Assistant Principal's 

Report

I hope everyone had a great long weekend and enjoyed the much-needed rain. Mobile phones seem to be always front and centre when dealing with student issues.  Can I ask our community where possible that our students leave them at home.  Our mobile phone policy allows students to bring them to school and leave them in their locker.  I am asking do they need to bring them at all? We know our policy stipulates that students leave them in their locker which we know they do; but there is still that attraction or want to check it, which often results in our students getting into trouble.  All I am asking is do they need to bring them to school at all?

There are several clear benefits to students not having mobile phones during school hours. Removing or limiting phone access can significantly enhance learning, wellbeing, and social development. Here are the main advantages:

1. Improved Focus and Learning

• Fewer distractions: Without phones, students are more likely to concentrate on lessons and stay engaged.
• Better memory retention: Reduced multitasking allows for deeper processing and understanding of content.

2. Stronger Social Skills

• Face-to-face interaction: Without phones, students are more likely to communicate directly, building interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Fewer social comparisons: Reduces exposure to social media pressure and the negative mental health impacts that often come with it.

3. Better Academic Performance

• Increased participation: Students are more present and engaged in classroom discussions.
• Less cheating: Removing phones reduces opportunities for academic dishonesty during tests and assignments.

4. Healthier Mental Wellbeing

• Less anxiety: Breaks from constant notifications and social media help reduce stress.
• Improved self-esteem: Students are less exposed to online criticism, bullying, and the pressure to present a “perfect” image.

5. More Restful Break Times

• Active breaks: Without screens, students are more likely to engage in physical activity or social play during recess and lunch.
• Mental reset: Time away from screens allows students to recharge before returning to class.

6. Better Sleep Habits (Long Term)

• Encouraging reduced phone use during the day can promote healthier screen habits overall, including better sleep hygiene at home.

7. Easier Classroom Management

• Teachers can spend more time teaching and less time policing phone use.
• A phone-free environment creates a more respectful and focused classroom culture.

While mobile phones are part of modern life, limiting their presence during school hours offers clear academic, social, and emotional benefits for students. Schools that enforce a no-phone or restricted-phone policies often see positive changes in student engagement, behaviour, and overall school climate.