MOBILE PHONES
There has been a lot of discussion in the media regarding mobile phones in schools, and the Department of Education has recently implemented a policy that bans mobile phones in schools. The policy developed actually very closely reflects our rules and guidelines that exist here at John Therry, yet we still find that mobile phones can be a significant barrier to learning for some of our students.
Today we will focus on our classroom rules to clarify our policy. We have recently implemented phone tubs to support students manage their phone in the classroom.
Every classroom has a phone tub and students have the option of placing their phone in the tub at the start of the lesson so it does not distract them, or they need to ensure it is kept out of site and is not heard throughout the lesson. If the phone is seen or heard, students will be asked to take the phone to students services and collect the phone in the afternoon before leaving school.
PHONE TUB RULES
- Phone must be turned off.
- Phone is to remain in the tub for the whole lesson.
- If you have not put your phone in the tub and are found to be using it through the lesson, it is to be handed in to Student Services for the remainder of the school day.
If there are ever emergencies and you need to contact your child, our office can prioritise our runners to collect students, or pass on messages if needed. Students are also welcome to go to the office to make a call if they need to contact parents throughout the day. Our policy aims to balance the need for contact, with the significant impact on learning phones can have if we do not have clear and consistent expectations here.