Principals Report
Dear Parents and Carers,
With school holidays around the corner, this report reviews the potential dangers associated with the online game, 'Fortnite'.
Most parents of adolescent children would be aware of the online game, ‘Fortnite’. For many young people, the addictive nature of this game is having adverse effects on children’s behaviour and affecting their mental health. With over 125 million registered players worldwide, this game encourages players to battle each other to death using a variety of weaponry.
With an age rating of 13+, this game raises many cybersafe concerns. Unfortunately, it allows unmoderated chat between players, leaving children exposed to be contactable by 'randomers' online. This function alone makes it unsuitable for primary aged children.
In light of last week’s announcement from the World Health Organisation now recognising “gaming disorder” as a mental health issue, this special report will help parents gain a greater insight into Fortnite and the concerns surrounding it. Parents are encouraged to reassess their gaming allowances and better manage technology usage at home.
If you have any concerns about your child, please contact our school counsellor for further information.
Here is the link to our special report:
http://stmore.act.schooltv.me/wellbeing_news/online-game-fortnite-special-report
KidsMatter
How thinking affects feelings:
Understanding that what we think affects how we feel and how we behave helps children and adults learn effective ways of managing emotions. Helpful thoughts lead to more positive feelings and effective behaviours.
Some examples of unhelpful thinking and more helpful alternatives are listed in the table below:
|
Kinds of unhelpful thinking to look out for |
What a child might think or say |
A helpful alternative |
|
Overgeneralising |
I failed this maths test – I am hopeless at everything! |
I may have failed the maths test but I’m good at other things. |
|
Black or white thinking |
I forgot to say my line. Now the whole play is ruined. |
I made one mistake. It doesn’t mean the whole thing is ruined. |
|
‘Shoulds’ and ‘musts’ |
They should have known not to start the game without me. |
I would have liked them to wait for me, but I can still join in. |
|
Personalising |
It’s my fault she got hurt. I should have warned her. |
It was an accident. It’s nobody’s fault. |
|
Magnification |
The project is so huge I don’t know where to start. I might as well give up. |
I can manage this if I take it step by step. |
|
Minimisation |
Who cares if I won an award for ‘most improved’? It doesn’t mean anything. |
I may not have got the best marks, but I’ve still done well. |
|
Catastrophising |
The other team looks so good. There’s no way we can win. |
It will be a tough match, but we can still try our hardest. We might do better than we think. |
Parent/Teacher Interviews
Reports went home last Friday. Parent/Teacher Interviews will be next Tuesday and Wednesday. Booking an appointment with your child’s teacher is online this year.
Follow the link below;
https://stmpscampbell.sessionkeeper.com.au/
School Uniform
Thank you for ensuring your child/ren are in the correct Winter uniform. If at any time you require clothing from the second-hand clothing pool, contact Julie Ogden in the front office.
Athletics Carnival
What a wonderful carnival we had at Merici College today. Thankyou to all of our parent volunteers who helped make the day a great success. Also a thankyou to our Carnival co-ordinators Kirsty Poole, Donna Victory and Caitlin Brown for their organisation and running of the day.
Rostrum
St Thomas More’s School community would like to congratulate Hannah Hosick for being selected to represent our school at the Quarter Final for ACT Rostrum.
Congratulations to Hannah and all the Year 5/6 students who prepared speeches.
Yours sincerely,
Julie Wiley
Principal.