Where Learning Embraces Smart Use of Technology

Forest Crescent PS Digital Technology

Forest Crescent Primary has seen a structured and progressive rollout of technology that has been supported by school policy and action plans, developed in conjunction with the teaching staff and the ICT committee, which reflects the societal change, best instructional pedagogy and relevance to the students’ learning. This rollout has been supported by planned maintenance and upgrade of hardware, network and software as deemed necessary to meet the needs of student learning.

Online learning has been more evident with the use of learning programs involving Mathematical and Literacy Software, as well as assessment using ACER Online Literacy and Numeracy Testing. Progress has been made in the Home/School link with Information Technologies being used to communicate student learning via the use of email, newsletters, Microsoft PowerPoint and multimedia presentations on school assemblies and open nights.

In 2020 the school is continuing to utilise Digital Technology with an emphasis on cross-curricular links, through developing coding skills through online learning (Years 2-6), and involvement with various interactive robots (Years 1-6) in classrooms utilising Sphero, Dash & Dot and Lego EV3 Mindstorm. Year 2 to Year 6 students are also involved with an online typing program to increase their typing accuracy and speed; certainly, as online NAPLAN testing becomes mandatory.

Throughout 2020, as part of amalgamating Digitial Technology into the curriculum, various teachers have been involved with developing STEM learning programs in the class that integrate concepts and skills of Science, Technology (both digital and construction) Engineering and Maths.

The school’s Internet site development has progressed to allow easy access to the whole school community.

Parent support in this learning area is evident by the acceptance and use of our up-to-date technologies, which include the school app, email, website and Eftpos facilities.

All K – 6 classrooms (30 classes), staffroom and specialist staff have installed Smart Boards (through Parent’s & Citizen’s Association funding) and the use of technologies is increasing as staff and students become more proficient; utilising educational internet resources and staff-made resources to enhance learning.

Whilst the school has a fully functional Ethernet-based LAN permitting 2-4 PCs per classroom, plus mini-labs in block common areas, and a class-size lab in the library, the newly installed wireless access across all teaching blocks plus Administration has permitted the use of new technologies throughout the school, such as the regular refreshing of new iPads with educational apps being purchased that best support learning and collectively chosen by junior, middle and senior primary staff, in addition to sixty laptops and the use of networked TV’s in all learning areas. The school has also changed over to the SOE4 configuration for the management of our computer infrastructure and devices. In 2023 the senior primary block was provided with sixty-six new notebooks to facilitate better access to digital-based learning.

Forest Crescent Website is Available on Your Smartphone, Tablet and PC with a Responsive Layout

The Forest Crescent Primary website will display intuitively on all devices. The website uses CSS media queries to trigger different layout sets at various screen sizes. No longer will you need to zoom and scroll around when browsing on your tablet or mobile phone.  Works on modern Android and IOS phones (iPhones & Smartphones).

Important Notice

When loading the school’s web address on any devices, other than a PC, you will find links to (under “Navigation Menu);

• School Purpose, Forest Crescent Forms, Parent Information, Information Brochures, Canteen News, Uniform Shop and School Banking Information, Reminders & FCPS Events~The calendar that lists events happening at FCPS.
• Tap on “Home” to return to the home page.

Any major issues please send an email via Forest Crescent Primary’s email address.

Forest Crescent Primary Embraces Smart Use of Technology Through CYBERSAFETY

In the interests of our children’s online safety, regular Cyberbullying tips have been included in newsletters and cyber-incursions provided for, middle to senior classes when available. This page features some initiatives and information that may assist in keeping children and parents aware of cybersafety. Cybersafety is the safe and responsible practice regarding the use of the Internet and all information and communication technology devices (including computers, mobile phones, digital cameras and webcams)

Cybersmart is part of the Australian Government’s cyber safety program. Cybersmart provides activities, resources and practical advice to help young kids, kids, teens and parents safely enjoy the online world.

Of the 53,111 counselling contacts received by young people during 2009, a total of 2,176 (4.1%) recorded either bullying or cyberbullying as the main reason for contact. Consistent with other research findings, girls have been found to experience cyberbullying slightly more often than boys.

The online survey and data from Kids Helpline suggest that most cyberbullying occurs in late primary school and early high school. During the 2009 year, the most common age group to contact Kids Helpline regarding cyberbullying were 10/14-year olds (50.6%), followed by 15/18-year-olds (44.2%). While many of the dynamics remain the same across the ages, cyberbullying in the primary school years usually focused on appearances while cyberbullying in the secondary years tends to focus on the way people act, especially if they do not fit the norm.

In April 2019, Paul Litherland an ex-police officer hosted a Partnerships with Parents workshop about the increasingly complex and vitally important topic of cyber-safety Paul also offered some great tips and hints to help you maintain your sanity and peace of mind that your kids are doing what is expected of them. See Surf Online Safe Website for further information. An additional reference is the Australian Government eSafety Website.

Continuing in the same vein, another informative site is the National Safety Online Site (UK based). Below are information pages about various social media. There are more guides on the site, and they are regularly updated. Most social media sites and apps are limited to 13+ years, above the ages of most of our students, and therefore shouldn’t be accessed by our students. Providing this information is not an acknowledgement that Forest Crescent Primary endorses social media use by our students. Rather, it provides information that allows parents and children to realise social media apps and sites’ issues.