I am pleased to share the results of our recent Cyber Safety survey, in which 280 students from Years 7-10 participated. The survey is an excellent and informative resource as it is an anonymous and honest reflection of only our students and their digital experiences. Following the survey, students attended an informative session with the Cyber Safety Project. The findings from the survey reveal both encouraging and concerning trends regarding digital device use among our students.

One notable statistic is that 69% of our students are allowed to take their devices into their bedrooms overnight. Research indicates that this practice can negatively impact students' ability to self-regulate their screen time and disrupt their sleep hygiene. Additionally, studies have shown that online bullying is most likely to occur between 11 PM and 2 AM.

To help mitigate these risks, the Cyber Safety Project recommends several strategies for families to implement at home:

• Use a Separate Digital Alarm Clock: Encourage students to use an alarm clock that is not on their phone.
• Designate Common Spaces for Device Use: Devices should be used and charged in common areas of the home, rather than in bedrooms.

More detailed strategies and resources are available on the Cyber Safety Project website, which also offers valuable parent emails to help maintain digital safety at home. https://cybersafetyproject.com.au/families/

As written about in last weeks newsletter and to support, we have extended the Hennessy Catholic College Mobile Phone Policy:

• Years 7 and 8: No mobile phones are permitted for students in these year levels.
• Years 9 to 12: An educational pathway will continue, focusing on safe digital use.

The eSafety Commissioner has recommended several of our pastoral program providers to further support our students:

• Real Talk: Completed by Year 8 and Year 10 students in Term 1.
• Cyber Safety Project: Recently completed last week Years 7-11.
• Elephant Education: Scheduled for Term 4 for Years 7 and 9.

We remind all parents and students to adhere to our Child Safety Policy. Students in Years 7 to 10 must be physically signed out at the front office by a parent or guardian for appointments. Students cannot leave the College unaccompanied.

Dental Care NSW - Mobile Dentist will be visiting Hennessy Catholic College again in August, 2024. The mobile dentist will be conveniently located in the Admin block of the College and will be available for students to access. 

There are options for families who are eligible for the Child Dental Benefit Scheme to receive free Dental treatment. Please see this link for information and consent. https://dentalcarensw.com/online-consent-form/

More information is available on Compass. Please note, all consent forms (online and physical) are due by July 30th.

We wish you a safe and happy holiday. Keep warm during these winter months, and may God bless you with rest and rejuvenation. We look forward to seeing you at the beginning of Term 3.