If a cell phone needs to be brought to school, the following procedures must be followed.
- Students may carry a cell phone during the school day.
- All cell phones are to be turned off during class time. This eliminates the distraction to the student and others.
- Cell phones may be used at the students discretion during interval and lunchtime.
- Cell phones must not be used in an inappropriate manner.
- Cell phones may not be used during examination times, even when examinations fall outside school hours.
As with many other schools, this policy has been put in place to help maintain a safe and productive learning environment.
Specifically, it is to reduce incidents of text bullying, cell phone theft and disruption in class caused by the use of cell phones.
This policy has been explained to students in our assemblies and daily notices on a number of occasions.
In an emergency, the school will contact parents/caregivers using the contact details you have provided.
Cell Phone Confiscation
If the above mentioned policies are not adhered to, cell phones will be confiscated as follows;
- First offence - Students name taken and phone held at the Deans Office until the end of the school day, when it may be collected by the student.
- Second offence - Students name taken and phone held at the Deans Office until the end of the school day, when it may be collected by the student. One after school detention will be given.
- Third offence - Students name taken and phone held at the Deans Office until the end of the school day, when it may be collected by the students parent or caregiver. One after school detention will be given.
- Fourth offence - Students name taken and phone held at the Deans Office for five days, after which it may be collected by the students parent or caregiver. Two after school detentions will be given.
- Fifth and following offences - Students name taken and phone held at the Deans Office for five days, after which it may be collected by the students parent or caregiver. Four after school detentions will be given.
Parents
The most common reasons that students give for having their cell phones out in class are;
- "I was just checking the time"
- "I was just turning it off"
- "It fell out of my bag or pocket"
None of these are acceptable reasons, so will be discounted. Cell phones should not be accessed during class time for any reason.