ENJOYING QUALITY FAMILY CONVERSATIONS

This weeks conversation starters, to help you kick off some quality conversations with your family.

• Where would you like to live when you are older? Why?
• What is the favourite part about yourself? What is your least favorite?
• If you could be on any TV show what would it be and why?

The goal? To help build a routine—whether it’s nightly dinners, drives to school, or even just one dedicated evening a week for “Family Conversation Night” (no screens allowed!).

You’ll be amazed at the magic that unfolds once it becomes a family habit.

RESPECTFUL BEHAVIORS AT ST ITAS

MOBILE PHONES AND PERSONAL DEVICES POLICY – PRIMARY STUDENTS

At Friday’s assembly, I spoke with our senior students about the laws and expectations regarding the appropriate use of mobile phones and personal devices while at school. This conversation followed several serious breaches of device use that have occurred recently.

To ensure clarity for our entire school community, I want to reiterate our Primary Student Use of Mobile Phones and Personal Devices Policy. This policy provides clear guidance to students, staff, and families on how personal digital devices must be managed at St Itas primary school.

Digital devices include (but are not limited to) mobile phones, smartwatches, tablets, and laptops that are not part of a designated Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. This policy applies whenever students are:

• At school during school hours
• Attending any authorised school activity, such as of site workshops, excursions or camps

Mobile Phone Use for Primary School Students

The Department of Education’s and DOSCELS position is that primary-aged students are not permitted to use mobile phones or personal devices during school hours.

We acknowledge there are valid reasons a student might bring a mobile phone or device to school, such as:

• For safety while travelling to and from school
• To allow communication with parents or guardians outside of school hours

However, during school hours, including break times, students must not access or use mobile phones or other personal devices.

Device Use Procedures

• At the beginning of the school day, students must switch off or mute their device and hand it to their teacher for secure storage.
• Smartwatches must be turned off or placed in school mode throughout the school day.
• Devices will be stored securely in the classroom after collection by classroom staff.
• Students who arrive late must hand in their device upon arrival.

Non-Compliance and Consequences

If a student does not follow the policy:

1. They will be asked to hand over the phone/device to a staff member. It will be stored securely in their lockable filing cabinet or in school admin office.
2. If the student refuses, they will be required to attend a lunch time supervised detention with the principal.
3. Persistent refusal to follow the policy will result in repeated detentions and may lead to a school suspension.
4. Any use of a phone/watch/device during the school day (including recess or lunch) will result in lunch detention.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Principal

• Ensure the policy is clearly communicated and accessible to all students, staff, and families.
• Provide secure storage for student devices handed in at school.
• Regularly review the policy and enforce it consistently.
• Respond to and report inappropriate use of personal devices according to departmental and legal guidelines.
• Consider parent requests for policy exemptions on a case-by-case basis, documenting and sharing outcomes with relevant staff.
• Model appropriate device use and support families in promoting respectful digital behaviour.

School Staff

• Maintain a focused learning environment by reducing distractions from personal devices.
• Respond to non-compliance and report inappropriate use in line with policy and department guidelines.
• Securely store any devices handed in and return them appropriately.
• Model and coach safe and respectful use of digital devices.

Students

• Comply with this policy and follow staff instructions.
• If permitted to use a device due to an approved exemption, do so respectfully and responsibly.
• Do not use devices to bully, harass, humiliate or record others without consent.
• Support peers in using devices safely and appropriately.

Parents and Carers

• Support the school’s policy, including any consequences for non-compliance.
• Use formal school communication channels when contacting the school or arranging early pickups.
• Encourage children to report illness or concerns to staff directly.
• Monitor and reinforce respectful, safe, and responsible digital behaviours at home.

The appropriate use of mobile phones and personal devices policy reflects our shared responsibility in creating a safe, respectful, and distraction-free learning environment.

The St Ita’s community thanks you for supporting its consistent implementation.

For any questions or to request an exemption, please contact the school admin on 56237222