Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome back to the final term for the year. I have no doubt that, following on from the previous three terms, the next nine weeks will be filled with a continued strengthening of faith, great learning, positive friendships and fun times.

As was indicated at the end of Term 3, our school’s finance and student management system in the office has changed in line with diocesan system changes. This should not have any significant impact on you, however I would ask that you be patient with our office staff as they become more familiar with this new system, particularly in the area of fee billing and payments.

Recently our diocese launched a Social Media Policy. A small number of parents attended a workshop at the end of last term to hear about the impact that this policy has on ensuring the dignity and safety of everyone in our school and parish community is being maintained. A flyer outlining aspects of the policy is attached in this Newsletter, and I would like to highlight the following key points:

• The Social Media Policy encourages the use of social media for open and productive dialogue to help create vibrant Catholic school communities of faith and learning.
• It sets an expectation that users of social media respect the dignity of all people at all times.
• Any social media presence associated with the school must be approved by the Principal. This includes social media pages that are created by groups of parents using the school name eg "Holy Family Year 6 Parents Group."
• Parents/carers are expected not to post content on social media of other students without the express consent of their parents/carers.

It is also worth noting that each school year:

• every student and their parent/carer will be required to sign the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) Student Responsible Use of Technology Agreement;
• parents/carers will be expected to sign and return the Consent Form for use of Student’s Image and/or Work;
• every student will be required to engage in the CEDoW Digital Citizenship Program.

This Friday, 25 October, is recognised as World Teachers Day. Teaching, along with parenthood, has a siginificant impact on the future of individuals and society. I encourage the students to think of some way in which to acknowledge the dedication of their teachers - something simple like a handwritten note, prayer or card.

Wishing you a safe and rewarding fortnight,

Paul Moroney

Principal