Deputy Principal, Wellbeing 

Dear Parents,

In the past couple of weeks, we have noticed an increase in the number of students inappropriately using their mobile phones. We are concerned with the large volume of SnapChats that are being sent through the school day. These are distracting students from their learning.

I remind all parents and students of the College’s Mobile Phone Policy: 

The Hamilton and Alexandra College believes that student learning can potentiallybe enhanced by access to the Internet. The College recognises that electronic information creation and retrieval skills are essential tools for citizens and future employees.

The College therefore supports access to the widest range of available resources and the development of skills to use these resources, which are available for educational use only. Students are expected to abide by the spirit of responsible Internet usage within a school environment.

In order for the school to prevent potential problems, the reasons for the phone usage policy are outlined below:

• Phones can be a distraction to students. 
• As valuable items they need to be protected from being lost or stolen. 
• Recent studies show possible health risks associated with excessive use of phones by young people. 
• For security reasons students should not be contacting outside agencies who could pose a threat to the school.
• The College recognises it has a responsibility to educate senior students in appropriate use of mobile phones in preparation for life after school.

Students in Years 7-12 are not permitted to use their mobile phone between the hours of 8:30am-3:30pm:

• If the mobile phone is brought to school, it must remain locked in the student’s locker between the hours of 8:30am-3:30pm.
• An exemption may be granted for a student to have their phone in class for a medical or psychological issue if approved by a qualified medical practitioner, counsellor or psychologist;
• An exemption may also be granted if it is required by the organising staff member to be used in class, on excursions/fieldtrips or camps.
• Air pods and earphones are not permitted during class time unless specifically authorised by the teacher. Air pods and earphones may only be used with a computer.

Inappropriate Use of the Mobile Phone:

If a phone is misused it will be immediately confiscated by the teacher. The phone will be handed to the front office and may only be collected by the student or parent/guardian at the end of the school day.

Kristen Waldron

Deputy Principal: Wellbeing