DEPUTY PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Mobile Phones at School

At St Mary MacKillop College we recognise that mobile phones/devices enrich our lives when used appropriately and that we encourage critical and creative use of technological resources. In Term 1 of 2020, the State Government introduced a new mobile phone policy for all government schools. The policy meant phones brought to school must be switched off and stored securely during the school day. As a school we have taken a less direct approach over the last twelve months but with our change of governance and our increasing concerns regarding the appropriate use of mobile phones during school hours, we are moving towards requiring that all mobile phones brought to school be switched off and stored securely in lockers during the school day. 

As of Day 1, Term 3 students will not be permitted to use mobile phones during the school day, which is considered to be from the first bell in the morning to the end of the final lesson. Mobile phones are to be turned off and left in lockers where they are out of sight during the school day. Students are expected to ensure that their locker is locked at all times. 

Any student who is feeling unwell at school and needs to go home must arrange this through the Pastoral Care Centre. Should students need to contact someone via phone, they are to go to Pastoral Care. Should parents need to contact their child during the day they should ring the school.

This is a change for our school but it is certainly one motivated by our desire to provide a safe environment to learn without inappropriate mobile phone use or distractions. This change will bring  greater opportunities for social interaction and physical activity during recess and  lunch times.

There will be further information coming out over the next few weeks in preparation for this change. 

At St Mary MacKillop College we expect that all within our community will act in a manner which respects the dignity of others and which is in accord with the policies of the College.

Student Forum presents The Ration Challenge

For the first time ever, the St Mary MacKillop College Student Forum will be undertaking the Ration Challenge and we are inviting all members of our community to join in.

The Ration Challenge is a powerful, physical, learning experience. For five days in June (or three days if that is preferred), students eat the same rations as a Syrian refugee and are sponsored to do it. The money they raise will provide emergency food, healthcare and life-saving support for people hit hardest by the Coronavirus. And by sharing their experience, they’ll help create more empathy and compassion in society.

The ration pack contains a one-week supply of exactly the same food, in almost exactly the same quantities, that is distributed to Syrian refugees in urban refugee camps in Jordan.

As you would expect, living on rations is physically tough. Sugar withdrawals, hunger and ‘hangriness’ are all real. But what often comes as a surprise is the emotional impact. For many young people, the challenge brings into sharp focus the contrast between daily life for us and for people in refugee camps. It shines a light on the injustice of the situation. By putting themselves in the shoes of a refugee for one week, they’ll learn about current global issues, develop empathy for others and feel empowered to make a difference in the world.

The point of the challenge is not to be the definitive guide to life as a refugee, but to offer the opportunity to see things from someone else’s perspective; create more empathy and compassion; send a powerful message of solidarity; and make a practical difference to the lives of people who urgently need our support. Our team will be undertaking some activities to learn more about refugees' experience and look into Catholic Social Justice teachings to explore other ways that we can make a difference in our world.

Parents and guardians play an extremely important role in ensuring that students can safely take part in the challenge and have a positive experience. All students who participate must have parental permission. Any families are welcome to join us. 

If you are interested in joining us, please email Grace Scott or Otto Conlan, or one of the School Captains - Lily Seymour, Campbell Kelly, Nyathor Nhial and Toni Mia Scalora. 

Parents are welcome to contact Ms Howison or Ms Wright should they have questions.

Further information can be found at: https://actforpeace.rationchallenge.org.au/