At St Philip Neri Catholic School, we use Information, Communication and Learning Technology (ICLT) to enhance our school curriculum. All children from Kindergarten to Year 6 have regular opportunities to use ICLT to assist with their learning. This is an exciting and dynamic part of our school’s teaching and learning environment. The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) has recognized the importance of skilling children in the use of ICLT and teaching children to be critical users of technology. Many resources have been devoted to improving the use and application of ICLT in CSO schools.

This year, the CSO has introduced a service to all Catholic schools called CASTnet. This is a cross-diocesan project developed in partnership with the Wagga Wagga and Wollongong Dioceses. It provides a safe on-line learning environment for Catholic schools. CASTnet has a very powerful firewall protecting users from inappropriate materials. There are tools available that make tracking Internet use very closely. We are acutely aware of the possible hazards associated with using the Internet and accessing on-line materials. We take protecting children very seriously.

As part of the implementation of CASTnet, the Director of Schools, Br. Tony Whelan, has directed that all users of CSO Internet and Network services complete an Acceptable User Agreement (AUA). All staff and students at St Philip Neri Catholic School have been asked to complete and return these agreements. This will be an ongoing, annual requirement. You will find an age appropriate version of the AUG for each of your children with this Newsletter. There is also a parent agreement, acknowledging your consent for your child to use ICLT whilst at school. We would ask that you go through the agreement with your child and ensure that your child has a sound understanding of his/ her responsibilities when using ICLT. Teachers have already spoken to the children about the agreement. If you have any questions or concerns about the AUA or the use of ICLT, please feel free to contact the school who will be happy to discuss these with you.

ICLT is an exciting, new direction in education. Throughout the year you will be hearing of new initiatives in this area. The ultimate goal is to make learning as effective and engaging as possible for the children.