Finding your way with Compass

A NEW digital technology class at Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre will aim to help parents and carers learn to operate State school online communications program Compass.

Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre executive officer Vicki Coltman said it’s a digital system all parents and carers are required to use, but it can be challenging to navigate.

“The course will run for eight weeks during term four so parents can get an understanding about Compass and everything it does,” she said.

“Not all parents are digitally savvy, but it’s the main State primary and secondary school communication tool and they need to know how to use it, so we will work to make it as simple as possible.

“We’ll cover everything from learning how to log in, to finding your way around, how to advise the school if you have a sick child, how to access a newsletter, and how to find term calendars, important dates, and any information their child may not have passed onto them.”

Ballarat Neighbourhood Centre runs many of classes with a focus on literacy skills.

Ms Coltman said adults who struggle with their reading and writing will likely find navigating Compass difficult without learning the basics.

The class will also generally aim to boost and reinforce the literacy skills of those who take part.

Navigating Digital Technology – Compass will run on Monday mornings and Thursday afternoons for eight weeks in term four.

Centre staff are taking expressions of interest now between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, on 5329 3273.