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Mobile Phone Policy |
RationaleThe use of mobile phones in class is disruptive to the learning environment and smooth running of the school. This policy is designed to provide an effective learning environment for all people.
Purpose It is reasonable to advise students, parents and guardians of the schools expectations regarding the use of mobile phones.
Guidelines ¨ Mobile phones should not be used in any manner or place that is disruptive to the normal routine of a school. ¨ Students should have their mobile phones switched off and out of sight during classes. ¨ Students should only use their mobile phones before or after school, or during recess and lunch breaks. ¨ There are times when it is genuinely appropriate and beneficial for students to have access to a mobile phone; for example, need to contact parents or guardians in emergencies. ¨ The policy applies to students during school excursions, camps and extra-curricular activities. ¨ It is important that students display courtesy, consideration and respect for others whenever they are using a mobile phone. ¨ In-phone cameras are not to be used anywhere a normal camera would be considered inappropriate, such as in change rooms or toilets. ¨ Appropriate action will be taken against any student who photographs or films other individuals without their consent or who send harassing or threatening messages. ¨ Mobile phones are not to be used for taping conversations within the school grounds. ¨ It is a breach of examination condition to have mobile phones in the VCE exams and GAT examination centre. Disciplinary action should be taken against any student/s who is/are caught using a mobile phone to cheat in exams or assessments. ¨ Students should ensure that their phones are always stored in a safe and secure place; preferably in a locker. ¨ Mobile phones are used at their owners’ risk. ¨ The school does not hold insurance for personal property brought to schools and will not pay for any loss or damage to such property. Staff and students should be discouraged from bringing any unnecessary or particularly valuable items to school (Circular 038/2005). |
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No Mobile Phones in Class |
Consequences |
Teacher action |
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If phone is used (seen or heard)
Phones may not be used for any function, for example: Calling Texting (SMS) Clock Calculator Music player Camera Video Alarm Timetable Diary
Class time refers to regular school lessons, meetings, assemblies, or similar organised activities.
The current PE policy of collecting phones and locking them in the ECA office for the duration of the class may still occur under this policy, to ensure their safe keeping. (This cannot occur in other classroom as there are no provisions to lock the phones away.)
Mobile phones may only be used during extra-curricular activities, excursions or camps when special permission is granted by the teacher in charge.
If mobile phones are used in a way that breaches either the bullying or privacy policies, refer to those policies for direction.
In order to reinforce this behaviour, staff are also expected to comply with the same guidelines regarding their phone use. There will be a complaint process for students if this policy is not adhered to. A complaint form may be filled out by a student and will be dealt with by a member of the Principal Class.
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1st Offence: Phone is confiscated until the end of the day
2nd Offence: Phone is confiscated until end of day. Parents are contacted by the Year Level Coordinator, and student receives an after school detention (from 3:30-4:15pm on an arranged day).
3rd and Future Offences: Phone is confiscated until end of day. Parents are contacted by the Year Level Coordinator, and student receives a one-day in-school suspension.
Student refuses to hand phone over to classroom teacher: If phone is handed over to YLC or principal class then Phone is confiscated until end of day. Parents are contacted by the Year Level Coordinator, and student receives an after-school detention (from 3:30-4:15pm on an arranged day).
Student refuses to hand phone over to YLC or principal class: Parents are contacted to pick up their child from school immediately.
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Teacher takes phone to the office at end of lesson. If this is not possible due to location and moving to other classes, then teacher sends a student to get SSO Admin assistant from the office to collect the phone from them. Teacher provides a receipt to student when the phone is confiscated, keeps a copy of the receipt with the phone in the office, and gives a third copy to the Year Level Coordinator to keep track of number of offences. Student needs to provide this receipt or their student ID card to collect phone. Phone is placed in a sealed envelope with office copy of receipt on the front. Teacher to also fill in a folder/record that keeps track of number of student offences. This folder should also have provision for teachers to sign the phone in, and students to sign it out to evidence receipt of phone. Suggest one folder per form group initially.
As above. Year Level Coordinators to make contact with parents following the offence.
As above. Year Level Coordinators to make contact with parents following the offence.
Classroom teacher exits the student. Exit teacher, YLC or member of Principal Class requests phone. Other processes as above. Year Level Coordinators to make contact with parents following the offence.
Classroom teacher exits the student. Exit teacher, YLC or member of Principal Class requests phone. YLC or principal class make contact with parents following the offence. (If the student cannot be collected by parents, student will be treated as though they are in an in-school suspension.) |