I would like to take this opportunity to talk a bit about one of the issues we have been focusing on over the last few years and a crucial aspect of our students' development: digital citizenship.

In today's world, it's essential that our tamariki not only know how to use technology, but also how to navigate the online world safely and responsibly.

We've been working closely with other local primary schools to develop a consistent approach to digital citizenship, ensuring our students are well-prepared for the challenges they'll face in intermediate and high school. A key part of this is understanding healthy screen time habits. We're looking at recommended guidelines, suggesting that while at school around 15-30 minutes of device use for our Year 1 and 2 students, gradually increasing to a maximum of 1.5 to 2 hours per day for our Year 5 and 6 students. It’s about balance: ensuring digital tools enhance, not replace, book work and hands-on learning.

We understand that technology is a part of our lives, and we want our students to use it safely. We use Linewize to monitor online behaviour, and when issues arise, we treat them as valuable learning opportunities. We aim to guide our students towards positive digital interactions.

One concern that has surfaced recently is students receiving phone calls from each other at unusual hours, outside of typical school and family time. This highlights the importance of setting clear boundaries around device use at home.

Here are some key recommendations for parents:

• Establish Clear Time Limits: Set consistent rules for device usage and stick to them.

• Monitor Apps and Communication: Be aware of the apps your children are using and who they are communicating with.

• Create Device-Free Zones: Designate areas in your home where devices are not allowed, such as during meals and specifically bedrooms and bathrooms.

• Open Communication: Talk to your children about online safety and encourage them to come to you if they encounter any issues.

• Model Healthy Habits: Show your children responsible device use by setting a good example.

To further support you, we're excited to announce our new Online Safety Hub, which will soon be available on our school website. This resource will provide valuable information and tips for whānau on navigating the digital world safely.

Let's work together to ensure our students are responsible and safe digital citizens.

Nga mihi,

Andrea