday 14 July in 2012

http://www.loreto.qld.edu.au

Volume 14 - 15 November, 2011 Page 3


Events Calendar Wednesday 16 November

Year 11 Exams

Year 12 Graduation Mass practice 11.00am

Thursday 17 November

Year 11 Farewell 9.30am

Year 12 Award Giving 11.00am

Year 12 Graduation Mass 7.30pm

Friday 18 November

Year 11 Exams

2012 Music Camp forms due

END OF TERM (YEAR 12)

Monday 21 November

Year 11 Exams

Tennis Trials for 2012

Tuesday 22 November

Year 11 Exams

Tennis Trials for 2012

Wednesday 23 November

Year 9 & 10 Art Workshops

Year 8 Kite Making

Thursday 24 November

German Trip Departs

Friday 25 November

Final Assembly

Prize giving

Loreto Student Leadership Conference 25 November - 27 November

END TERM (YEARS 8 - 11) Students will be dismissed at approximately 11.45am

Career News Education Adventure Instructor Internship Intake now open for 2012/13

EA have opened applications for their Ski & Snowboard Instructor Internship Programs for the 2012/13 winter season in North America, Japan and New Zealand. This is a fantastic opportunity for school leavers because it gives them an opportunity to obtain paid employment at a top Resort, and complete an internationally recognised ski or snowboard instructing qualification. EA advises that interested students should enquire early as there are only limited employment positions available for 2012/13. Visit the EA website for more information.

School holiday programs for students interested in a media career

Media Potential is holding school holiday programs for young people aged between 13 and 17 who have an interest in a career in media. For further information on the Media Potential programs, please refer to website: www.mediapotential.com.au of phone the office on

3551 3444. Christine Jones - Careers Coordinator

Whooping Cough

It has come to our attention that one of our students has been diagnosed with whooping cough. If any other students develop symptoms that could be associated with whooping cough, please see your Doctor to get checked immediately. Thank you.

http://www.easkiandsnowboard.com/?utm_source=careerAdvisor%2BAU%2BNov&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=career%2BAU%2BNov

http://www.mediapotential.com.au



Drama News MARY POPPINS BOOKING - Wednesday 15th February, 2012

Tickets for “Mary Poppins” have arrived and are being stored in the School Safe for safe keeping. Should you require your tickets early, please contact Helen Radvan to have them arranged to be sent home to you. Helen

Radvan can be contacted on ph: 3394 9929 or via email: [email protected] Helen Radvan - Drama Department

Enrolments for 2012 As we wish to finalise enrolments for 2012, could you please let the College know if your daughter is not returning next year. Please complete the tear-off slip at the end of the newsletter and return it to the School Office as soon as possible. Thank you.

Laminating Business Each year, students from the Business Department offer the service of Laminating posters for each of our academic departments. We laminate A4 size for $1 each, A3 size for $2 each and we make mousepads for $10 each. This is a huge saving for the school and yet, we still make a small profit. This year the profit has been donated to two worthy causes. Caritas benefited from a $500 donation at the end of Semester 1 while this semester, we have been able to donate $400 to Mr Kenny who assists the members of the Atauro Island community in East Timor. This latest donation will go towards furnishing the Pre-School Community Centre and we look forward to seeing photos of the completed project. My thanks go to each of the classes within the Business Department for their invaluable work.

Mrs van den Brink - Business Teacher

Music News

Private Tuition Forms There are quite a number of students who currently receive Private Music Tuition at Loreto who have not yet returned forms for 2012. Please remember that it is important that you return forms whether or not you are continuing next year. Private Tuition Forms were due back to the Music Office by Friday 28 October, so please look after this urgently. If you are unsure if your daughter has returned her tuition forms, please contact Karen Carr at the music office on 3394 9915 to check.

Lost We are currently unable to locate a small black Peavey 110 Bass amp that normally lives in Room 702. It was last seen about two weeks ago around the time of the Live & Wired Music Festival. If anyone knows where it has gone to, please contact Mr Langford at the Music Office as this equipment is used daily by students in the 8 - 10 Music classes.

Graduation Mass This important event in the College calendar will be held on the evening of Thursday 17 November (this week). All members of Senior Choir this year, as well as selected instrumentalists are expected to attend from 7 pm to 9 pm (you are welcome to stay for the Awards Night that follows, but the Mass will be finished by 9 pm). Rehearsal for this Mass music have been held during Tuesday afternoon Senior Choir for the past two weeks and a daytime rehearsal will be scheduled on Wednesday 16 November also.

Deep Blue Orchestra Popular String Ensemble, are running a five-day Summer School for young string players in January 2012. If are interested in attending, get all the information at http://www.youngblue.net.au.

Congratulations

To Lucy Nielson (Distinction - Grade Three), Rebecca Meimaris (Distinction – Grade Eight) on recently completing passes in Trinity Drumkit Exams .

Congratulations

To the following students who have been nominated to be Music Ensemble Captains for 2012: Rachel Farrah (Concert Band One) Samantha Bull (Concert Band Two), Elizabeth Davey (Jazz Ensemble), Elise Fort (String Ensemble), Natalie Baker (Senior Choir Co -captain), Brigid King (Senior Choir Co-Captain), Larissa Claridge (Chorale), Helen O’Dougherty (Percussion Ensembles), Madison Heinrich (Clarinet Ensemble), Louise Chan (Flute Ensembles), Hannah Kassulke (Guitar Ensemble One), Coco Beylot (Guitar Ensemble Two), Dayna Watson (Sorelle). Ensemble Captain for Orchestra will be selected once final auditions for this combined group have been held in early 2012.

Farewell And thank you to our Guitar Tutor Mr Kyri Peace, who will not be returning to Loreto next year. Kyri has done a great job as our second guitar teacher for the past four years. He initially started with many of the younger students new to guitar and has helped these girls to develop and progress into Guitar Ensemble Two and then Guitar Ensemble One. When Mr Peace teaches his final week of lessons next Monday and Tuesday, I hope the girls take this opportunity to thank him for his quiet enthusiasm and persistent dedication to helping them

improve their guitar playing. Ben Langford - Director of Music

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.youngblue.net.au



Millinery Service

The school will be engaging the services of a milliner to clean, stiffen and re-block hats over the Christmas holidays. Cost will be $22. Hats that require extra attention e.g. extra cleaning , repair etc will be charged at a higher price. Hats are to be handed into the office on Friday 25 November BEFORE going to assembly. Hats and band must be in a plastic bag with students name on the outside of the bag. All hats and bands must be clearly marked with the owners name. Please note that due to our hats being white the Milliner is unable to perform miracles on these hats but she endeavours to do her best! This is an outside service and the school accepts no responsibility for hats handed in. Payment is required at the time of collection. Hats must be collected from the uniform shop on Saturday January 21 2012 be-tween 9am - 12md.

Second Hand Uniforms Sale Day 26th November 8.00 am - 12midday

Now is the time to clear out all those uniforms that are no longer required. The shop needs to re-stock for sale day. Uniforms can be handed into the school office. Please make sure all items are clean and clearly marked with your name and address. Please note that the uniform shop will not be open on Friday 25 November. The Uniform shop will be open on Saturday 21 January 2012 between 9am - 12md.

Booklists

Symons Booklist are now on the Loreto Web Page. Hard copies will no longer be supplied to students. Orders have to be placed directly through Symons via their web site. Years 8 - 10 will be required to hand in any books they wish to sell through the secondhand book shop on Tuesday 22 November. Please make sure that all books are in a plastic bag and that your “to sell” form is correctly filled out re- payment for books sold. Students will be called down to the collection area during the morning. Year 11 can hand their books in to the service area once they are no longer required otherwise they can be handed in on Wednesday 23

November to room 605. Lists of books that can be sold/purchased secondhand will be sent home with students during the week commencing 14 November.

St Vincent de Paul News

It has been another successful year for our Loreto St Vincent de Paul group (technically called a “Conference”). I am always so proud to see our members out there “hands on-face to face” as it says in the manual. We have seen them on the street with the Rosies van, at the local State Special School, delivering presents or Easter eggs with Meals on Wheels, as well as many other activities. I so often say to these stu-dents that St Vinnies teaches many things. Not only do they feel the satisfaction of the good work they do and the sharing of the generous spirit of the group but, most importantly, they gain in their own personal growth. They may have to overcome their own fears or reluctance to assist the homeless on the street at night or to help others with severe disabilities and so on. I am sure that these experiences broaden their understanding of life. I congratulate all of them on their commitment and their willingness to challenge themselves in the Spirit of this very worthwhile organisation. Thank you to the Loreto Community for your support during 2011 and may you all know the joy and peace of Christmas. As our last activity for the year, some of our members will deliver Christmas presents and a Loreto smile to the local elderly on Wednesday 21st December at the Meals on Wheels in Abbotsleigh Road, Holland Park. I receive such wonderful praise of our students each

year after this activity. Bill Kenny - SVDP Coordinator

Future Stars Volleyball Camp

Last weekend four Year 8 Loreto students attended the QLD Future stars Under 15 Volleyball camp at Redlands College. The girls were selected on their performance at the recent QLD Volleyball schools cup championships. Congratulations to Julia Logan, Georgia Johnson, Kate Hutchins and Gabryela Sellars. Further congratulations must be extended to Georgia Johnson who, from the training camp was selected into the Qld U15 training squad. This squad will train over the next couple of months before two Queensland teams will be

selected to compete at the National Championship. We wish Georgia all the best. Kirsty Gore - Volleyball Coordinator



Sports Department News

BSGSA Basketball

Results Round 8 - November 9

Open A were defeated by Lourdes Hill 20 to 12. In a rematch from the previous week where Loreto were beaten by 32 points, the team

was determined to improve their performance. Loreto started well and controlled the tempo of the match, scoring the first 3 goals. Lourdes

Hill maintained very strong defense and Loreto found it difficult to score from the second quarter. All girls gave their best performances and

it was pleasing to cut the final margin to only 2 points this week. Well done to all the Year 12’s in their final game for Loreto.

Open B defeated Brigidine 52 to 20. Loreto were clearly the better team on the day and displayed strong defense and accurate shooting.

All players worked hard to secure the victory and Loreto combined well in both attack and court transition. A good finish to a pleasing

season. Congratulations to the Year 12’s on their final game.

Intermediate A were defeated by SJF 34 to 32. This was a strong way to finish the season. All girls played extremely well in a tough and very

close encounter. It was good to finish the season on a positive note, with such a tight game and definitely an improved team performance.

Intermediate B defeated San Sisto 30 to 28. This was an amazing match that went into extra time to determine the premiers and Loreto

proved tough enough to secure the victory! Scores were 26 all at full time and remained that way at the end of the first extra time. In the

second extra time period Madeleine Taylor and Erin Stafford both scored to secure the hard fought victory. The was a very fitting final, with

both teams playing excellent basketball under pressure. Well done girls on the premiership win, but also for an excellent season of learning

and improving. Great job!

Junior A defeated Mt Alvernia 15 to 13. In another cliff hanger, scores were level at full time. Loreto played determinedly and worked well

as a team to secure the win. It was a very pleasing finish to a strong season for the Year 8’s. They have certainly improved their skills,

knowledge and team work in 8 weeks. A great victory today, well done!

Final places for the season:

Open A = 4th

Open B = 3rd

Intermediate A = 6th

Intermediate B = 1st

Premiers; Junior A = 3rd

There are many people I would like to thank who have contributed to the success of the 2011 Basketball season. Firstly, to all our coaches

who have given generously of their time and knowledge. They have been very supportive in developing the skills of their respective teams.

Mrs Narelle Fletcher(Open A), Mrs Kylie Briody(OpenB),Caitlin Finn(Intermediate A) , Mrs Jacqui Gold(Intermediate B) and Madelyn Page

(Junior A) have coached with enthusiasm and passion. Mrs Angela Waite has ensured the very smooth running of all our home matches this

season. Daniela Sciacca has been excellent as basketball captain this year and lead by example to all players. To Mrs Meg Stevens and Mrs

Jane Wilkinson have made my job very easy by handling bus bookings, staff allocations and negotiations with opposition schools and

countless other details. The staff have generously given of their time to accompany teams on buses each week. Many parents have assisted

with the scoring at benches and also come to support their daughters at matches. Finally, I would like to congratulate all the girls for their

commitment to Loreto basketball. They have represented the school with pride, determination and exemplary behaviour each week. I have

been privileged to watch the improvement in their skills and I look forward to another successful basketball season in 2012.

Nyree Wood - Basketball Coordinator

BSGSA Touch Football

Loreto Touch Football has had an outstanding 2011 season with four (4) teams winning the Grand Final and the fifth placing as runners-up. I

sincerely extend gratitude to all coaches of winning teams who worked magnificently with all players- Open B: Mitch Edwards, Intermediate

A : Adam Guest, Intermediate B: Eliza Mooney and assisted by Ellen Luxton, and Junior A : David Witt who generously volunteered his time

all season despite a major injury in the last 2 weeks. My captains Georgia Dennis and Madeleine O’ Connor assisted capably and were both

outstanding on the field each week. I also thank all teaching staff who travelled in supervisory capacities each week on the bus, as without

your assistance “the show can’t go on!”



OPEN A: RUNNERS-UP LOR 1 – OLC 4

A spirited performance by the team was not good enough to keep the opposition scoring more than us. Our defence did not move forward

allowing the opposition impetus which kept us on the back foot. In pressure games, coming from behind is always a difficult ‘ask’, but I am

pleased to say our team finished the season still trying. As coach, I am extremely proud of the progression the players have made this sea-

son. Congratulations to: Georgia Dennis, Clare Gill, Eloise Jackson, Hayman Lui, Hannah Meecham, Kate Mullins, Bridget Myers, Ashleigh

O’Connor, Madeleine O’Connor, Bridget Sankey, Toula Savva, Carla Wilson.

OPEN B: PREMIERS LOR 5 – SSC 2

A wonderful result for a great team! The girls who trained consistently all season and played every game certainly realised the benefits

of their dedicated, talented and enthusiastic coach, Mitch Edwards. An excellent season, so congratulations to: Sonia Badrak, Natasha

Cleary, Tara Cullinan, Alyssa Fitzgerald, Ellie Gray, Brittany Honan, Georgia Maddern, Georgia O’Sullivan, Josie Woolaston, Chloe

Zouppas.

INTERMEDIATE A: PREMIERS LOR 5 - OLC 1

A fantastic final! “Magic” defence and a committed attack resulted in a 5-1 score line. Coach, Adam Guest, is absolutely delighted with the

performance of every player. Congratulations to: Emmaline-Kate Ball, Coco Beylot, Madison Brown, Eloise Carroll, Georgia Hillas, Gabrielle

Kassulke, Isabella Kirkman, Celia Lane, Alex Raison, Emily Smallhorn, Zoe-lee Sperro, Lauren Welch.

INTERMEDIATE B: PREMIERS LOR 3 - LHC (2) 0

What a fantastic way to finish the season; winning the grand final and keeping the opposition scoreless! Coach Eliza Mooney, and assistant

Ellen Luxton, are both extremely happy with efforts of all team members, especially their defence. As everyone knows, if the opposition

cannot score, they cannot win. Congratulations to: Alyssa Bell, Wade Bilton, Anastasia O’Brien, Shannon O’Connor, Keeleigh O’Hanlon,

Abigail Raison, Lily Roberts, Melissa Roberts, Vania So, Kira Streten, Jemma Stubbs, Hannah Wixted.

JUNIOR A: PREMIERS LOR 5 - LHC (1) 3

What an outstanding season for all players who were competing in their first grand final for Loreto! Coach, David Witt capably guided the

team throughout the season to have them primed for a fantastic grand final win. I personally thank David for his dedication to the team

despite having surgery for a hand injury in the second last week. Congratulations to: Kelsey Ahrens, Mikaela Crone, Lily Devine, Krystal

Hatzipapas, Alana Kotzas, Megan Laycock, Shenae Megahy, Lucy Nielson, Brittany Ryan, Mary Savva, Eloise Sim, Emma Thompson, Madison

Witt.

Again I congratulate all players on an outstanding season. Therese Begley - Touch Football Coordinator

Unknown Payment of School Fees - Bank of Qld On 11 November 2011 a transfer was made via internet banking to the College’s bank account with a reference of “Fees from Bank of Qld” .

If you think this payment belong to you, please contact Libby Oliver on 3394 9928. If you are paying school fees directly into the College

bank account, it is important that accurate information is given with preferably the Family Account number as the reference.

Bulletin/Notices Annual November Remembrance Mass The Irish Australian Support Association of Qld Inc (IASAQ) invites all Irish people (Irish born or of Irish descent) to our Annual November Remembrance Mass which will be held in St James’ Church, Old Cleveland Rd., Coorparoo on Sunday 20 November at 11.30am. November is the month of the Holy Souls and traditionally a time to pray for the peaceful repose of the deceased. Our Remembrance Mass is an opportunity to join in the great prayer of the Church in praying that all our deceased relatives and friend may enter into the eternal presence of God.

Holland Park Good Neighbour Clean-Up Project

The Good Neighbour Clean-up Project provides a voluntary refuse transport service for those who are of frail age or have a disability and have no access to transporting rubbish, that is over and above normal wheelie bin service, to Brisbane City Council tips. This service DOES NOT cover the removal of green waste (branches, grass clippings) or large, heavy item (over 20kg). These are dealt with under the Kerbside Clean-up Scheme. The details of Volunteers with suitable vehicles or trailers, are given to the ward office and passed onto the service recipient once they have registered their request with Council. Volunteers are covered by Council's Public Liability & Personal Accident Insurance. Individuals that are not a member of a community organisation will be interviewed in person by a Council



officer. Tip Vouchers are available (free of charge) from the ward office if the service recipient does not have any. The Volunteer accept calls from residents seeking assistance, confirm the availability of vouchers and that the resident has registered the request with Council (this ensures insurance cover). Collect rubbish from the resident's home and take it to a Transfer Station Be recycle wise. Ensure you have a current licence for the vehicle used and that the vehicle insurance is in order. Please contact either the ward office by email; or Council's Customer Service on 3403 8888.

Raiders of the Lost Fort - Is a one-day holiday program suitable for children aged 6–12 years. Parents and carers are welcome. This

program is run by the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service with the support of the Caltex Lytton Refinery. Date: 17, 18 & 19 January 2012

Time: 10 am - 12.30 pm Cost: $8. Set in and around a real historic fort, Holding the Fort! is a hands on activity-based program run by

professional actors, using drama to engage children in real learning and great fun. To book or for further information: Contact: Fort Lytton

National Park Ph: (07) 3393 4647.

Tuckshop and Library Roster

Tuckshop Vounteers Monday 21 November - Thursday 24 November

Monday 21 November:

Kerrie Bull, Louise Roberts, Gigi Sagner, Genevieve Egoroff

Tuesday 22 November:

Maureen Roe, Janelle Pearce, Frances Steiner, Anna Stafford,

Monique Cleed

Wednesday 23 November:

Maria Mewing, Lyndel Fuller, Janelle O’Brien, Dianne Nibbs

Thursday 24 November:

Donna Byrne, Brenda Scot, Julie Garrett, Angela Papanotoniou,

Veronica Kozionas

Special of the Day

Monday 21 November: Meat Lovers Pizza

Tuesday 22 November: Chicken Subs

Wednesday 23 November: Mediterranean Lamb Wraps

Thursday 24 November: Chicken Fried Rice

Library Roster Volunteers Monday 21 November - Thursday 24 November

Monday 21 November:

Maria Pennisi, Kathryn McMahon

Tuesday 22 November:

Cathy Crocker, Christina Galdamez, Liliana O’Bryan

Wednesday 23 November:

Seva Pippos, Michael Claridge, Kerry Gellweiler, Helime

Hatcliff

Thursday 24 November:

Maria Mead, Melanie Quinn, Merry Godwin, Lyndall King

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

ENROLMENTS FOR 2012

(Tear off RSVP Slip)

My daughter will not be returning to Loreto in 2012

My daughter may not be returning to Loreto in 2012

Student’s Name: ___________________________________________

Parent’s Signature: ________________________________________

mailto:[email protected]



Helpers’ Afternoon Tea To acknowledge the help that has been given to Loreto this year, anyone who has assisted in any way (whether it be on Tuckshop, volunteer helping in the library, exam Supervision, Year level representative, scorer at sport, music, or phoning around for a Year group gathering - no matter what way you have helped) is invited to Afternoon Tea on Wednesday 23rd November at 2.00pm in the Staff Room. For catering purposes, please email Trish Willing on [email protected] or complete the tear off slip attached to the newsletter and return to the College office. For catering purposes these forms must be returned by Thursday 17 November. You are most welcome, so please feel free to come along. Thank you.

Parent Year Level Representatives 2012

Would you like to develop community spirit through Year Level get-togethers? The P & F invites parents to nominate to become a Parent

Year Representative. These positions will involve organising events such as drinks by the pool for parents of your year level, social gather-

ings and dinners or emailing to invite parents to special events. If you are interested in becoming a Year Representative in 2012, please

complete the attached tear-off slip and return it to the office or email reply to: [email protected]

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Parent Helpers’ Afternoon Tea - Wednesday 23 November

(Tear off RSVP Slip) or email your RSVP to Trish Willing: [email protected]

Yes I would be able to attend

Parent’s Name: ___________________________________________

Signature: ___________________________________________

No. attending: ___________________

For catering purposes, please return form to College office by Thursday 17 November

Thank you.

Parent Year Representative 2012

(Tear off RSVP Slip) or email your RSVP to Trish Willing: [email protected]

I would be interested in nominating to be a Year Representative in 2012.

Name: ___________________________________________ Daughter’s Year Level (2012)____________________

Phone Number: ______________________________________ Mob: __________________________________

Email: _______________________________________________________________________________________

Thank you.

No. 95 October 2011

Technology and Children

"We have anecdotal evidence from talking to parents. Every single parent I have spoken to so far is

concerned. I have yet to find a parent who says, 'I am really pleased that my kid is spending so much time in

front of the computer.' We need to take control of our own lives and society. If we don't, who else will?"

Baroness Susan Greenfield (2010)

Find ways to talk about technology.

Talk about positive ways to get the best out of technology… fight a positive battle not a negative one. Share your teenager’s fascination in cyber technology, but model the sincerity, detachment and willpower that he or she will need. Share your interest and on that basis talk. Talk to children about the value of time and that technology can save time. But excessive time-wasting through technology is an abuse of a gift. Talk deeply about the need for sincerity in life, if there is any example of deception, visits to inappropriate sites, etc. Talk about the differences between innocuous content, less appropriate content, and offensive material that must be shunned. Help a young person realize that the most important value in life is to have a loving respect for all others. Technology can never be used to undermine this.

The challenge… be closer to your kids than the competition.

Parents can be in the dark about what their children are doing, how they are spending their time, who is with them in the chatroom, what influences are coming into their lives. If they do not know these deeply influential things in the lives of their children, parents are not in the game. Without parental advice, some children lack the experience to use technologies without entrenching bad habits.

o Habits of insincerity and deception. o Habits of idle curiosity … mindless

mouseclicking. o Addictions to late night gaming, pornography, or

hypercritical chatter. o Habits of nastiness to others. There is widespread concern in society about abuse

of technology by teenagers, especially cyber bullying, hate websites, anonymous harassment, etc.

The highly addictive or obsessive take up of new technologies is by its repetitive nature very habit forming. We are not seeing the full impact of this yet.

Are you in the

conversation? Do you

know who and what are in

your teenager’s life? A

parent cannot force his or

her way into a fifteen year

old’s world… it is a matter

of building habitual, open,

trusting communication

based on affection.

Parenting Tips is provided as a service to the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of AustraliaTo

receive Parenting Tips email: [email protected]

Young people need clear guidance from their parents. To be able to think for themselves, young people need to have a very clear sense of what is right and what is wrong.

Establish house rules. We do not use mobiles in the home… if called we offer to ring back on the landline. Mobiles don’t interrupt meals and face to face conversations. We plan our TV viewing. We don’t watch TV alone late at night. User pays is a good mobile telephone policy. Unmask the marketing. Technology marketing pressures children to be champion consumers, placing far too much emphasis on conformity to peer behaviors and expectations. Ultimately it is all too easy to create needs for oneself. Just because one can afford something doesn’t mean it is really needed. Do we teach children to identify the real needs in their lives? Give clear internet criteria. Access the net in open family areas. Do you know what sites your son or daughter is visiting? It is not a question on of not trusting, rather of realizing that children can find themselves under pressure they may not be able to cope with. Parents have a duty not to allow damaging inputs into the mind of an impressionable young person. Teach what is unethical about hacking and breaching copyright. Address the inappropriateness of the smutty banter on some FM stations, and the raunchy lyrics of some songs. Explain how these attitudes and values are damaging. Teach clear chatroom criteria. Only closed groups of friends, no excessive time wasting (be specific), always use your own identity, no negative comments about third parties, post no messages that you would not be happy to see published in tomorrow’s newspaper. Chatroom and internet technology lends itself to anonymity and false identities. It is a world with the illusion that one need not be responsible for one’s own actions, or that words are not something that we have to be too concerned about. Teach children to take personal responsibility for thoughts, words and actions. Help your son or daughter recognize that sincerity and willpower are success factors for life and relationships, and that willpower is developed in many associated areas… getting up on time, not complaining, studying hard, etc.

Documents

15 November 2011