Year 8 News

Kia ora families and friends

Thank you to all families who attended our Year 8 Health Meeting on Wednesday Night. The presentation by Police Officer John Hedges on cyber safety was very informative, especially when discussing his roll when dealing with cases of inappropriate online behaviour. The key message he delivered was to talk to your children about your expectations of how they act online. Having a moral compass that focuses on empathy and compassion ensures positive online interactions. Are your online actions the same as if you were face to face?

He asked the question, “Would you give your child the keys to your car and expect them to be able to drive safely?” He compared this to giving your child a device and letting them loose on the internet. Having an internet free bedroom, checking phones regularly and discussing online behaviour were positive strategies to ensure your child is safe online. Here are some links that provide useful information about this issue.

https://www.tvnz.co.nz/ondemand/the-hard-stuff-with-nigel-latta/09-08-2016/series-2-episode-1

https://www.netsafe.org.nz/things-to-do-that-will-stop-your-parents-worrying/

https://www.netsafe.org.nz/a-parents-guide-to-instagram/

Each child has received an informational newsletter about the Challenge Day Out and we wish the students all the best in their fundraising endeavours. The Job Contract has been the most popular fundraising option and numerous parents have enjoyed their children completing odd jobs around the home. Keep working them hard!

There are a lot of fun activities planned, especially in the last two weeks at school. These include Challenge Day Out, Year 8 Social, School Swim and Classroom Activities. Teachers are constantly referring to the expectations newsletter that came home at the start of the term, reminding the students how important it is to keep applying their best efforts in all endeavours.

Kind Regards

Year 8 Staff