PRINCIPAL

People often think that as students finish up for the year things get easier in schools. In fact the reverse is the case as we work through a review of the current year and set plans for the next year. These various tasks keep us extremely busy right up to the last day of the school year. Bear in mind that our Farm continues throughout the summer vacation period so we have Farm staff rostered every day. 

One of the key tasks is in preparing for the new students who will join us next year. We know starting a new school and entering boarding can cause some anxiety, so we aim to make things as smooth and comfortable as possible for students and families. We have our new students and families coming to the College on Sunday afternoon to commence our Transition program.  Past experience tell us this is greatly valued by our new parents and students.

We have been working through some staff recruitment recently and will soom welcome a new English Teacher, a new Assistant Farm Manager and a new animals oriented Farm Training Officer to our staff. 

The College community would be aware of the discussions of late about students carrying their mobile phones with them during the school day. Given that students are unable to use mobile phones under Education Department guidelines and as we still have students engage in inappropriate phone use, we have made the decision to ban mobile phones from students entirely during the school day. Given the number of workplaces banning personal mobile phones, this is another way of us preparing our students for when they join the workforce. The detail is outlined below and I would ask parents, carers and students to read, understand and support us. 

Mobile Phone and Smart Watch Policy

Students are not to carry mobile phones with them during school hours. This enables full focus on learning activities and reduces opportunities for inappropriate behaviours. It also prepares students for the increasing number of employers who are banning mobile phones in the workplace. 

Expectation

• Students are not to have a mobile phone on their person or in their bag during school hours- 8am to 4pm Monday to Thursday, 8am to 2.30pm Fridays, or during Dairy roster or Weekend Stock.
• Students are not to use their mobile phone during meal or prep time in Residential hours.
• Students are not to use their mobile phones for bullying or harassment of staff or students, or for recording inappropriate behaviour, or for forwarding or receiving inappropriate material. Students who use their phone for bullying or vilification purposes will have their phone confiscated for the maximum period of time and also be dealt with for as bullying.

Considerations

• For the purposes of this policy, mobile phones include smart watches, and other electronic communication devices.
• Students with diagnosed medical conditions that require a mobile phone will be permitted to carry them during the school day. 
• Day students have the option of leaving their phones at the front office, in their car, or not bringing them to school. 
• Boarding students will leave their phones in the dorm rooms.
• Students can access cameras from staff in all areas for recording learning/training progress.
• Handheld CB radios are available on Beef and Sheep (and spares for other sections) in the event that a task requires students and staff to be separated and need to communicate.
• Parents can communicate with their child via the front office.
• Parents/carers of residential students may request to have their child’s phone held by staff over night.

Sanctions

If a student is found in possession of a mobile phone the following sanctions apply.

First offense                               48 hours confiscation. 

Second offense                           7 days confiscation- plus half day internal withdrawal. 

Third offense                             14 days confiscation- plus day internal withdrawal - plus lose                                                           Good standing for 1 week. 

Fourth and subsequent         14 days confiscation- plus two days external suspension- plus                                                         lose Good standing for 2 weeks. 

Note 1 : At any point, if parents of Day students wish their child to have their phone after school hours when confiscated, the parent must collect it personally from the College.

Note 2 : Mobile phones will be returned to students for weekends and handed back on return until full confiscation period has finished.

Note 3 : Parents will be contacted when their child’s phone is confiscated.

Youth Photo Competition

Students living in the Shire of Harvey are invited to enter a photo competition where they submit four photos which represent what is important to them. See link below.

https://www.harvey.wa.gov.au/news-and-events/2022/november/youth-photo-exhibition

Have a great weekend

Steve