Deputy Principal 

Dear families,

Happy New Year, and welcome to the start of an exciting 2025 school year! We hope you had a restful and rejuvenating break. Whether you are returning to our school or joining us for the first time, we are looking forward to partnering with you to ensure your child's growth, connection, and success this year.

This year, we are introducing a new mobile phone policy to foster a more focused and engaging learning environment for all students.

Over the past few months, a lot of information has circulated about mobile phone use. As educators, we work hard to keep abreast of new and emerging research and provide the best possible environment for student learning. 

Screens and devices are now firmly embedded in our world. We all use them to work, play, learn and socialise. Establishing a healthy approach to technology benefits us as adults and, significantly, for children.

I read that a good way to think about it is by comparing it to food. We understand that some foods are more nutritious than others and that moderation is key.

At school, the key consideration is the distraction that mobile phones create for students, both in their learning and social lives. The mere presence of a phone can distract students from learning, even if they are not actively using it, as their brains are occupied with the possibility of checking it. Constant notifications and the temptation to check social media can significantly shorten attention spans, making it harder to focus during class and when studying at home. Excessive phone use during study time can lead to lower grades and poorer academic performance. 

To reduce the option of distraction for students, we have implemented a new mobile phone policy:

• Year 7 and 8 students now place their phones in purpose-built lockers at the start of the day and collect after the final siren.
• Year 9-12 students are required to lock their phones in their personal lockers for the full school day. If students are found using their phone during school hours, without permissions, the following consequences will occur:
  • First time: phone is taken to Reception and the student can collect it at the end of the day.
  • Second time: phone is taken to Reception and locked in the school safe for one week.
  • Third time: phone is taken to Reception and locked in the school safe for the remainder of the term. 

If you have any questions about this information, please feel free to email me directly.  I hope that you will work in partnership with us to provide the best possible environment for learning, growing and connecting during their time College.