Mobile Phone Policy

There is no doubt that the proliferation of mobile phones across society has had a profound effect on the way we live our lives. In terms of positives, we carry a vast array of information in our pockets - more than any library - and it is readily available for us to access on a whim. From a parent perspective, there is security in being able to contact children, and making arrangements is certainly far easier.

Whilst acknowledging the upside, more and more research is highlighting the negative impacts that mobile phones have from an individual and social perspective as well. With a far greater level of communication online, perhaps exacerbated by COVID-19, it is thought that the development of emotional intelligence has been impacted; that is, one’s ability to read the emotions of others, as well as adequately convey our own emotions effectively has diminished.

There is no doubt that, despite what some people may think, mobile technology, and in particular phones, negatively impact learning. John Hattie, the esteemed educational researcher, indicated as much for both the presence of phones whilst learning and the relationship between screen time and achievement. Recently, there has been significant attention drawn to the impact of notifications and the interruptions they have on our lives. Significantly, it has been highlighted that the way phones work, in particular notifications and social media, exploit the way that our brains work. In other words, if you have difficulty resisting the urge to pick up or check your phone, your brain is working the way that it should and apps are capitalising on it. From an educational perspective, there is cause for concern.

We currently have a mobile phone policy for the school that is due for review at the start of 2023. Whilst the current policy makes limited reference to the impact of phones on classroom learning, it does provide guidance on how phones are to be used whilst at school. With the 2023 school year due to commence with Flying Start in a little over week, it is worth highlighting the expectations.

Years 7 to 9

Mobile phones are to remain in lockers for the duration of the day. During Flying Start, and over the early stages of the school year, if you arrive at class with a mobile phone, your teacher will send you to your locker to put it in your bag

Years 10 to 12

It is strongly recommended that students place their phones in their lockers for the course of the day, thereby placing greater responsibility on the older students of the College. It should be noted that teachers of classes in Years 10 to 12 may also ask students to leave their phones in their lockers when attending the class they teach. As it is the responsibility of the teacher to maintain a suitable learning environment, they are able to ask this of students, and all students in that class are obliged to comply.

Should anyone wish to view the current Mobile Phone Policy, it is on both the Parent and Student Portal, accessible from the College website. Follow the links to the student policies website; it is accessible through the Student: Mobile Phone Policy link. As indicated, the policy is up for review in early 2023. As part of this review, parents and carers, students and teachers will all be consulted. Our endeavour is to ensure that we get the balance right between being able to utilise the positive elements that mobile phone technology provides and enabling a suitable learning environment to prevail.

Unit 3/4 Trial Exams 2023

As indicated in the previous edition of the newsletter, next years' Unit 3/4 Trial Exams will be taking place in the 2023 September school holidays. It is expected that students enrolled in Unit 3/4 subjects in 2023 are present for those exams, which will take place on-site at the Mentone Campus.

Unit 3/4 Exams will commence Thursday 21 September and will conclude on Thursday 28 September, 2023. At this stage it is assumed that Friday 29 September will be a public holiday (2023 AFL Grand Final Eve).

The early notice provided here is to give families advance notice and ensure expectations are clear; all Unit 3/4 students are to be in attendance for their Trial Exams.

We ask that families of students undertaking studies in Unit 3/4 subjects in 2023 do not plan holidays or activities that interfere with or preclude any Unit 3/4 student from completing their exams. Whilst this may be an imposition, we place great emphasis on these Trial Exams in preparation for the VCE Subject Exams that commence less than a month later. The results from Trial Exams provide valuable data for the teacher to address collective and individual shortcomings in the subject. Rectification of these shortcomings prior to the final exam has a significant impact on the final study score and, in turn, admission to the selected tertiary course.

Should there be any clarification required and/or the need to discuss these arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact the College.

Brenden Mair

Deputy Principal

Teaching and Learning

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