It has come to our attention this week that a number of students are not following our College process around mobile phones or ICT. Mobile phones must be switched off and stored securely in a locker at all times during the school day. Phones must not be left in bags or carried by students.

Our Student Code of Conduct is very clear - bringing mobile phones to school is not encouraged because of the potential for theft and distractions. Phones must be stored (and turned off or to silent) in the secure phone or full size lockers that are available to all students. Phones must be secured by 8.45am each day and not be retrieved prior to 3pm. The school accepts no responsibility for lost phones or digital technologies.

If parents need to be contacted due to an emergency, this can be done through Student Services. If parents need to contact students due to an emergency, this is best done through Student Services also.

The research shows that mobile phones in classroom are a distraction to learning and outside the classroom often a hindrance to the development of relationships.

The aim of the College’s mobile phone policy is to provide: 

• a safe environment to learn without inappropriate mobile phone use (including cyberbullying) or distractions 
• greater opportunities for social interaction and physical activity during recess and lunchtimes.

Our Student Code of Conduct states, Students who breach our responsible use policy for their iPad or mobile phone will be required to hand in the item immediately, at the Student Services counter and will receive a receipt for the confiscated item. The item may be made available for collection from Student Services at the end of the school day for a first and second offence, (unless required to be kept for purposes of disciplinary investigation, when it will only be returned in the presence of a parent). Should a third offence occur, the phone/device may only be collected by a parent/guardian from Student Services. Should there be further offences, these will be deemed to be wilful disobedience and dealt with accordingly.

Devices potentially containing evidence of criminal offences may be reported to the police. In such cases police may take possession of such devices for investigation purposes and students and parents will be advised to contact Queensland Police Service.

On Tuesday, we conducted a full school assembly during which we reminded students of our mobile phone policy and consequences should this policy be breached. Mrs Amor discussed mobile phones and students were given an opportunity to, without consequence, remove phones from their bags and hand them in to Student Services or place them in their lockers. Students were cautioned that consequences will be strictly applied should mobile phones be found any time in the future.

We seek your support of our mobile phone and ICT policies as we work together to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all of our students.