Digital Learning and E-Smart

We are very proud to announce that Maiden Gully Primary School is officially recognised as an accredited eSmart School by DET and the Alannah and Madeline Foundation.
We feel confident that our students, staff and the wider school community are now well supported to be smart, safe and responsible users of digital technology. 
We encourage everyone in the school community and beyond to continue to uphold and promote eSmart behaviours. 
National eSmart Week 2017 had students dressing in purple and orange and discussing the different behaviours and habits they should practise to stay safe online.
New Pedagogies for Deeper Learning
Maiden Gully Primary School is part of a worldwide project known as the New Pedagogies for Deeper Learning (NPDL) project. This project is lead by experts in education, including Michael Fullan and Prof. John Hattie. It involves 10 countries worldwide and 100 selected schools across Australia. 
We provide learning opportunities that take children's learning from surface to deep learning using the '6C' Capabilities of Citizenship, Character, Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration and Communication. We believe that Deeper Learning is accelerated and enhanced through the use of Digital Technologies.
A strong Deep and Digital Learning platform requires a strong backbone and support to underpin the expectations and use of digital technologies from Foundation to Year 6.
Guidelines for the Effective Supervision of Students Using Mobile Technologies
These guidelines detail what Maiden Gully Primary School expects of their teachers when supervising students using mobile technologies. 
  • Netbooks are not to be used outside unless under supervision.
  • Students are to sit in a position where their netbook screen can easily be seen by supervisors.
  • All student mobile phones and other mobile devices brought to school need to be handed in to the Office at the beginning of each day.

To support students in their learning journey of netbook use, we suggest parents use a similar approach at home and encourage students to use their devices in main living areas.

E-Smart Committee
We believe that the "best" possible outcomes from all children's education are very much enhanced by a strong partnership between parents, teachers and students. The E-Smart Committee is made up of students, parents, teachers and principal. The committee meets to discuss and action key priorities that influence a variety of areas, these include; planning, curriculum, ICT, cyber-safety, bullying, policy, protocols and procedures.  

Each person at Maiden Gully Primary School , be they students, parents or teachers, has a right to be safe, happy and to be treated fairly with dignity and respect. Behaviour that infringes on the safety of others, such as harassment, bullying and illegal or anti-social behaviour of any kind be that physical, verbal or of a cyber nature, will not be tolerated.
We promote effective learning through:
  • Providing appropriate curriculum, based on DET requirements, to meet the needs of each student.
  • Encouraging the presentation of this curriculum in a way which motivates and encourages the active participation of children in the learning process.
  • Supporting children in achieving success in learning and rewarding positive achievements and behaviour.
  •  Clearly stated school rules which are fair, clear and consistently applied.
  • Sanctions and support for students who break the school rules.
  • Consistent and clear systems of communication to and with parents.
  • A 3-way model of helping a child succeed involving the student, parents/caregivers and school personnel.
Digital Citizenship and Cyber-Safety Resources, suggested by E-Smart Student Representatives
Budd:e – This website is good for introducing children to cyber safety and keeping their netbooks protected. Children get to ‘build’ a buddy as they complete tasks. 
Cyber [Smart:] - from Australian Government ACMA. Lots of information and games to reinforce safe online behaviour.
Young Kids Think Cyber Smart – also from Australian Government ACMA. Good for lower end of school. Lots of videos and games included.
Bullying. No Way! – general site on bullying. This website has sections appropriate for different age levels.
Digizen – has lots of information, videos and activities for teachers, parents and students. Great for upper primary.
BullyStoppers - from the Victorian DET for Students, Parents and School Personnel. This website has sections appropriate for different age levels.
Office of Children's eSafety Commissioner - Commonwealth Government site with support for parents. Contains support and steps for reporting inappropriate content or online behaviour.