Chaplain Chat

“Toxic” is a word that young people use to describe some of the online communities that they are involved in. Each game or server that involves some form of communication between players can be “toxic”. Young people sometimes put up with the “toxic” environment that they are in because they really like a game, even if it causes unwanted emotions. “Toxic” environments can even contribute to mood disorders such as anxiety disorders or major depressive disorder.

At ACC we want to create an environment for students that is healthy. In DE, primarily through Canvas, we have an online community that I am proud to be a part of. ACC Connect is a course created to provide opportunities for students to connect. Providing these opportunities presents us with an element of risk. Our DE community could become like many other online communities out there and be “Toxic” or it can be something better.

Throughout the year I have seen our DE community be a supportive and encouraging community. It’s a community where students comment on each other's posts with kindness. For example, in ACC Connect we have student blogs posted every Wednesday. Kydon, a Year 8 student leader, posted about friends. He shared about the group of friends that he has in our DE community he got to meet up with at our recent Whiteman Park excursion. Multiple students commented on his blog saying that they don’t have any friends. Before I even got around to reaching out myself to offer my support and help, we had a number of students reply to their comments “I can be your friend” or “wanna chat” or “I’ll send you an inbox message”

Not everyone in our school communities feels disconnected, and alone. However, if you know of a student who is, or if they would like to make some new friends, or if they would like some help with social skills, please let me know (contact details below).

Another example of the positive community that we have here is in our “Thankful Thursday” Announcement every week. Getting the opportunity to read students' comments every Thursday about something they are thankful for is just so encouraging. We regularly get 60 + comments from students sharing something they are thankful for. Each positive comment contributes to the healthy environment that we have.

Prayer - May our school continue to provide a healthy and safe environment for all students in our community. Lord, please help us to encourage and facilitate a community and culture that is positive, encouraging and supportive. May students from all backgrounds, experiences and personalities experience healthy connection and a sense of belonging. Thank you. Amen

Chaplain

Mr Luke Wiseman

lukewiseman@acc.edu.au