Andrew Watt

What do you know about Fortnite?

This online video game, released in 2017 by Epic Games, has over 125 million players world-wide and has been termed a ‘cultural phenomenon’. Its latest iteration, Battle Royale, pitches player against player, in missions to move up a series of ‘tiers’. Some of the online celebrations and dances have also made their way into mainstream! So, what do parents know about this online world that has captured the imagination (and focus and time!) of our children?

• What is a V-Buck and how to you gain them?
• How do you earn Battlestar points?
• What ‘mats’ (materials) can you collect?
• What is a ‘default’ or ‘noob skin’?
• How often do the seasons change?
• How much does a battle pass or a battle bundle cost, in real currency?

In this online world, our children will, if permitted, spend countless hours battling each other, with the aim of being the last person standing and advancing to ‘Tier 100’. As one commentator described it: “You all pile on a flying bus and jump out over the playing area, meaning everyone gets scattered throughout the map to explore buildings, find weapons and hunt each other. Not only do you have to avoid being killed by other players, you also have to avoid being taken out by the storm that is descending on the island.” To revitalise the game, seasons change every two months, with new ‘skins’ or weapons available. The game was designed to be attractive (addictive!) and to retain the player’s interest and commitment to gaming.

Should parents be worried? The concerns around Fortnite centre around its addictive nature and how excessive online gaming interferes with school work, sleep and relationships. With 100 players (strangers) battling each other, there is also the danger of grooming by online predators. Some practical actions that parents can take include:

• Restrict use to weekends and use controls on consoles to set time limits
• Restrict additions of ‘friends’, if your son/daughter does not know them
• Report abusive players and
• Find out more about their online world. Learn more about the game; talk about what they are playing and who they are playing with.

In assembly on Tuesday, I discussed Fortnite, emphasising the importance of having a balance of activities each week, that span across physical, mental, academic and social realms.

Swimming Carnival

Last Friday, our students enjoyed a day in the sunshine, away from their studies, with a focus on a sometimes fierce but always friendly swimming competition. A strong connection to their House community was evident, with many students participating across a number of events for the valuable House points. We will be kept in suspense until our Week 5 assembly (when all Year Groups will be present), for the announcement of the winning House and the swimming champions for 2019.

Year 6 Leadership Camp

This week our Year 6 students started their roles as leaders by participating in a three-day leadership experience, both on and off campus. On Monday, teachers and students ventured to Narrabeen for an overnight Leadership Camp which focused on developing a better understanding of what it takes to be a leader, team work and building resilience through a variety of indoor and outdoor challenges. On Wednesday, the students began working on their leadership portfolios with their mentors and will continue to meet regularly in these teams to develop and implement initiatives throughout the School this year. Our thanks to our Student Leadership Co-ordinator, Hugo Adrian and our wonderful team of Year 6 teachers, staff and supervisors including Adam Carpenter, Meghan Carroll, Diane Clennar, Kimberley Haddix, Tany Milner and Karon Rom.

Being a good neighbour

It is important to us that our Emanuel community remain thoughtful and respectful towards the local residents. Sadly, we have received a number of complaints, where vehicles driven by Emanuel parents have blocked driveway access for residents during the drop off or pick up periods. We remind parents and caregivers of the need to obey the traffic rules and to be respectful towards our neighbours. Importantly, please avoid any actions that could put children in danger when departing our campus. These include double parking, parking on corners, in no-stopping areas, across driveways, or in any way blocking the traffic.

Mazal tov

• Jade Berson in Year 10 has been selected to represent Australia in the Maccabi swimming squad in the Pan American Games in Mexico City in July.
• Two members of the public expressed how well our staff had engaged with them before the Swimming Carnival started last Friday. They thanked them for being considerate of the use of the pool before students arrived.

Quote of the week

“The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing and we continue to live.”

Mortimer Adler