Term 1 is well and truly under way, with students already working hard towards their goals, staff have been busy writing learning plans and establishing relationships within their classes.

Our first school review day kicks off on Monday with Validation Day at Terang with our panel of experts, the idea of the panel is to review our past 4 years of education and develop a new plan for the next 4 years. There will be a focus on wellbeing and learning, celebrating our strengths and identifying areas for improvement within the school. On Monday 4^th March we welcome all parents to a parent forum at our Cobden Campus at 10:00am to meet with the panel and share your views and ideas. Morning tea will be provided. We encourage as many parents as possible to attend as your voice counts and matters.

Three staff members attended a literacy workshop yesterday to identify ways and structures that we can teach literacy more effectively to improve our students reading and writing. We are very excited to return with some ideas that will support our students in this area.

Please note the change of date for our Cobden SSG (parent teacher interviews) this is now on Wednesday 6^th March, please book a time with your teacher through the XUNO app.

Take care,

Kylie Carter

Principal.

Safer Internet Day, which takes place in February of each year, aims to raise awareness of a safer and better internet for all, and especially for children and young people.

The impacts on mental health, specifically in adolescents and young people, have been clearly identified in recent years. Beyond Blue reports that excessive screen time and social media use have been associated with increased rates of anxiety, depression and poor sleep quality among people in Australia. 

Social Media Usage: 

98% of Aussies aged 18-24yrs use social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram & SnapChat being the most popular for this demographic). 

Screen Time:

61% of young people (18-25yrs) reported spending more than 5 hours per day online, including social media, gaming and other activities**

Cyberbullying

1 in 5 young Australians (aged 8-17) experienced cyberbullying in the previous year.*** Cyberbullying has been linked to increased levels of anxiety, depression and other mental health issues among young people.  

Fear of Missing Out (FOMO)

69% of young Aussies reported feeling stressed about the pressure to stay connected and keep up with social media.**** 

We encourage everyone, including parents and caregivers, teachers, educators, policy makers and peers, to raise awareness and promote safer and more responsible use of online technology and digital platforms.

CSEF Application Form

Immunisation Day - Date to be advised.

Learn more about the Secondary School Immunisation Program in Victoria at: www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/immunisation-in-secondary-schools

The canteen is only open Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

Download the price list here

All students are invited to participate on Tuesday 27^th February from 11am. We will split into groups and clean up areas of Cobden and around our school. A free BBQ with sausages will be available for all students afterwards. Can all students please ensure that they bring a water bottle to school.