From the Deputy Principal

Mobile phone pouches 

The minimum age for social media access has become a hot topic in response to growing concerns about its impact on youth mental health and wellbeing. The data paints a very clear picture: excessive screen time is the number one health concern affecting children. Many children spend four to seven hours a day on their smartphones, and almost 50 per cent of parents and carers report that smartphones have changed their child’s personality.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends no screen time at all for children under two, less than an hour a day for children aged two to five, and less than two hours for those aged five to 17. In conversations with students, they openly acknowledge the negative effects of phone addiction on their mental health and wellbeing, as well as the impact on their learning.

The College has a very clear set of guidelines about mobile phones and device usage: 

Junior School:

Kinder – Year 2 mobile phones and devices should not be brought to school without the permission of the Director of Junior School. 

Years 3 – 6 Mobile phones and devices are to be handed to the class teacher before the commencement of the school day and collected at the end of the school day. Before school, mobile phone and devices are not to be used once students are on school grounds. After school, mobile phones and devices are only to be used for communicating with parents and carers.

Senior School: 

Years 7 –10: From the beginning of 2025, mobile phone pouches will be used by all Year 7 to 10 students. 

Year 11 –12 students: Mobile phones are a student’s responsibility during the school day. They must be switched off during lessons and when stored in lockers. Mobile phones may be used in the Common Room.

Trial period: In the final two weeks of the year, all Year 7 to 9 students will be required to place their mobile phones and smartwatches in a phone pouch from the beginning of the day (8.40am).  Students can carry their pouch with them or place them in their locker. The pouch will not be opened until the conclusion of the school day under the supervision of period 6 subject teachers (3.15pm). 

Our goal is very simple: to maximise student learning by limiting screen time and unnecessary distractions, especially access to social media.

Parents and carers can contact their students through the school office on 6108 2560 as they will be unable to access their mobile phones or smartwatches. 

Students will be required to use an ATM card or cash to pay for purchases at the Murphy’s Café as mobile phones will not be permitted. Alternatively, students may order online using the smartphone payment app, Qkr! Further details about the app are available on the College website: Qkr! App St Mary's College

Exemptions:Students who have a medical need that will require them to access a mobile phone as outlined in their Medical Action Plan. Students will be required to return the pouch, along with their combination lock, at the end of the school year. These will then be reassigned to students at the commencement of the school year.  Students who damage or lose their pouch will be invoiced for the cost of a new pouch. 

I thank parents and carers for their support of the expectations outlined in the College’s guidelines. In the event of a student breaching the guidelines, the student’s mobile phone or smartwatch will be secured in the Junior School or Senior School office. The phone or watch can be collected after the school day, and the student’s parent or carer will be informed.

In the event of a second breach, the mobile phone or smartwatch will be secured in the Junior or Senior School office at the start of the school day (8.40am) and collected at the end of the school day for a period determined by the relevant Director. 

Navigating AI relationships 

Continuing with the theme of technology, the rise of romantic and companion artificial intelligence (AI) bots is an area that we cannot ignore, bringing to light significant privacy and ethical concerns. AI companionship is rapidly gaining popularity, particularly among young people, reshaping the dynamics of relationships in the digital age.

SCHOOL TV’s special report is designed to help parents and caregivers understand the challenges of navigating AI relationships. Read the report at the link below. 

SCHOOL TV: Special Report – Navigating AI Relationships

In today's world, AI has infiltrated almost every aspect of our lives, including relationships. The rise of AI-powered romantic and companion bots is particularly popular among young people, offering a new frontier in human interaction. Initially emerging in the gaming world, AI companionship has evolved into mainstream culture, with apps providing personalised experiences that range from platonic friendships to romantic encounters. These apps allow users to create and interact with virtual partners, raising significant privacy and ethical concerns, particularly for younger generations.

Research highlights potential risks associated with AI companions, including the normalisation of inappropriate conversations and the possibility of grooming. Criminologists warn that children as young as 12 are accessing dating apps, often bypassing age restrictions, exposing them to sexual content and predatory behaviour. These interactions can blur the boundaries between real and virtual relationships, creating confusion and potential psychological harm.

Adolescents, in particular, may turn to virtual partners for validation, risking unhealthy emotional attachments that can affect their real-life relationships. These relationships often lack the mutual respect and effort required in real-world connections, which are crucial for personal growth.

As AI technology continues to shape social dynamics, we all must stay informed and involved. AI has the potential to enrich educational experiences and foster creativity, but it also poses challenges related to privacy, mental health, and misinformation. By maintaining an open dialogue and promoting a balanced approach, we can help young people navigate this new digital landscape, allowing them to benefit from AI's advancements while protecting them from its potential risks.

Prize Giving | Thursday 12 December

We are looking forward to welcoming you and your family to the Senior School Prize Giving evening on Thursday 12 December, in the Tasman Room at Wrest Point. This is a very special evening for St Mary’s College, where we honour our prize winners, recognise student achievements and celebrate the school year.

If, due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness, your child is unable to attend, please notify the College Principal, Damian Messer, via email to the Administrative Officer (Principal), Megan Hunniford, at mhunniford@smc.tas.edu.au.

All Senior School students are required to arrive by 6.30pm and sit in designated areas with their Pastoral Care Teachers. The formal uniform (no jumpers) is to be worn in line with the College's Uniform Guidelines. Students who are involved in Drama or Music groups are to arrive by 6.00pm.

Arrangements for Rehearsal Day, Thursday, 12 December

All Year 7 to 9 students are expected to attend school and wear their PE uniform. Students will be dismissed from school at 12.50pm so that they may go home in preparation for the evening. Supervision will be provided for those students catching buses after school. If this option is required for your child, please contact the Administration Officer (Deputy Principal), Ryan Flack, at rflack@smc.tas.edu.au.

Please note that there will be no opportunity to purchase food or drink at Wrest Point. 

No valuables are to be taken as bags may be left unattended in the auditorium for part of the day. 

The Year 9 students will complete the Soldier’s Memorial Walk at the Queen’s Domain and participate in activities at school. Further details will be communicated via the Consent2Go correspondence in the coming weeks.