From the Deputy Principal
The Student Code of Conduct, found in the College Diary, contains the College's Guiding Principles for the Use of Technology (pp 17 & 18). The student’s Personal Learning Device (PLD) is an excellent tool to assist learning. However it can be misused as a toy, and provide a distraction to the teaching and learning of our young men. All students will go through this Policy on their first day and sign an agreement to embrace the guiding principles for the proper use of technology. The Student Code of Conduct states:
No photographic / other device is to be used on campus or elsewhere, to photograph / record any other student, staff, member of the school, or outside community, without permission, or good reason to do so, eg in the interests of public safety. Permission of a responsible member of staff should be sought when using any photographic or recording device for any reason eg an educational purpose.
Parents are also asked to discuss these principles with their son and sign in support of this important educative process.
The College is also a “NO PHONE ZONE”. The majority of students would have a phone in their pocket and along with their PLDs, it is our commitment to educate our students the proper and timely use of such devices.
Students are not to have their phone out at school, unless under the specific direction of their teacher. If a student is found using their mobile phone at a screen free time (such as in the playground), or in a way that breaches school rules, or adversely interferes with learning, the student will be asked to turn the device off, put it away, and where appropriate attend a detention as a consequence. More serious sanctions can result from any more serious breaches of the College rules.
In the case of an emergency, parents can contact their son at any time during the day through Student Reception, and your son will be contacted immediately.
As Teachers and Parents we have a duty to teach our young men healthy use of electronic devices. It is unhealthy for our students to be constantly checking for messages or other communications throughout class time.
Mobile phones are to be banned from NSW Government Primary Schools in a bid to combat bullying and distractions in the classroom. The NSW Education Minister, Mr Rob Stokes, stated in support of banning the mobile phone in Primary Schools, “We are removing a distraction, the experts tell us that causes anxiety, stress and depression in young people and also introduces the risk of predatory behaviour”.
On Monday Dr Michael Carr-Gregg, a world leader in Adolescent Mental Health, launched a desire for our Government to implement a Digital Licence for students. The discussion around the “Dumb Phone” that has two uses – for phone calls and text messages - is an excellent idea for protecting our children from the multiple uses (and misuse) of our present Smart Phones.
At St Pius X College, our Guiding Principles for the Use of Technology and “No Phone Zone” give our students the best possible chance for correct use of electronic devices, phones and interruption-free learning.
Mr Mark Casey - Deputy Principal