Mobile Phones at School
A large number of students have mobile phones in their possession while at school. This is understandable for students who travel significant distances to attend School each day and whose parents may want that added security for their children.
Parents need to be aware that each year a number of phones are lost, or reported missing and that the safekeeping and security of phones is the responsibility of the student. Students should not leave their bag unattended, particularly if it contains valuables such as a phone or wallet.
There is also the potential for mobile telephones to be used in a way that jeopardises the safety and wellbeing of others. Of particular concern are incidents where camera phones are used to take photos of individuals and distribute them without their permission, where SMS text messages are used as a tool for bullying or harassment or to cheat during exams.
It is expected that students will use their mobile telephone in a way which reflects the core values being taught in schools, including the values of respect, responsibility, care and fairness.
Phones must be turned off during the school day and have pin code access activated. Phones left on, can ring and can disrupt a lesson, performance or assessment.
Phones that disrupt a lesson may be taken by the class teacher and placed in the school safe until the end of the school day. Repeat offenders may have their phone placed in the safe and collected by a parent.
Parents who wish to get an urgent message to their child can do so through contact with the School Office, who will send a message to the classroom.
Students who wish to use a phone to ring a parent should see their Year Adviser who, on assessment of the need, will issue them with a note to take to the School Office.