iNFORMATION 

College Student Mobile Phone: Policy 2024

As a College, we are committed to improving student safety and enhancing learning at every opportunity we have. Each year a number of areas for school improvement are highlighted and reviewed. Over the latter half of 2023 the College has been examining research and seeking feedback regarding the use of non-essential ICT devices, such as mobile phones, at school. As part of this review, the College considered policies currently used in other Catholic Schools, by the Victorian State Government and other State Governments. 

As a result, the College Mobile Phone Policy has been updated. One key element of the change is the use of phones in the classroom. The policy now better reflects research regarding the use of mobile phones and their impact on the important areas of social development and learning, both positively and negatively. 

From the commencement of Term 1 2024, once the bell sounds to commence the day, mobile phones must be stored in lockers until the end of the day. They must not be taken to class unless the subject teacher has specifically requested that students bring their phones to use in that lesson. 

The updated Mobile Phone Policy will result in students needing to adjust their class preparation habits. Any student found with a phone in class will be required to return that phone to their locker immediately and will receive an infringement on Compass.

If there is a second mobile phone infringement, parents will receive a message from the school alerting them to this. 

A third mobile phone infringement will result in the student’s phone being confiscated immediately. It will be clearly labelled in a zip lock bag and stored in the School safe. It will only be returned when a parent of that student physically collects it from the school.

We are aware that many of our students use public transport and having a phone is an important safety measure for both students and parents. That is why we are confiscating the phone on a third infringement and not the first or second one. We sincerely hope that students do not receive a single infringement as we are making our expectations explicitly clear.

If a student has their phone confiscated a second time i.e. second set of infringements, then a meeting will need to occur with me, the student and parents, and the student will be subject to further disciplinary action.

Should students have a legitimate reason for needing their phone this should be discussed with the relevant Wellbeing Leader, who will place a notice on Compass informing teachers.

Further to the above, as is the current practice, mobile phones cannot be used at recess and lunchtime, however at this stage they can still be used to purchase food at the Canteen but must be put away immediately after.

We believe that this update in policy, will significantly reduce any issues with loss, damage, misuse and/or distractions to learning. 

Finally, we remind parents that if you need to get an urgent message to your daughter during the day, we ask that you contact the College and not send her a message on her phone. 

We thank you for your support with this matter.

Secondary School Immunization Program

The Secondary School Immunisation Program offers free vaccines provided by the National Immunisation Program each year to students in Year 7 (HPV and Diphtheria/Tetanus/Whooping cough) and Year 10 (Meningococcal ACWY). 

If your child missed out on receiving their vaccinations at school this year, it's not too late to get vaccinated. Free vaccines can be accessed at your local council immunisation service, GP or pharmacist immuniser. To see if your child is due for any vaccines, check your child’s immunisation history statement on the Australian Immunisation Register using your MyGov account. 

Children aged 14 years of age and over can access their own immunisation history statement via MyGov.

Further information can be found by contacting the Yarra City Council on 9205 5555 or accessing their website