Leticia Nischang

Dear Students and Families,

As we embrace technology in our learning environment, it is crucial that we use digital platforms responsibly and in accordance with school policies.

Digital Responsibility and Respect

Recent incidents have raised concerns about the misuse of our college’s digital assets and resources. I want to remind our community of the expectations and responsibilities that come with using technology at school.

Unauthorised Use of the School Logo and Social Media Posts

The Catholic Schools of Maitland-Newcastle (CSMN) and other appropriate authorities are actively investigating recent incidents involving the unauthorised use of the school logo on TikTok and other social media platforms. Some students have also posted photos of students and staff without their consent. These actions breach CSMN and College policies and may have legal consequences. The school logo represents our community and should only be used with proper authorisation. Posting images or videos of others without consent violates privacy policies, constitutes defamation, and can lead to disciplinary action. We urge students to think carefully before sharing content online and to respect others' rights and privacy. Please talk to your children about their TikTok use and the importance of developing respectful relationships.

Caring for Devices -Personal and School Laptops

Another concern is the neglect of laptops. Some students do not charge their personal devices before school, increasing the demand for borrowing school laptops. Additionally, borrowed devices are not always returned at the end of the day or are not handled with care.

Students must take responsibility for technology, ensuring their own devices are charged and ready for lessons, as we only have a very limited amount of school laptops that can be borrowed. School devices will not be available to students who misuse, damage or take them home.

Our Commitment to Digital Responsibility

As a College, we are committed to fostering a culture of digital responsibility, guided by our Catholic values of compassion, courage, hospitality, and faith in action. We ask students to be mindful of their online actions and take proper care of school resources. By demonstrating compassion, we respect others' privacy and dignity; with courage, we make ethical digital choices; through hospitality, we create an inclusive and safe digital space; and with faith in action, we uphold integrity and responsibility in all we do.

For guidance on responsible digital practices, please feel free to contact me at any time leticia.nischang@mn.catholic.edu.au

Thank you for your cooperation in maintaining a safe and respectful digital environment.

United in Mercy

Mrs Leticia Nischang