Important Letter From the Principal - Phone Policy
Dear Parents and Guardians
I write to inform you of a revision we have made to our Mobile Phone Policy in the Secondary School (Middle and Senior Schools).
In 2023, Dr Mark Williams, an internationally recognised professor of cognitive neuroscience, spoke to our School community regarding the impact of mobile devices on people. Dr Williams shared that simply being ‘on’ a device increases stress levels. Research shows that even having a device close to us subconsciously attracts our attention. The proximity of the student's phone to them draws their attention away from their learning and greatly impacts their engagement.
To foster a learning environment in which our students are engaged with their learning at an optimal level we are introducing a revised policy on mobile phone usage for students in Years 6 to 12.
Effective from the start of Term 2 this year, mobile phones will be prohibited in all classes. This measure eliminates distractions and enhances students’ focus on their studies. Students must leave their phones in their secured lockers from 8:00am to 3:25pm throughout the school day. The ‘safe zone’ at Senior School Reception for mobile phone use in the Senior School will continue for Years 9 to 12. If Middle School students need to contact their parents, they can proceed to Middle School Reception where they will be assisted in making the phone call. Mobile phones can no longer be used for payment in the School Cafeteria. Instead, students can purchase food using a SmartRider or EFTPOS card. We ask School families to use the time from now to the beginning of Term 2 to arrange for their child to have a SmartRider or alternative card for purchasing food in the Cafeteria.
If a student has a phone in their possession during the school day it will be confiscated, and the student will have to visit the appropriate Reception at the end of the day to collect it. This policy applies to all students equally, ensuring a fair and consistent approach. On any subsequent breach of the school policy regarding mobile phones, students will have their phones confiscated, and further consequences will apply.
We intend to ensure that students are fully engaged in their classroom learning and that they interact with each other during break times to strengthen personal relationships and social skills. Mobile phone distractions seriously impact students' ability to learn and focus. We thank you in advance for your support in enforcing this revised policy.
Yours sincerely
Mr Steven Davies