iPads 2023

Grade 2 Parents and all Columba Families

At Columba Catholic Primary School, we understand that the need for our students to have the opportunity to be exposed to up to date technology. Digital Technology now forms a vital part of a high quality, fully rounded education in the 21st century. Young people are using mobile technology to assist them in life and learning, and 2020-2021 has seen many examples of this.

With the introduction of tablet computing and mobile device technology into the world market, we as a school need to ensure that our students are using rich and relevant technology to complement their learning.  

Our 1:1 iPad Program achieves this by: 

• Providing students with access to their own iPad device. This will ensure that students can create, collaborate and have access to ‘Anytime, Anywhere’ learning.
• Providing wireless Internet access that connects all students and teachers.
• Allowing students to access information at hand and provide them with the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of the curriculum. 
• Provide all students with opportunities for rich and relevant learning that is engaging and promotes excellence.

As a school we have investigated several methods to enact the 1:1 iPad program, and know that a viable solution is a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model. This will require families to purchase an iPad, if they do not already have full time access to one, for their child if they are in grades 3-6 in 2023.

Attached to this is alert is a comprehensive letter which outlines

• Directions on how to access or school iPad Purchasing Portal
• Which older iPads the school will support
• Time line for your child needing an iPad
• The appropriate iPad for purchase

 2023 iPad Parent Letter - Purchasing Support and Information

We also encourage all families to visit the school's eLearning Lounge. It is best viewed on a pc however it will work on a mobile device.

The E-Learning Lounge has resources for

• General iPad and iPad case information
• Child Safety
• Learning Resources and App information
• Parent Information to help setup iPads

You are able to visit our eLearning Lounge from our school website, or using the direct link. Both are provided below.

School Website - https://columbacpsbunyip.schoolzineplus.com/digital-technologies-dtcafe

Direct Link - https://columbahome.wixsite.com/dtcafe

Stronger Standards, safer children

Victoria’s Child Safe Standards are a set of mandatory requirements to protect children and young people from harm and abuse.

The Child Safe Standards (the Standards) commenced in Victoria in January 2016. After six years, we have seen how the Standards improve safety for children and young people.

Changes have been made to make the Standards even stronger. The new Child Safe Standards came into force on 1 July 2022 and organisations now need to comply with these new Standards.

The new Child Safe Standards

There are now 11 Standards, which include new requirements such as:

• involving families and communities in organisations’ efforts to keep children and young people safe
• a greater focus on safety for Aboriginal children and young people
• managing the risk of child abuse in online environments.

Victoria has over five years’ experience of mandatory Standards, so many organisations will already have well developed child safety frameworks. Most organisations will need to make some changes to comply with the new Standards.

The new Standards are outlined in the information sheet below.

• The 11 Child Safe Standards
• New Child Safe Standards Information Sheet (PDF, 146kb)
• New Child Safe Standards Information Sheet (Word, 132kb)
• Translated information sheets

What does this mean for Columba?

We are currently working very hard to ensure all our policies and procedures are inline with the new 11 Child Safe Standards. Over the next month, you will see changes to our school web page, specifically our policies and Child Safe sections.

We are developing ways of being more culturally sensitive through the school and working to develop procedures that involve the community in the safety of our children

We have also appointed a new Child Safe Champion, Kate Muccignat. Kate is a brilliant prep teacher but one of many Columba staff who believe keeping our children safe should be the priority for all of us. We know that Kate will do an amazing job as another key part of the Columba Leadership Team.

For more information, please visit the Commission for Young People CHILD SAFE STANDARDS Website

To assist Cardinia Shire Council’s team of School Crossing Supervisors, Cardinia Shire will be campaigning a new message each fortnight.  Although we should all know the road rules, there are some drivers who may not be aware, and this may be the reason that illegal parking is often a problem. Schools will be emailed with all the School Crossing Rules and introduce the Cardinia Shire Council Crossing Supervisors in your school area.