Phones & Smart Watches at School

We understand that for some families, mobile phones and smart watches are important tools that support student safety—particularly for those walking to and from school. These devices provide a vital communication link between families and children during these times.

However, during the school day, mobile phones and smart watches are not required for learning or day-to-day schooling. To ensure a focused learning environment and the safety and privacy of all members of our school community, devices capable of messaging, calling, photography or video recording must not be accessed during school hours.

Updated Process from Monday 11th August: 

From this date, students who bring a phone or smart watch to school will be required to take their device directly to the front office upon arrival. The device will be placed in a named ziplock bag and securely stored for the day. Students may collect their device from the office at the end of the school day.

This update replaces our current practice, where devices are stored in classroom lock boxes.

Why Are These Restrictions in Place?

As outlined in our ICT Acceptable Usage Policy, students are expected to:

• Demonstrate respect for the dignity of each person in the community through online behaviour
• Behave ethically when using the internet and network services, even for personal communication
• Reflect the Catholic beliefs and ethos of the school and meet professional expectations in their use of technology
• Refrain from any inappropriate online behaviour, including cyberbullying

To ensure we are supporting students in meeting these expectations, any device, whether phone or smart watch, that is capable of making or receiving calls or messages, or taking photos or videos, must be taken to the office. Even if a device is set to “school mode” by parents, staff are unable to monitor or guarantee that these restrictions are active, and doing so is not a sustainable expectation for teachers.

We acknowledge that some students like to wear watches to tell the time or track fitness. There are devices available that serve these purposes without communication or recording functions and are therefore permitted at school. 

- Garmin vívofit jr. 3 kids fitness tracker

- Fitbit Ace 3 Kids Fitness Tracker

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in supporting a safe and respectful environment for all. If you would like to discuss this further, please contact the school office to make a time to meet.

Dean Butler

Deputy Principal