Principals Message

School Review underway

Every four years schools undergo a school review and ours will take place later this year. Early next term we will commence the pre-review self-evaluation stage. The school review will provide all staff (as well as selected student and parent groups) to have their say in how we have progressed in the past four years against our School Strategic Plan goals and targets. From the analysis of our previous four years of data as well as feedback  provided by the school community, we will then develop a plan for the next four years that will assist us in continuing to improve student outcomes. We have accomplished a lot in the past four years and really worked hard to be responsive to our local and wider community. The school review is an opportunity to celebrate those successes but also critically evaluate all aspects of our school so we can continue to improve. If any parent or carer would like to be involved in this important process which could involve being part of a focus group to have your say, please contact the school and express your interest.

Mobile phones in school

I remember when I commenced at McClelland College 12 years ago as an Assistant Principal, mobile phones were still very expensive and therefore not in the hands of too many of our students. Apart from the cost, electronic devices (other than calculators) were prohibited so students couldn’t bring them to school. There was a real push from parents arguing they wanted their children to be able to bring mobile phones to school mainly for ‘safety’ reasons and that they could also be useful with their learning.

When we move forward to today the reality is mobile phones haven’t really enhanced learning in any measurable way, but have proven to be a real distraction from student learning. It is not uncommon for parents and students to message and even call one another throughout the school day, not to mention the use of phones by students to play games and access social media. These are all unnecessary uses of phones and a major distraction to learning. Arguably they have potentially made students  less safe with cyberbullying and negative social media adding to mental health issues our young people face in this ever complex world we live in. If you are one of the 1450 McClelland Facebook group members you may have noticed I have been posting some news stories about mobile phones in schools. It concerns me as a principal (and a parent) that we don’t give our students a break from devices and encourage students to have more face to face conversations with one another.

Recently we have engaged Dr.Richard Chambers (author and developer of the “Smiling Minds” app) to work with us on mindfulness. We have learnt about the science behind the brain and the impact of electronic devices and the importance of taking a break from them. In term 3 we will be running parent, student and staff focus groups on the use and place of mobile phones during the school day. I look forward to hearing the views of all stakeholders as I feel it is an important issue that, if not addressed, has the potential to continue to distract students from their learning and from having healthy, face to face, social interactions with those around them.

Community Information Session - Victoria Government Education System

Date: Monday 23 July

Time: 6.30 pm - 7.30 pm (light refreshments provided)

Venue: McClelland College, 31 Belar Avenue, Frankston

RSVP by Friday 20 July, 2018 by calling 9340 3764 or text 0403 869 232.

Interpreters and childcare for young children at the event are available upon request when you RSVP

Please see attached flyer for more details