Phone Away for the Day

Phone Away for the Day Procedure and Expectations

School Rule: No Mobile Phone Use by Students During the School Day

Students are not permitted to use mobile phones or smart devices during the school day. Any mobile phone or smart device brought to school must be switched off and stored in a designated lockbox for the duration of the school day. This procedure supports student learning, wellbeing, and engagement by minimising distractions and reducing opportunities for inappropriate use of digital devices. If students need to contact home during the school day, they must do so through the school office. Parents and caregivers who need to contact their child during the school day should also do so through the school office. Students bring mobile phones and smart devices to school at their own risk. The school accepts no responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to personal devices.

Expectations

Students are expected to comply with this procedure and use digital devices responsibly.
Breaches of this procedure include, but are not limited to:

• Using a mobile phone or smart device during the school day without permission.
• Failing to place a device in a designated lockbox.
• Accessing a device during the school day without permission.
• Taking photographs, videos, or audio recordings of others without permission.
• Bullying or harassing others through digital means.
• Accessing, creating, or sharing inappropriate content.

Any breach may result in confiscation of the device and recording of the incident in the school's student management system.
Repeated breaches may result in a parent or caregiver being required to collect the device and in further disciplinary action.

Exemptions
Learning Activities
A teacher may authorise the supervised use of a mobile phone or smart device for a specific learning activity.
Health and Safety Needs
Students who require a device to support a verified medical condition, disability, or learning need may be granted an exemption by the Principal.
Emergency Situations
Temporary exemptions may be approved by the Principal where there are genuine health, safety, or protection concerns.
Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)
The use of mobile phones or smart devices during EOTC activities will be determined by the teacher in charge.

All exemptions remain subject to appropriate use and other school rules.

Procedure
1. Years 0–6 Students
Students in Years 0–6 should not bring mobile phones or smart devices to school.. Where exceptional circumstances require a student to bring a device to school, it must be switched off and handed to the school office at the start of the day. The device may be collected from the office at the end of the school day.
2. Years 7–13 Students
Students in Years 7–13 who bring a mobile phone or smart device to school must place it in a designated school lockbox before the start of the school day. Two lockboxes are provided:
Lockbox 1 – K1 Classroom
Lockbox 2 – K21 Classroom
Students are responsible for placing their own device into a lockbox. Devices must remain in the lockbox for the duration of the school day.

3. Lockbox Management
The lockboxes will be opened and locked each school day by either:
The K1 Teacher, or
The Head of High School
Once locked, devices will remain secured until the end of the school day. Access to a device during the school day will only be permitted in exceptional circumstances, including:
A verified medical emergency.
A family emergency communicated through the school office.
An approved educational activity.
Another circumstance approved by the Principal or Head of High School.

4. End of Day Collection
At the end of the school day, the K1 Teacher or Head of High School will unlock the lockboxes. Students may collect their devices at this time. Students must not use their devices until they have left the school grounds.

5. Non-Compliance
Any student who…
Fails to place a device in a lockbox.
Uses a device during the school day without permission.
Accesses a device without authorisation.
Refuses to comply with a staff member's instructions regarding device use.
…may have the device confiscated for the remainder of the day. Repeated non-compliance may result in a parent or caregiver being required to collect the device and may lead to further disciplinary action.

Related Policies
Student Behaviour Policy
Health and Safety Policy
Digital Technology and Acceptable Use Policy
This procedure applies to all students and is intended to support a safe, focused, and positive learning environment.