Policy: Personal Mobile Devices

Mobile phones, smart watches, including other electronic devices used for games and music storage, retrieval and playing, and recording capabilities.

RATIONALE

At Avondale School we aim to empower our students to engage and learn with confidence, courage and empathy by providing an education that inspires them to become global citizens.

The school discourages students from bringing mobile phones, cellular enabled smart watches, tablets and/or music players to school. These communication devices can cause disruption in classrooms and the playground, can be used inappropriately to access social media and take photos without permission. This can cause distress and breach the privacy of others.

Parents are able to contact their children via email or by calling the school phone (02) 4977 0200 if necessary. Students can contact parents from the office phone. During school time, 8.25 am - 3.25 pm, communication should happen via this phone.

If a parent feels it is necessary for their child to bring a communication device (mobile phone, cellular enabled smart watch, tablet and/or music player) to school, then the expectations for student use of these devices at school are outlined below:

Devices brought to and kept at school are used entirely at the owner’s risk. Avondale School cannot accept any responsibility for theft, loss, or damage of these devices.
If students choose to bring a mobile phone to school, they are to be turned off during school hours and are to be locked in their locker (Years 7 – 12). For Primary students (Kindy - Year 6), they should be stored securely in their school bags during school hours.
During the school day, phones must be switched off or in flight mode, or the equivalent setting that disables network connectivity. This is to ensure that incoming calls, text messages, notifications, or any form of connectivity does not disrupt classroom activities while the student is on school campus, except for parent contact after 3.15pm.
The use of earbuds or headphones during school hours, except when explicitly sanctioned by educators for pedagogical purposes, will be deemed a breach of school policy. Earbuds or headphones can create isolation and distractions, like mobile phones, and may disrupt the learning environment. Any approved use of earbuds or headphones will be carefully monitored by teachers to ensure it aligns with educational objectives.
Phones and smart watches are not to be used to call home in an emergency. This is the duty of the school and the administrator/teacher in charge.
Phones and smart watches are not to be used to call home in the event of a mishap at school or because belongings have been forgotten, unless at a teacher’s discretion and under the supervision of the teacher – in the main, these events are to be dealt with by the school. Parents will be informed of any events that have impacted their child.
Phones, smart watches, earbuds, or headphones are not to be used in the classroom, playground, canteen, sporting events or incursions/excursions for any of the following purposes: check text messages, access games, access the internet, access images, use of the camera or take videos, except in circumstances where their classroom teacher approves such use for educational purposes.
Phones and smart watches are not to be used to harass, bully, or intimidate students or staff. Breaches will be dealt with as per the school’s Discipline Policy.
Mobile phones and smart watches are banned from all examinations (this is a National expectation).
Messages on phones may be checked in the 'phone home' zone after 3.15pm out in the bus waiting area.
To uphold an environment conducive to focused learning, the utilisation of mobile devices for transactions at the school canteen during school hours is prohibited.
The following process will apply where a student’s use of mobile phones, cellular enabled smart watches, tablets, and/or music players is in breach of these expectations.

PROCEDURE

First Offence: If a student is found using a mobile phone, cellular enabled smart watch, earbuds, headphones, tablet, and/or music player, the student will be asked to hand the device to the Primary / Secondary Office immediately. A Detention will be issued for breaking the school policy. The device will be held in a secure place and will be returned to the student at the end of the school day.
Second Offence: The second time a student is found using their device(s) without permission during school hours, the device(s) will again need to be handed to the Primary / Secondary Office. It will be held in a secure place and returned to the student at the end of the school day. On the second offence, the parents will be contacted and informed of the ongoing failure by their child to adhere to school expectations. A Sport Detention will be served.
Third Offence: Parents will be notified if their child’s device(s) have been handed to the Primary / Secondary Office for a third time. Parents will be asked to collect the device(s) from the Office. In the event of a third violation of this rule, the student will face suspension.
Additional Offences: Any further breaches of the policy will be referred to the Discipline Committee for consideration.
Should a student use someone else's device(s), the device(s) will be confiscated, and the Detention given to the user.

Although all care will be taken with confiscated items, the school accepts no liability for damage or loss in storing these items.

Policy: Personal Mobile Devices (School Camps)

RATIONALE

At Avondale School, we believe in fostering an environment that encourages personal growth, social interaction, and meaningful connections during overnight camps. The primary objective of this policy is to ensure a safe, engaging, and immersive camp experience while maintaining a balance between the benefits of technology and the camp's intended objectives. Students are encouraged to immerse themselves fully in the camp experience without excessive distraction from their mobile devices.

The following guidelines apply to the use of mobile devices during the duration of the overnight camp:

Mobile Phone Usage Hours: Mobile phones can only be used during designated times that will be communicated by the camp organisers. These times will be carefully selected to minimise disruptions to camp activities and encourage full engagement in the camp experience.
Restricted Mobile Device Usage: Throughout camp activities, students are prohibited from utilising their mobile phones or other electronic devices. This rule encompasses all scheduled camp activities, group sessions, outdoor adventures, communal meals and while travelling on the bus. However, exceptions to this restriction may be granted in the event of emergencies or when pre-approved by camp staff for essential purposes.
Emergency Communication: Students, with permission from the camp organiser, are allowed to keep their mobile device with them outside of designated times for emergency purposes only. In case of an emergency, students can use their phones to contact camp staff, parents/caregivers, or emergency services.
No Social Media and Internet Browsing: Students are not allowed to use their mobile devices to access social media platforms or browse the internet during the camp. This policy encourages students to focus on building real-life connections and engaging in camp activities.
Photography and Privacy: Students should respect the privacy and consent of others. Taking photos or videos of fellow students without their explicit permission is prohibited. Any media captured during the camp should be shared only within the group and not on public platforms.
Camp Activities and Engagement: To fully immerse in the camp experience, students are encouraged to leave their mobile devices in their designated areas during camp activities. This fosters active engagement, teamwork, and the opportunity to create lasting memories.
Device Storage: Students are responsible for securing their mobile devices in a safe and designated storage area when not in use. The camp organisers will provide lockable storage options to ensure that the mobile device is charged while not in use.
Respect for Others: Students are expected to respect the camp policy and the decisions made by camp organisers. Any misuse or disregard for the mobile device policy may result in limited privileges or consequences determined by the camp staff or school administration.
Role Modelling: Camp staff and leaders are expected to set an example for students by engaging actively in camp activities and limiting their mobile device use during designated times.
Exceptions: Students with specific medical or accessibility needs that require the use of a mobile device may request an exception to the policy. Such requests should be communicated to the camp organisers in advance.
Consequences of Misuse: Misuse of mobile devices, including violations of designated usage zones or using the device during restricted periods, may result in disciplinary actions as determined by camp staff. Repeated or severe violations of the mobile device policy may lead to restricted privileges or, in extreme cases, expulsion from the camp.

Although every care will be taken when the students hand in their mobile devices, the school accepts no liability for damage or loss in handling these items.

By adhering to this mobile device policy, students contribute to a positive and enriching camp experience for themselves and their peers. We appreciate your cooperation in creating an environment that promotes personal growth, learning, and meaningful connections.

This policy was updated in September 2023.

This policy is subject to review. It may be revised at any time through an action of the staff or the School Advisory.