Holy Family’s Internet TV launches with great success

Using iPads and video and editing software, students record their learning, compile a video and publish it on HSFTV.

Speaking to Holy Family via video link for the occassion, Minister Garrett said he was impressed with HFSTV

Forget Bert Newton, forget Liz Hayes and forget Graham Kennedy... the students of Holy Family East Granville are the new stars of the small screen.

‘HFSTV’, Holy Family's very own YouTube channel, was officially launched on Tuesday 11 September with a whole school celebration. Students, teachers, parents and special guests, gathered at the school to launch the channel which is enabling students to engage in challenge and inquiry based learning and share their work via the internet.

Using iPads and video and editing software, students record their learning, compile a video and publish it on HSFTV for the community to view.

Sue Guilfoyle, principal of Holy Family, said the students are involved in HSFTV at every stage and that it is integrated with their learning.

‘The students start with identifying an issue that they would like to research, they then complete their research, collate their findings and provide innovative solutions,’ said Sue. ‘During each stage the students are using technology to record their learning so they can make a presentation to share with the whole school community.

‘Our students really have become the 'stars' of their own learning,’ she said. ‘By sharing their learning, they are embodying HSFTV's motto: we're making a difference.’

Some of the videos available on HSTV include student interviews with Indigenous Health Nurse, Melissa Belfanti; University of Western Sydney lecturer and marketing expert Jane Caro; State Member for Granville Mr Tony Issa OAM MP and Federal Minister for School Education, Early Childhood Youth, Peter Garrett AM MP.

Year 4 students interviewed Minister Garrett via video link as part of their research into the role of technology in learning, with students using the opportunity to discuss school funding.

‘How pleasing it is to see you using the (Australian’ Government’s) Smarter Schools National Partnership to improve your learning outcomes and to launch your own internet TV station,’ said Minister Garrett. ‘I am very impressed and excited about what the students at Holy Family have done, congratulations to everyone involved.’

Executive director of schools, Greg Whitby, said it is exciting to see students using this forum to engage in discussions about the ‘big issues’.

‘Today’s learners are not only aware of the social, political and environmental influences impacting the world around, they are capable of discussing the big issues,’ said Greg. ‘The technology at hand is providing access and scope for students to go beyond their local communities for ideas and paves the way in building connections beyond the school gate.’

To view some of the exclusive interviews secured by students for HSFTV visit Holy Family's website

Students, teachers, parents and special guests, gathered at the school to launch the channel which was a fun day for all.

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