1. Project BLOGSTARS
Dear Parents,
This year sees the start of some exciting projects. We have received some funding from Australian
Government Quality Teaching Program (AGQTP) for a blogging project initiative. The purpose of this
project is to see students use blogging as a way of developing their writing skills, developing connections
with a wider audience and to learn about digital citizenship. Students are required to have parental consent
to have their work and photos published on both school blogs and the Australian Independent Schools
NSW, for the purposes of the blogging project.
About our Blog
If you are unfamiliar with blogs, they are like online journals. Blogs are essentially websites where
administrators, in our case class teachers, can add posts which are displayed for all students and families
to read on the blog.
We use our blog to add information about what is happening in class and to connect with parents and other
classes around the world.
Our blog address is:
Why blog?
We have identified so many benefits for our students in using this innovative approach to learning. Blogs
are great because you can share things with a wide audience. Instead of just the teacher seeing students’
work, all of the parents can view the work and leave comments. Having a blog helps to strengthen home –
school partnerships and build a sense of classroom community.
Using blogs is also a great way for students to improve their ICT skills and get experience using an
emerging technology.
Students improve their literacy skills whilst blogging and it is a fantastic opportunity for students to learn
about appropriate online behaviours.
One of the most rewarding experiences from blogging is the opportunity for global connections. As our
blogging skills develop we will be able to communicate with blogging buddies from all over the world. Blogs
literally flatten our classroom walls!
Safety
Internet safety is of upmost importance to us. Through blogging, our students will have the opportunity to
learn about appropriate online behaviours in an authentic and supervised setting.
The following guidelines have been established to ensure the safety of our students when blogging.
 Students will only be identified by their first name.
 Posts written by students, are checked by teachers before they are published on the blog.
 Posts will never include personal details about students such as addresses and family information.
 All comments submitted cannot appear on the blog without having been authorised by class teachers.
 All students must abide by the blogging rules that we have established as a class.
If you have any other questions about Project BLOGSTARS please contact Mrs Todd.
Thanking You,
Mrs Todd
Please return the permission form ASAP to allow your child to begin their blogging journey!

2. Permission for Students to participate in Blogging
Student Name: _______________________________ Class: __________________
Please circle either do or do not on the below statement
1. I do/do not give permission for samples of my child ______________________
published work to be posted to the class blog page. I understand that all identifying
information will be withheld with the exception of my child’s first name.
___________________________ __________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Please circle either do or do not on the below statement
2. I do/do not give permission for classroom photos of my child
________________________to be published to the class blog page. I understand
that all identifying information will be withheld with the exception of my child’s first
name.
___________________________ __________________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date
Would you like us to sign you up to follow our blogs?
Every time a teacher makes a blog post Blogger will automatically send the update for you to see
in your own time. If you’d like us to sign you up to follow your child’s class blog by email please
let us know your email address/es below.
Email: _________________________________________________________
Email:_________________________________________________________