As the 2023 school year draws to a close, it is appropriate to express gratitude to all the staff for their dedication this year as they served our school community. I also want to thank families who have supported their children in their learning and in the many school events that make this community a place where people want to belong.
Holidays and Social Media Use
This term, we have seen some social media accounts created by our students that do not treat others with respect and have impacted other students’ well-being. As an eSmart school, we want our students to make wise choices not to get involved in such sites and to be ‘upstanders’ who support our school members.
During the holidays, children have more spare time and we want parents/carers to guide your children in using social media responsibly. In navigating social media, wise choices are paramount for cultivating meaningful friendships. Encourage a healthy balance between online and offline activities, fostering family time. Emphasize the value of genuine connections over virtual popularity. Set clear boundaries on device usage to promote a positive holiday experience. Open communication and guidance will help your children navigate social media positively as ultimately, wise choices on social media empower individuals to build enriching relationships, fostering a sense of connection.
Below is a poem written by Edgar Guest, encouraging us to think about our interactions, whether face to face or online.
Have you earned your tomorrow?
Is anybody happier because you passed his way?
Does anyone remember that you spoke to him today?
This day is almost over, and its toiling time is through;
Is there anyone to utter now a kindly word of you?
Did you give a cheerful greeting to the friend who came along?
Or a churlish sort of “Howdy” and then vanish in the throng?
Were you selfish, pure and simple as you rushed along the way,
Or is someone mighty grateful for a deed you did today?
Can you say tonight, in parting with the day that’s slipping fast,
That you helped a single brother of the many that you passed?
Is a single heart rejoicing over what you did or said;
Does a man whose hopes were fading now with courage look ahead?
Did you waste the day, or lose it, was it well or sorely spent?
Did you leave a trail of kindness or a scar of discontent?
As you close your eyes in slumber, do you think that God would say,
You have earned one more tomorrow by the work you did today?
Christmas Gifts
eSafety has released a Parent’s Safety Guide to gifts. This guide includes age recommendations, key features to consider and tips to ensure your family stays safe. Gift Guide for tech gifts | eSafety Commissioner.
This time of year is special to many. The music, the movies, and the prospect of what gifts they will receive are often the center of our thoughts. For my family, the most significant and greatest gift ever given is Christ’s birth. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16).
May you all have a blessed Christmas.
Kindest Regards,
Anthony Hudson
High School Deputy Principal
“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.” Matthew 2:10