STAFFING UPDATE – MID TERM 2
The changes to the teaching staff since the beginning of Term 2 are as follows:
– Mr Hine remains on leave for the next 3 weeks. In his absence Mr McMahon will take his classes and responsibilities within the Music KLA.
– Mr Darcy is on leave for the next few weeks, Mr Bourke will be taking his classes.
– Mrs Mondal is on leave for the next few weeks, Mr Margerison will be taking her classes.
STUDENT / PARENT / TEACHER CONFERENCES
Thank you to those parents who were able to attend the Student Parent Teacher Conferences earlier this term to discuss you son’s report and learning engagement throughout Term 1 – hopefully to focus on where the growth edges in his learning may occur and what the focus of individual improvement should be throughout the remainder of Term 2.
EDUCATIONAL CHANGE
The question teachers often are asked by parents is “How much time online is too much?” No-one can tell you definitively, what the right answer is. On one hand, there is the data which supports online activity and the more exposure to technology the better. Whilst on the other hand, people are encouraging less time spent online as it may contribute to development and wellbeing issues in the future.
At the recent Catholic Secondary Schools Association (CSSA) Forum held in the city, reference was made to the increased demand for improved skill development and qualities of all young people graduating from secondary education. An awareness of the changing demands of the workforce, whereby 60% of students are studying for jobs that will be severely influenced by automation. Along with up to 30% of Australians now in ‘flexible work’ that include multiple jobs, using a mixture of skills and capabilities. The question which was posed to us all at the forum: Are we ready for a workforce which is 50% freelance? And, what does this mean for our students – today?
The changing nature of the workforce for our students has many implications for what may become entry requirements. Many have heard of the term ‘soft skills’ which are now highly sought after by employees. Collaboration, resilience, adaptability, communication and technological skills all play a crucial role in the modern world. However, the demands for low-skill jobs are disappearing, these being absorbed by automation which will be increasingly the case throughout the next decade. Technology is changing the way we learn, and it is changing the workforce where companies are evaluating the cost effectiveness of manual labour etc. versus the cost of an automated system.
Either way, embracing technology and being acutely aware of the access to information – online, has altered the way in which we learn, each and every day. This includes the adults as well as the young people in our classes. As mentioned previously, the eSafety Commissioner website is an excellent resource which parent and carers (as well as students) can access for assistance, guidance and answers to online concerns. Communication is the key – having open dialogue with what is being experienced online can protect individuals before it is too late. So, if the question is how much time is too much time? Then the conversation around alternatives may be required. Especially if it is having an impact on family time, sleep, learning engagement and even social behaviours.
Mr B Walsh
Deputy Principal
