Mobile Phones

Implementation of the Department Mobile Phone Policy

By now, you have no doubt heard about the Department of Education's policy regarding mobile phones in schools.  We will be implementing this policy from Monday October 28th.

From next Monday students will be required to lock their mobile phones and earphones in their lockers  from the time they arrive at school until the time they leave at the end of the day.  This means that there will be no mobile phones or earphones in classes or in the yard.  The DET has made this decision as there is no longer any debate about the detrimental impact of these devices on student learning and social relationships.

Exceptions

The DET has allowed for a number of exceptions to this rule and we have developed protocols in relation to these exceptions to ensure students, parents and teachers have clarity.

Health Conditions

There are some serious health conditions such as diabetes, that students monitor using mobile phone apps.  Where this is the case the health centre will provide the student with a pass to keep in the phone case that indicates how the phone is used for the condition.  This will be done in consultation with the students health plan.

Learning Use

The DET recognises there are times that students use their phones for legitimate learning activities such as:

• Filming in media
• Digital photography
• Filming performance in dance and PE
• Photographing or filming the outcomes of science experiments etc.

To avoid any confusion, where a device is required, the teacher will notify students and parents in a Class News Feed on Compass at least 24 hours before the lesson.

Consequences of Breaching the Rule

Students who do not leave their phones in their locker will have them confiscated by the teacher.  The phone will be placed in a named zip lock bag and taken to the General Office.  Students will need to show their ID card to collect their phone at the end of the day.  On the third occasion a phone is confiscated we will be asking the parent to come to the school to collect the phone.

Support

We really require parent support on this process and ask that you encourage your child to leave their phone in their locker.  If you need to contact them during the school day please call the General Office and we will get a message to them.