Digital Learning - Term 4, 2020, Vol 72, No 4 - P&C Federation
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Term 4, 2020, Vol 72, No 4 Digital Learning Page 10 NSW P&C Volunteer of the Year 2020 Page 8 Online Safety Page 13 Career Planning Page 20
Parent & Citizen Journal Special
6 19
Parent & Citizen Journal
The Journal of the Federation of
Parents and Citizens Associations of
New South Wales
T: 1300 885 982
CONTENTS
F: 1800 655 866
E: journal@pandc.org.au President’s Message 4
W: www.pandc.org.au
Minister’s Message - Sarah Mitchell 5
Share your story with us Secretary NSW Department of Education – Mark Scott 6
The Parent & Citizen Journal is published
once a term and is a great way to CEO NSW Education Standards Authority – Paul Martin 7
showcase what your P&C Association
and school community is up to. If your P&C Volunteer / Dinner Awards 8
school, students or P&C Association is
doing something special this year, share Newly Incorporated P&C Associations 9
your story and photos with us and fellow
school communities. Digital Learning 10
Article and advertising submission dates Growing Up in Digital Australia 11
Term 1 2021: 16/11/2020 E-Safety 13
Term 2 2021: 22/02/2021
Term 3 2021: 17/05/2021 Governor’s Letter to Year 12 14
Term 4 2021: 09/08/2021
Term 1 2022: 15/11/2021 Education Week 15
Contributions and feedback to: New Communication Channels a Voice for NSW Students 16
E: journal@pandc.org.au
Internet Access Gap 18
Advertising
E: journal@pandc.org.au
Webinar Schedule 18
T: 1300 885 982
Principal Profile 19
Follow us on
MyFuture Careers 20
Facebook: @NSWPandCFed
Careers Advisers 22
Twitter: @NSWPandCFed
Instagram: @pandcnsw
The views expressed in the journal are
not necessarily those of the Federation
of Parents and Citizens Associations of
New South Wales
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Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020 3
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
By Tim Spencer
A s we approach the end of what can fairly
be called a tumultuous year, I must
commend the resilience and adaptability of
We are also reviewing the constitution of
P&C Federation. The draft changes being
proposed provide a significant streamlining
parents and P&C Associations in the face of of P&C Federation processes, with one major
uncertainty and rapidly-changing pandemic change being the ability for P&C Association
restrictions. members to attend and participate in
P&C Federation’s Annual General
The COVID-19 crisis impacted virtually all
Meeting. This will give P&C Association
aspects of Australian life in 2020, and P&C
members a more active and direct say in
Associations were no exception. From the
P&C Federation’s activities. We will
difficulty of holding regular meetings, to the
provide periodic updates to all our
revenue lost from the lack of fundraising,
members on the progress of this change.
or the restricted functioning of P&C-run
canteens, uniform shops or band committees, P&C Federation President,
it has been a challenge for P&C Associations Tim Spencer
to maintain their normal business operations.
On 26 February next year, pandemic
Many P&C Associations have nonetheless We will continue to restrictions allowing, we intend to host the
worked hard to continue to support their
monitor the impact of Awards Dinner for NSW P&C Volunteer of the
school communities to the best of their ability.
Year 2020. This occasion is a great opportunity
COVID-19 and support
Understanding that some P&C Associations to acknowledge the efforts of those parents,
may find it challenging to meet their most
our members as best we care givers and citizens who go above and
basic obligations, P&C Federation took the can under these difficult beyond in volunteering their time to their
step of offering membership fee relief to those school community and its students. If there
circumstances.
members who are in a dire financial position is a parent or citizen in your P&C Association
due to the impact of COVID-19. This will enable who you believe deserves this award, be sure
P&C Associations with significant hardship to submit your nomination to P&C Federation
to maintain their membership and stay no later than 30 November 2020. (see p8 for
On 29 August, P&C Federation held its
incorporated with public liability insurance. more details).
Annual General Meeting and, in a historic
We will continue to monitor the impact of
first, it was held virtually. I must thank Nominations will be reviewed by a panel
COVID-19 and support our members as best
all our board members and delegates for of independent judges, who will draw
we can under these difficult circumstances.
adapting and responding so readily to the up a shortlist of finalists from each of
In spite of the challenges, we have been new circumstances created by the COVID-19 P&C Federation’s 16 electorates, before
determined not to allow the COVID-19 crisis crisis. announcing the final winner at the Awards
to hinder the work we do for our members Dinner. Finalists living more than 200km from
We were honoured to have as guest
and for public education. One major ongoing the conference venue will receive assistance
speakers the NSW Minister for Education
project is a review of the constitutions of our with travel.
and Early Childhood Learning, The
P&C Association members.
Honourable Sarah Mitchell MLC, and the In the meantime, I thank the P&C Federation
Our objective is to make these documents Executive Director for the Public staff who have worked hard throughout the
more modern and fit for purpose and allow Education Foundation, David Hetherington, year to help our P&C Association members.
P&C Associations to operate more effectively. both of whom discussed the challenges I also wish everybody a happy and productive
We have asked our members for their views of the COVID-19 crisis for public Term 4, and a happy, safe and healthy holiday
on how the Constitution could be improved, education. P&C Federation’s Annual period with your families.
and we have received numerous submissions Report and audited financial reports were
from members which will help shape the tabled at this meeting and are currently Tim Spencer
review. Within the coming year we hope to be available on P&C Federation’s website: P&C Federation President
able to submit recommended changes to the https://www.pandc.org.au/pc-federation-
Minister for gazettal. annual-general-meeting-2/
4 Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020
THE CORNERSTONE
OF OUR COMMUNITIES
By the Honourable Sarah Mitchell, MLC, NSW Minister for Education and Early Childhood Learning
A s Minister for Education, 2020 has
reiterated to me that schools really are
the cornerstone of our communities. The
across NSW, whether they were learning in the
classroom or at home. A dedicated taskforce
was created at the Department of Education to
The Learning From Home Digital Hub became
a reality within a week and was the central
platform of the NSW Government’s response
partnership between parents, students and ensure the continuity of learning and teaching to remote learning. The hub is recognised as
public schools has been absolutely critical as during this period; bringing together the best world-class, best practice and has been viewed
we continue to feel the impacts of the ongoing expertise in curriculum, online learning, web by thousands of educators in countries such as
drought, bushfires, floods, and of course the design, IT, business and system support. the United States, United Kingdom and India.
COVID-19 pandemic. There has been strong interest from education
The taskforce’s attention focused on adaptive
providers in other jurisdictions, including New
In this time of recovery and response to learning technologies and innovations, including
Zealand, and the department shared resources
challenges it has never been more important online learning platforms, curriculum resources
with NSW Catholic and Independent schools.
to acknowledge the great work of our public and access to support services.
education community. NSW has the largest Based on the success of the innovative
In addition to providing schools with access to
education system in Australia, with more than Learning From Home Digital Hub, the Higher
state-of-the-art digital delivery platforms, we
90,000 teachers and support staff delivering School Certificate Hub has also been created,
also distributed tens of thousands of computers
high-quality education to more than 815,000 providing teachers and students with additional
and internet dongles to ensure students,
students across 2216 schools. When we add curriculum resources and support. Importantly,
particularly in regional and remote NSW, could
in parents and carers, this is a community of this hub enhances equity by enabling teachers
learn from home with ease.
1.7 million people. and students across NSW – in particular from
We gave staff the opportunity to partake in rural and remote areas – to access subject
Education has triumphed amidst challenging
more than 100 webinars in a 20-day period to expertise from other schools.
circumstances this year, and it is fantastic to
develop their technological capabilities during
see how strong and adaptable our families and Innovations introduced as part of the NSW
the learning-from-home period. We also offered
schools have been. Teachers and support staff Government’s response to the pandemic, such
anytime, on-demand professional learning in
transitioned quickly to online lessons, parents as anywhere, anytime professional learning,
curriculum, assessment, wellbeing and use of
and carers took on the huge responsibility of virtual tele-counselling and virtual state-wide
technology, with more than 38,000 teachers
helping their children with learning from home, staffrooms, will continue into the future.
completing a course. A virtual tele-counselling
and students adjusted to different ways of
service was also introduced to ensure the Parents play such a critical role in education
learning.
continuity of care and wellbeing for staff and – you are the first teachers and we know
With my eldest daughter being in Year 1, my students. from research that children and young people
family also had to make some big adjustments achieve more at school when their families are
The centrepiece of our strategy to quickly
to our everyday lives. However, it was humbling invested in their education.
transition to remote learning was the Learning
to know our local public school was there to
From Home Digital Hub, a repository of quality I sincerely thank the many thousands of P&C
support us whenever we needed. Whilst it has
resources and key information to guide and members and volunteers around NSW. Your
no doubt been a challenging time, it has been
support principals, teachers, parents and carers. hard work, tireless enthusiasm and dedication
really exciting to see in practice how well we can
There have been more than 3.4 million page to your school communities is always greatly
all adjust and step up when we need to.
views and 845,000 users have downloaded appreciated.
In March 2020, the NSW Government more than 500,000 education resources.
This message was originally published as the
implemented a number of strategies to respond
The hub’s innovative 25 virtual, state-wide foreword in the Federation of Parents and
to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 pandemic and
staffrooms enabled teachers across the state Citizens Associations of NSW Annual Report
meet the needs of students, school staff and
to collaborate and share information and 2020. Reprinted with permission from the
parents and carers.
resources. There are currently 31,000 members Minister, Sarah Mitchell
A key focus was how to ensure education in the virtual staffrooms and this number is
continued for public school students right growing daily.
Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020 5
A PATHWAY THROUGH THE PANDEMIC
By Mark Scott
T he impact of the COVID-19 pandemic con-
tinues to be felt across the community,
and there is no arguing it is changing our edu-
of necessity really has been the proverbial
mother of invention – and now we’re seeing
teachers harnessing the positives from that
cation system. unexpected experiment to improve learning
back in the classroom.
We’ve seen a big focus on technology, and
in NSW the period of learning from home Looking forward, the pandemic has also
highlighted disparity among students in their had an effect on our students’ hopes and
access to technology. In some communities aspirations for their future. We’ve spoken
the school was the only place where for a long while about the need for our kids
broadband and wi-fi were reliable. In some to be equipped for a rapidly-changing world
families, multiple siblings were sharing one and I think now we can all see that the post-
device. school world of work that our students enter
will be one that’s subject to rapid change and
For some school communities the immediate Mark Scott, Secretary
evolution. To survive and thrive our students
solution was an analogue one. For others, NSW Department of Education
need to have the skills and mindsets to adapt
like Warilla North Public School, the solution to change, complexity and dynamism.
was to provide digital access by loaning That is something we are responding to
every student a laptop. At Warilla North, their That’s part of the reason vocational education and indeed, the NSW Education Standards
decision has really brought the community is once again a hot topic. For a long time, school Authority (NESA), federal and state
together and inspired the students on their curriculum has been driven by a focus around governments all agree we need to improve
learning journey. university entrance and an ATAR ranking. Yet the range of vocational courses on offer for
many people, including vice-chancellors, have students, particularly in the senior years of
Even where digital access has been achieved, told me that the ATAR is given far too much secondary school.
the critical issue remains – how do we best importance and the HSC not enough. That
use technology to support learning outcomes? The idea that vocational courses are only
is a view supported in the recent curriculum
Across our system, schools used these tools for the non-academic is for a different time.
review, which also called for a stronger focus
to keep students learning and engaged in There would be students who want to go to
on the range of vocational education courses
the learning-from-home period. That period university and do very advanced courses, who
that are on offer.
would also benefit from doing the right kind of
vocational education courses.
That is why we need to extend the range of
courses on offer, and support the teachers
in our schools who are offering vocational
education. We also need to do more in
partnership with organisations like TAFE.
We are already moving in this direction with
investments in physical infrastructure in two
schools, one in Sydney and the other on the
North Coast, so they can offer more vocational
education classes.
So many disruptions to our world can make
it appear that everything is changing. Yet I
can reassure parents and carers that the
core promise we make – that every student
is known, valued and cared for – remains the
same.
Mark Scott
Secretary NSW Department of Education
The school bought new laptops to loan to its 165 students so they could learn from home
6 Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020
NESA NEWS
By Paul Martin
H ello to all parents and carers.
From raging bushfires, the worst in living
that our students can focus on looking after
themselves, submitting their assessments,
and completing their exams. Even if things
memory for this state, to widespread flooding change, they will still be able to receive their
and into a global pandemic, what a year it has HSC.
been. Our collective appreciation must go to
the teachers of this state, parents, carers and Students can use our exam day guide (https://
of course students who have demonstrated educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/
to all of us the meaning of dedication and nesa/covid-19/coronavirus-advice/hsc/
resilience. covid-19-safe-hsc-exams) to find out what to
do if their school is closed, they are unwell or
COVID-19, as we are all aware, is still present required to self-isolate on the day of a HSC
in our communities so it is paramount that exam. The COVID-19 illness and misadventure Paul Martin, CEO
our students continue to be COVID safe at all process (https://educationstandards.nsw. NSW Education Standards Authority
times. It is incumbent upon us all to follow the edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/11-12/hsc/rules-
remaining calm and focused in the lead-up to
advice from the NSW Government (www.nsw. and-processes/illness-misadventure) has
and during their exams. I encourage parents
gov.au) and for those students undertaking been updated to take into account these
and carers to also read through the guide
their HSC, to continually check the NESA circumstances.
to better understand the journey ahead for
students.
I ask parents to
continually remind their
All students have put in an incredible effort
children that their health
so far this year and, while it has not been
is the number one
an easy road, we have witnessed students,
priority – both physical
teachers, parents and carers adapting to
and mental. It’s not an
and overcoming the challenges that have
ordinary year and support
emerged.
is available.
While the year has not turned out the way
We’ve seen great
we might have expected, it will long be
examples of schools
remembered as the year of the pandemic,
getting involved (https://
the year that NAPLAN was cancelled, the year
e d u c a t i o n s t a n d a rd s .
Photo: Janie Barrett, Sydney Morning Herald that the NSW Curriculum Review became the
nsw.edu.au/wps/
NSW Curriculum Reform and the year that
website (https://www.educationstandards. portal/nesa/covid-19/coronavirus-advice/
our teachers and students overcame such
nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/home) for HSC hsc/student-wellbeing/get-involved) to help
adversity.
exam information during this dynamic time. their students lighten the mental load in the
lead-up to the exams. Our #StayHealthyHSC
Good luck to students, parents and carers
NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) campaign is focused directly on this and I
across NSW. To those taking their HSC exams
is committed to supporting the health and encourage parents and carers to direct their
and to those pursuing their learning under
wellbeing of students throughout the upcoming children to our friends at ReachOut (https://
trying and unprecedented conditions, my
written exam period and we recognise that au.reachout.com/) if they are struggling under
sincere appreciation and thanks.
uncertainty is one of the main concerns. As the pressure of this year’s HSC.
a consequence of that uncertainty, we have Paul Martin
fielded many ‘what if’ questions around the NESA has also collaborated with the Sydney Chief Executive Officer, NSW Education
possible impacts of COVID-19 on exam days. Morning Herald again this year, to produce the Standards Authority (NESA)
HSC Study Guide 2020 (https://www.smh.
While this pandemic is unpredictable, we com.au/hsc-study-guide-2020). The guide
can plan for the HSC exams. We’ve put provides valuable tips for students on how to
contingency plans in place to deal with a wide best prepare for the exams. Students will find
range of potential COVID-19 scenarios so advice from past students, as well as tips for
Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020 7
NSW P&C VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2020
NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN
Nominate someone your P&C Association believes is deserving of this title.
N ational P&C Day is celebrated every year on the first Wednesday
in March. This is a great time to acknowledge the efforts of those
parents, care givers and citizens who so generously volunteer their
selected as finalists for the title of NSW P&C Volunteer of the Year
2020, which will be announced on the evening.
The event will be held at L’Aqua – Gold Room, Cockle Bay Wharf,
time to their school community and its students.
Sydney. However, if the Awards Dinner is unable to go ahead due
P&C Federation recognises the importance of all P&C Association to COVID-19 restrictions, P&C Federation will host a virtual Awards
volunteers, and the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the Dinner to enable all our members to participate, no matter where they
contributions of our P&C Association volunteers. live in NSW.
P&C Federation invites all affiliate P&C Associations across NSW to Whether the event is an Awards Dinner or a virtual event, it will follow
nominate a candidate for NSW P&C Volunteer of the Year 2020 (see the same program format, including guest speakers, sponsors,
below for how to nominate.) A finalist from each of the 16 electorates announcement of the finalists and Volunteer of the Year winner.
will be chosen by independent judges, with the winner of the title
NSW P&C Day 2021
announced at the Awards Dinner on Friday 26 February 2021.
The annual NSW P&C Day will be held on 3 March 2021. More
Awards Dinner 2021
information about the event will be available in early 2021 in the
P&C Federation 2021 Awards Dinner on Friday 26 February 2021 is
Term 1 edition of Parent & Citizen and on P&C Federation website at
being hosted to acknowledge our NSW P&C Association volunteers
https://www.pandc.org.au/.
and to bring together P&C volunteers who have been nominated and
SUBMITTING A NOMINATION
To submit a nomination for NSW P&C Volunteer of the Year STUDENT INJURY
2020 please complete the nomination form available on P&C
Federation website at https://www.pandc.org.au/nsw-pc-
volunteer-of-the-year-2020-nomination-form/ and ensure all
INSURANCE
REMINDER
criteria is addressed and provided.
• Your P&C Association must be a financial member at the
time of the nomination and the Awards Dinner on Friday 26
February 2021.
• The decision on who to nominate must be decided by P&C RENEWABLE ON
Association members.
1 FEBRUARY 2021
• The nomination must also be signed off and confirmed
by the President as the nominated candidate by the P&C Did you know that the NSW Department
Association members. A copy of the meeting minutes must of Education DOES NOT provide
accompany the nomination. accident or medical cover for students
enrolled in government schools?
• The period in which the volunteer is being nominated for
must fall within the period of 1 January 2020 and 30 We recommend your P&C Association
November 2020. discuss and consider purchasing
Student Injury Insurance.
• Explain in 300 words or less the reason this person is being
nominated. Contact the team at Andrews
Insurance on 1300 885 982 and
• Nominations for NSW P&C Volunteer of the Year 2020 close select option 1 or email
11.59pm on Monday 30 November 2020. insurance@pandc.org.au
Judging will take place at the Federation of Parents and Citizens
Associations of NSW head office, subject to COVID-19 physical
distancing requirements at the time of judging. The judging will
be carried out by three independent judges and all decisions are
final.
8 Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020
CONGRATULATIONS NEWLY
INCORPORATED P&C ASSOCIATIONS
P&C Associations incorporated in 2020 P&C Federation Electorate
Beresford Road Public School South West Sydney
Coolah Central School New England
Granville East Public School South West Sydney
Gravesend Public School New England
Griffith North Public School Riverina We encourage all P&C Associations
Highlands School Macarthur to become incorporated, as an
Jerrys Plains Public School Hunter incorporated body can apply for
Kingsgrove North High School South West Sydney government grants, own assets
Luddenham Public School Macarthur and borrow money from financial
Martindale Public School New England
institutions. Also, if a P&C Association
Miranda North Public School Southern Sydney
is incorporated, any debt or liability of
the P&C Association will typically be
Morisset Public School Hunter
held against the P&C itself, rather than
Murrumbidgee Regional HS Riverina
individual office bearers. If you are not
Newport Public School North Sydney
currently incorporated, or are unsure if
Ropes Crossing Public School West Sydney
you are incorporated, please contact
Northern Beaches Secondary North Sydney College Cromer Campus P&C Federation on 1300 885 982 or
Smalls Road Public School North Sydney email at mail@pandc.org.au
Strathfield North Public School Sydney
Warwick Farm Public School South West Sydney
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Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020 9
STUDENT USE OF DIGITAL
TECHNOLOGY AND THE CURRICULUM
Supplied by the Department of Education
T he Student Use of Digital Devices and
Online Services policy was released by
the NSW Department of Education in January
The social and ethical protocols and
practices when using ICT are important
The Schools Digital Strategy will help:
• prepare students for work in the future
with enhanced digital literacy, critical
to being safe, responsible and respectful
2020 and is a ‘road map’ to support students online. collaboration and problem-solving skills.
to use digital technology to enhance their These include: Their education will be personalised and
learning and wellbeing. • recognising the online intellectual flexible – wherever they are
property of others online • parents and carers be more connected
Importantly, this policy also supports students • understanding storage and security to their child’s learning experience
to use their digital devices and access the of digital information through improved data and transparency.
internet safely, respectfully and responsibly – • understanding personal security and Interaction with their school will be
both in and out of school. safety seamless and immediate.
• understanding the benefits and
Our schools work hard to ensure our children consequences of the use of ICT in We continue to build our understanding
and young people develop the knowledge, the community. of both the risks and benefits for using
skills, understanding, attitudes and These capabilities are so important technology in classrooms. However, what we
behaviours to assist them to live and work in the online world our young people can do today is understand how technology
successfully into the future. experience. can be a valuable tool for educators to help
them perform the complex, human work that
There are other ‘road maps’ to support create and communicate. This includes is teaching and learning.
students to effectively and safely use digital learning activities such as research and
technology to enhance their learning and analysing data, developing solutions to Some tips to support ICT capability
wellbeing. These include the Australian problems or sharing their learning through
• Ask you child or their teacher how
curriculum and NSW syllabuses. presentations and other online tools. The ICT
they are using ICT at school and ask
capability supports our students to work by
your child to show you how it works.
The Australian Curriculum includes both themselves and in collaboration with others
curriculum frameworks (e.g. English, maths, – anywhere at any time. • Talk to your child about how the work
they do with ICT at school relates to
The NSW Education the way ICT is used at home, at work
Standards Authority and in the community.
(NESA) also • Develop your own digital literacy and
recognises that model appropriate use of ICT.
our children and • Ask your child to teach you how to
young people live in use an application they are using at
a rapidly changing school.
technological world.
• Set boundaries for internet use.
The integration of • Remind your child that not everything
ICT capabilities you read and see on the internet is
in teaching, learning and assessment in true.
science, etc.) and general capabilities
to equip young Australians to apply their NSW syllabuses can lead to enhanced • Keep the lines of communication
knowledge and skills in their learning at learning outcomes for students and support open.
school and in their lives outside of school. development of the knowledge and skills to
The general capabilities are Literacy, assist them live and work successfully in the Useful Links
Numeracy, Information and Communication, future. ITC Capability – Australian Curriculum
Creative and Critical thinking, Personal and
https://bit.ly/32X9CmW
Social capability, Ethical understanding and The NSW Department of Education has
Intercultural understanding. a new Schools Digital Strategy. It has Integrating ICT Capability - NESA
been developed to help students and https://bit.ly/3cuZRPW
Students develop their Information and their parents and carers engage in a Schools Digital Strategy - NSW
Communication Technology (ICT) capability digitally-enabled education experience. Department of Education
as they learn to use technology to investigate, https://bit.ly/3j2rmmu
10 Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER:
GROWING UP DIGITAL AUSTRALIA
By Dr Amy Graham and Professor Pasi Sahlberg
I f we agree on one thing about digital
media and technology in our lives, it is
that we cannot dismiss or ignore it. Many of
us also think that we should not be reliant
on it. The double-edged sword is sharp.
While some young people have thrived in
the online learning space, others have found
themselves lost in an online jungle of digital
entertainment, media and communication
that often distracts them from doing what
they should do.
Now, with more than 85% of children across
Australia being taught remotely at home
during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a heavy
emphasis on learning using media and digital
technology, children have entered a period
of even greater exposure to screen-based
technologies where no-one can be sure what
impact, both positive and negative, this will
have.
What is happening with our children now
is the biggest educational experiment in
history. While we know much more than
we did just five years ago about possible
impacts of digital technologies on children’s
wellbeing, health and learning, there is still
much to understand about their habits, and
the benefits and pitfalls of screen-based
technologies for them.
our research team surveyed 1876 Australian distraction in classrooms. Almost four out of
UNSW’s Gonski Institute for Education is teachers, principals and school support staff five teachers (78%) reported students’ ability
partnering with Harvard Medical School in Government, Catholic and Independent to focus on educational tasks had decreased
and the University of Alberta and Alberta schools from preschool to year 12. over the past five years.
Teachers Association on a ground-breaking
international research study called Growing The results from this survey (see graphic Other findings from our survey show nine out of
Up Digital Australia to further explore these above and key facts box next page) have 10 teachers and principals (94%) in Australia
questions. The project has the potential to given us a critical view of what is happening have observed an increase in students with
be the world’s largest study of technology, in schools and classrooms through the eyes emotional, social and behavioural challenges
learning and health impacts on K-12 students. of teachers and principals and how the in school today compared to just five years ago.
It’s supported by a number of Australian increased time spent with digital devices has Three out of five Australian educators (59%)
organisations including parent organisations, changed students and their engagement in have seen a decline in students’ readiness
teacher associations and Departments of school. It’s also given us crucial benchmark to learn and two-thirds have observed more
Education. The Federation of Parents and data as we start to understand what the children arriving at school tired.
Citizens Associations of NSW is one of those COVID-19 world and the post-COVID-19 world
supporting the project, contributing funding to will look like for children. This evidence, and our own observations
the Gonski Institute for Education for Phases in schools, make it clear that we have a
2 and 3 of the study. The addictive potential of these portable problem. But the problem can’t be solved by
devices is well known. About 84% of schools alone. Therefore, the conversation
During Phase 1 in late 2019, just months teachers surveyed told us that digital devices has to expand beyond schools.
before the COVID-19 pandemic began, (most often smartphones) were a growing continued next page
Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020 11Growing Up Digital (continued)
KEY FACTS
• 43% of Australian teachers and principals believe digital technologies enhance
their teaching and learning activities, while (in response to a separate question),
84% said they believe digital technologies are a growing distraction in the
learning environment.
• 60% of teachers believe technology has positively impacted the learning
experience for students with disabilities.
• 59% of respondents observed a decline in students’ overall readiness to learn
in the last 3-5 years.
• 78% of teachers say students’ ability to focus on educational tasks has
decreased.
• 83% of teachers agree that students’ socio-economic circumstances have some
RESOURCES
impact on access to technology they need for learning in school. There are some great resources that
can be helpful. If you need advice,
Source: Gonski Institute for Education (2020) Growing Up Digital Australia: Phase 1 Technical Report. Gonski
additional information or resources,
Institute for Education, UNSW, Sydney. This report was written by Dr Amy Graham and Professor Pasi Sahlberg.
please visit:
Phase 2 of this project is looking at young unparalleled risk to children who have not yet Gonski Institute for Education:
Australians’ use of digital technologies from found their feet in the ‘real’ world. Undertakes quality research, policy
the perspective of their parents, carers and and political advocacy, events and
grandparents who play an essential role in We are facing an evolving challenge with provides brief papers and training to
children’s development and daily behaviours technology that is not the same for everyone. help our most deserving Australian
at home and beyond. Schools can only do so Hence, there is no one-size-fits-all solution students succeed in education and
much, with many teachers recognising that to this challenge. The way forward is to have beyond: https://www.gie.unsw.edu.
habits are formed at home and the distinction better informed conversations that include au/.
between educational versus entertainment children and young people and discuss Office of the eSafety
use can be a bit fuzzy. We’ll be releasing both the benefits and dangers of digital Commissioner: The eSafety
the findings from this Phase 2 survey in late technologies in our lives. Commissioner is responsible for
2020. promoting online safety for all
The aim of the Growing Up Digital Australia Australians. It offers a comprehensive
Phase 3 of our study, from 2021-2022, will research project is to reframe issues range of resources and information on
explore the experiences of young people surrounding children’s consumption of media e-safety issues: https://www.esafety.
growing up in the digital world. and digital technologies and provide evidence- gov.au/ (see pp13-14 for more
based solutions for parents, educators and information).
The most important question is, how can we young people to live healthier, safer and
help young people to engage in a healthy, safe happier lives here in Australia. ThinkUKnow: This evidence-based
and responsible way with their digital media program provides presentations and
and technology gadgets at home and at More information information for Australian parents,
school? This must be a shared responsibility Find out more about the Growing Up Digital carers, teachers and students on
for us all. Australia project and the results from Phase 1 the technologies young people use,
here https://www.gie.unsw.edu.au/growing- the challenges they may face, and
First, we should accept that, as adults, we are digital-australia-phase-1-results-how-screen- importantly, how these challenges
the best role models for our children in forming based-technologies-are-impacting-school- can be managed: https://www.
healthy digital habits. This is not achieved by students. thinkuknow.org.au/.
allocating blame or banning young people Common Sense Media: An
from using technology (like smartphones), but Dr Amy Graham independent non-profit organisation
by providing mindful education and working Research Fellow at the Gonski Institute for dedicated to helping kids thrive in a
together on smarter sustainable solutions. Education, UNSW Sydney world of media and technology. A site
Professor Pasi Sahlberg to empower parents, teachers, and
There is much that we do not yet understand Professor of Education Policy and Deputy policymakers by providing unbiased
about how digital devices affect children, Director of the Gonski Institute for Education, information, including entertainment
their behaviours, minds and learning. UNSW Sydney and technology recommendations,
Therefore, all of us, including our children, trusted advice and innovative tools to
need to continuously learn more about that. Dr Graham and Professor Sahlberg are co- help them harness the power of media
It is important to recognise that the digital authors of Growing Up Digital Australia: Phase and technology as a positive force in
world presents both great potential and 1 Technical Report. the life of all children: https://www.
commonsensemedia.org/.
12 Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020FIGHT OR FLIGHT?
4 TIPS TO GET INVOLVED WITH YOUR CHILD’S SOCIAL MEDIA
Supplied by the eSafety Commissioner Cyberbullying team
I t’s easy for today’s parents to feel
overwhelmed or intimidated trying to stay
up to date with all the apps, games and social
media services their kids are using while also
trying to keep them safe online.
eSafety’s 2018 survey of over 3500 Australian
parents found that while the vast majority
of parents felt online safety was a critical
challenge, less than half felt confident to deal
with cyberbullying or online threats to their
children. Nearly all of the parents surveyed
said they needed more information about
online safety, but again less than half knew
where to find it or where to go to get help. Here are some tips to get involved with using audio only). Photos / video: sharing
your child’s online world: photos; recorded videos; live stream of video
And these pressures were even more (simultaneously recorded and broadcast in
pronounced during the recent COVID-19 1) Ask your kids to list the social media real time); live video chat (audio and video
lockdown. A landmark eSafety report [released apps they use. communication).
in June] on internet use by Australians during
the pandemic found parents were twice as The average number of social media platforms Location: sharing the user’s location with
likely to feel overloaded with information used is three for young children and five for other people by automatic tracking or the
and three times more stressed than people teens. You don’t need to know about every user periodically ‘checking in’.
without children in the house. service available – just an understanding of
the handful your child actually uses. Ask your children who they can
To add to the frustration experienced by communicate with?
parents, it can often be the case that just Start with an overview. The eSafety Guide For each communication function available,
when we think we have a handle on our ask your child: can you contact, or be
(https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/
child’s favourite platform, changes in age, contacted by, someone you don’t know? How
esafety-guide) lists the most used services,
friends, or after-school activities may mean do you feel about that?
their basic functions and how to stay safe
they suddenly gravitate to new ones.
while using them.
If you’re not sure of the risks, The eSafety
While this might make social media seem Guide can help you.
2) Ask your children how they are
trivial and unworthy of our attention, it’s
communicating with others on the platform?
worth remembering that this stuff is deeply 3) Restrict to start using; report to stop
Words: reading and writing publicly visible
important them, so it should be important to abusing.
posts and comments; exchanging private
you too. If you don’t feel comfortable about allowing
messages; voice chat (talking to others
continued next page
Social media services are just tools for
communicating with other people. As an adult,
The eSafety Commissioner
you have many more years of experience at
this than your children. That adult knowledge Julie Inman Grant (pictured) is Australia’s eSafety
Commissioner. In this role, she leads the world’s first
of human nature and social interaction is
government agency committed to keeping its citizens
valuable to your child whether they know it yet safer online. eSafety also administers a complaints
or not. scheme for Australians under 18 who have experienced
cyberbullying or seriously threatening, intimidating,
Knowing how to use the app yourself isn’t harassing or humiliating online behaviour. ESafety
necessarily the aim – the kids can do the provides resources to help the young person or their
carer report the problem and has the power to require
driving, so take a back seat and help them
the abusive material to be removed. Find out more at
navigate, and avoid, the inevitable potholes. https://www.esafety.gov.au/report/cyberbullying
Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020 13Fight or Flight (continued)
certain types of communication with friends
or strangers, there’s probably a setting to MESSAGE TO NSW
restrict it. Most platforms have a ‘parents’
guide’ or a ‘trust and safety centre’ to show YEAR 12 STUDENTS
you how.
In early September this year, the Governor of
NSW, Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret
Also observe any age restrictions (especially
for under 13s). Beazley AC QC (pictured), sent the letter below
to NSW Year 12 HSC students through their
Learn how to block and report abuse through school principals. The Governor also wrote
The eSafety Guide before you need to do it two other forms of the letter: one for RoSA
to prevent panic when your child comes students working towards Year 12 completion
to you in distress over a nasty comment or and the other for International Baccalaureate
unwanted contact. (IB) students. The letters are available on the
Governor’s website at: https://www.governor.
4) Talk about it: regularly ask your kids
nsw.gov.au/governor/selected-speeches-
about their experiences using social media
and-messages/show/1267. Reprinted with
services. By letting them know they can come
permission of Government House Sydney.
to you if things go wrong online, they are less
likely to keep bad experiences hidden from
you.
While you might think the most effective
solution to keeping your child safe is to take
away their devices, there is a manageable
Message from
middle ground, but getting there takes time
and begins with small steps. Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC
Governor of New South Wales
Remember, the online world is a totally
immersive social space for young people Dear Year 12 student,
today, so set usage limitations and stick to
I am sorry that I cannot write to you individually but I did want to make contact to wish you well as you
these guidelines, but do consider the impacts come up to the final weeks of your school life, so I trust you will forgive this ‘generic’ message.
of more punitive measures and what this
Year 12 is always a challenging year but what a year you have managed to navigate! Remote learning,
might mean for future, open conversations uncertainty over exams, the cancellation of those events that were going to cap off your year - 2020 has
with your kids about what is happening been one of the most challenging presented to a high school graduating class for a long, long time. And yet,
here you are coming to the last weeks of school having survived the craziness of it all.
online.
You may be wondering who I am and why am I writing to you. My name is Margaret Beazley, and as the
Governor of New South Wales one of my roles is to recognise the achievements of the people and
This was written by the eSafety Cyberbullying Team communities of our State. What I want to say to you today is that I stand in admiration of you. You have
and originally published as a blog on 16/07/20 shown resilience and grace, you have been caring towards each other. You have demonstrated your
on the eSafety website at https://www.esafety.gov. adaptability to extraordinary change.
au/. Republished with permission of the eSafety
One of the important goals of education is to prepare you for life’s challenges. You have had more than
Commissioner. your fair share of those this year and you have already passed with flying colours! With your Trial exams
completed and your last days of school coming up, your HSC journey is drawing to a close. If your
experience is anything like mine was, (in a different century I have to admit), the coming three weeks of
Resource links study between the end of term and the first exam on 20 October will drag a little but then the exams will fly
by in a flash.
• eSafety’s 2018 parent survey is
available at: https://www.esafety. None of this is to deny the stress and anxiety of this past year – not only the usual HSC stress but on top of
that the anxiety caused by COVID-19. Look after yourself. Go for a run in the park, do some Zoom yoga,
gov.au/about-us/research/digital- recite some poetry, or just do whatever it is that gives you that ‘mindspace’ that is so important at this time.
parenting. In the coming weeks it will be a matter of one step at a time.
• eSafety’s June 2020 report Congratulations for ‘sticking with it’ and thank you for the way you have responded to this difficult year.
COVID-19: Impact on Australian This coronavirus period will pass. The future is yours to shape and as I meet young people around New
South Wales I know that in your hands, our community will be in good hands.
Adults’ Online Activities and
Attitudes is available at: https:// All very best for the months ahead. On behalf of the people of New South Wales and personally please
know that we are very proud of you.
www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/
research/covid-19-impacts-
australian-adults-online-activities-
and-attitudes. Her Excellency the Honourable Margaret Beazley AC QC
Governor of New South Wales
• The eSafety Guide is available at:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-
issues/esafety-guide.
14 Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020LEARNING TOGETHER IN
EDUCATION WEEK
Supplied by the Department of Education
F or more than 60 years Education Week
has been an annual celebration of public
education in NSW. This year Education Week
created video
segments looked
at the bushfire
was held from 3-7 August with the theme crisis, COVID-19
‘Learning together’. and the response
to learning from
The ‘Learning together’ theme reflects the
home.
incredibly testing year we’ve had so far with
bushfires, floods and the global pandemic, all Virtual perfor-
on top of ongoing drought that continues to mances featured
impact rural and regional communities. student singers,
dancers and mu-
Public school communities have responded
sicians all record- Campsie Public School was picked by actor Bryan Brown as the winner in
magnificently to the unprecedented
ing their individ- the ‘Film by’ festival
challenges of the year so far, with our parents
ual segments via
and communities working with teachers to
Zoom. These were then stitched together for
ensure continuity of learning despite the
the launch. This included a piece from NSW
disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Public School performing ensembles and ac-
Learning together reinforces the idea that claimed singer-songwriter Lior performing a
schools are the cornerstone of the community version of his song Real Love.
and parents and carers are partners in
National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
learning.
Children’s Day was acknowledged with an
This year’s celebrations looked a little different engaging Aboriginal languages video lesson The first online student film festival was
due to COVID-19 restrictions. The usual mass produced by the NSW Aboriginal Education a huge hit
school assemblies, open classrooms and Consultative Group. The 45-minute lesson
community events were put on hold with showcased an Aboriginal languages mobile
many celebrations moving online. app which includes information and games The week’s official proceedings concluded
on six Aboriginal language groups. with the Secretary Mark Scott in conversation
Education Week officially kicked off with a with secondary students from four NSW
virtual launch livestreamed to schools and A virtual student film festival showcased the schools. The Q&A saw the students put some
communities across the state. The livestream best student films around the state in the tough questions to the Secretary as they
involved students and staff from 90 schools annual ‘Film By…’ festival. Short films from spoke about changes in education, ideas for
and focused on the achievements of students, 18 schools were shown with an introduction the future and the COVID-19 pandemic and
school staff, parents and carers. by actor and patron Bryan Brown. the learning-from-home experience.
Two students hosted the launch with messages Campsie Public School took out top honours, Aside from the official virtual celebrations,
from NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian, Minister receiving the Bryan’s Pick award for its our public schools were proudly sharing
for Education and Early Childhood Learning comedy film titled Homework. Viewers at their celebrations via social media using
Sarah Mitchell, Minister for Skills and Tertiary home had their say with more than 20,000 the hashtag #EdWeek20. The hashtag was
Education Geoff Lee and NSW Department votes cast in the People’s Choice Award, trending on Twitter throughout the week and
of Education Secretary Mark Scott. Specially which went to Broken Hill North Public for its videos shared across social media platforms
film Just Another Ordinary Day. had more than 2.16 million views. There
was also strong media coverage through
P&C Federation partnered with the
newspapers, television, radio and online,
department’s Rural and Distance Education
highlighting the success of public education
team for a webinar on technology for parents
to the broader community.
and carers. Almost 1000 people registered for
the event which was specially created to give Visit the Education Week webpage to relive all
parents and carers a working understanding
the celebrations and catch up on anything you
Singer-songwriter Lior performed with 110 of the technology most commonly used by
NSW public school students in a virtual may have missed at education.nsw.gov.au/
students in NSW public schools.
performance of his song, Real Love public-schools/education-week.
Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020 15NEW COMMUNICATION
CHANNELS A VOICE FOR NSW STUDENTS
Supplied by the NSW Department of Education
S tudents at NSW public schools have
two new platforms where they can help
shape the future of education.
NSW Education Minister Sarah Mitchell
recently launched the online Student Voices
hub and a Minister’s Student Council.
Ms Mitchell said the two new platforms were
exciting and important tools for students,
giving them greater capacity to provide
feedback to government.
“Students are at the centre of everything we
do in education and these platforms empower
them to influence public policy,” Ms Mitchell
said.
“The Student Council will be the peak forum
for interaction between NSW public school
The Student Voices website has news, views, film and visual arts
students, the department and myself.” created by students, for students
Ms Mitchell said students would decide the written and performed ‘by students, for with students having the opportunity to work
exact design of the council but it is expected students’ including news, opinions, videos, with experienced journalists and editors to
that all secondary students will have the music, podcasts, and creative works. refine their ideas and articles, giving them an
opportunity to provide input. insight into publishing.
It breaks new ground in Australian education
“Delegates will be elected from a range of by providing students with a platform to As part of the development of the Student
secondary schools to form the council and communicate with each other; and a way to Voices channel, a network of student journalist
will meet with decision-makers within the influence the future of their education. teams across NSW will be established and
NSW schools system to develop policy,” Ms mentored to develop and write news articles
Ms Mitchell said student perspectives and
Mitchell said. about their communities and schools.
experiences shaped schools.
Content on the launch website includes
“The Student Voices hub will also provide
articles about student initiatives such as two
It breaks new ground in students with opportunities to refine their
brothers who raise awareness of racism by
writing and content creation skills, along with
Australian education by wearing one white and one black sock every
pitching their stories and ideas,” she said.
day; a short film by a team at Punchbowl Boys
providing students with a
The site is backed by research, co-funded High School on responsible e-gaming; student
platform to communicate reflections on what the 250th anniversary of
by the NSW Department of Education, that
with each other. shows authentic participation by students the Endeavour landing means to them; and
in their education has significant positive a podcast by Macksville HSC students about
impacts on student wellbeing and learning. completing Year 12 during COVID-19.
Sarah Redfern High School Year 10 student The site will also host monthly polls based on
The council is reinforced by the new Student
Nickie Tran is a supporter of both initiatives questions submitted by students across the
Voices hub, strengthening the ongoing
and keen to be involved. “Our voice is valid, it state.
engagement of students with the department,
each other and the wider community. matters and it deserves to be heard,” Nickie
Visit the Student Voices hub for more articles:
said.
https://education.nsw.gov.au/student-
The Student Voices hub (https://education.
The Student Voices hub will also provide wellbeing/student-voices
nsw.gov.au/student-wellbeing/student-
voices) is an online site that contains content students with real-world experience in media,
16 Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS INTERNET
ACCESS GAP FOR NSW STUDENTS
A lmost 9% of children under the age of
15 in NSW’s most disadvantaged areas,
and more than a quarter in very remote areas,
in these areas lack access to the internet,
compared to 3.8% in Sydney.
connections, but in
regards to their ed-
ucational outcomes
lack access to the internet. Nationally, the research reveals 4.8% of and opportunities
Australian children under 15 years are living throughout their
These findings, from new research by the in homes without internet access, while in school life.”
Public Health Information Development Unit the nation’s most disadvantaged areas it is
(PHIDU) at Torrens University in Adelaide, 10.1%, compared with less than 1.4% in the In releasing the
highlight the extra burden many children and most well-off areas. research, PHIDU
their families face in keeping up with school Director Professor Natalie Walker,
work and important social connections when Natalie Walker, Vice-President of the John Glover said: P&C Federation
they lack access to the internet at home. Federation of Parents and Citizens “The mental he- Vice-President
Associations of NSW and Far West Councillor, alth impacts the
The research found that overall, 4.7% of said it was disappointing that in the 21st COVID-19 pandemic is having on people right
children in NSW under the age of 15 live in century regional, rural and remote families, across the country is often discussed. What
homes without internet access and may children and young people continue to be is also concerning is the impact the lack of
therefore be in danger of social exclusion. at a disadvantage when it comes to internet internet access – and therefore the difficulty
In the most disadvantaged areas, it is 8.9%, access. in accessing learning and support networks
compared with 1.2% in the state’s most well- – can have on some of the nation’s most
off areas. “This needs to change,” Ms Walker said. “Ac-
vulnerable; our children.”
cess to the internet for our children and young
The gap in internet access is largest in the people in regional, rural and remote NSW is For more information on the PHIDU research
most remote areas. In NSW, 26.3% (almost extremely important in relation to not only
is available at www.phidu.torrens.edu.au.
a quarter) of children under the age of 15 their social and emotional development and
P&C
FEDERATION
Tell us what
WEBINARS you want ...and we’ll have your class
excursion ready to run as soon
The following P&C Federation recorded webinars are now
as circumstances permit
available for viewing by the P&C community at https://www.
pandc.org.au/pc-federation-webinar-recordings/:
SCIENCE FOOD TECHNOLOGY GEOGRAPHY
BUSINESS STUDIES AGRICULTURE HISTORY
Technology for Parents & Carers: introduces parents to DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES ECONOMICS
the technology most commonly used for classroom and online
teaching and learning. Presented in partnership with the NSW Experienced educators are ready to
Department of Education on 6 August 2020. design quality learning experiences
for your students
P&C Association Zoom Training: Presented by Zoom and Give us instructions in Curriculum unit codes
P&C Federation on 29 July 2020. (eg “ACHGK070”) or experiential learning
outcomes and let us arrange a coherent
Rural and Remote Education Strategy Consultation: sequence of visits to sites and local experts.
Covering eastern Australia, but specializing
Presented by NSW Department of Education on 30 June 2020.
in the NSW Riverina Region. Our special
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Martin, CEO NESA, on 23 September 2020.
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18 Parent & Citizen | Term 4 2020You can also read
