Mobile Phone Policy
The College recognises that there are times when it is genuinely appropriate and useful for students to have access to a mobile phone - for example, to contact parents in emergencies, to confirm or change a collection time after drama or music rehearsals or sports practice. It is not necessary, nor acceptable however, for mobile phones to be switched on or used during lesson or study times.
As a general rule, mobile phone use by students should only be in cases of emergency or genuine need.
Any girl who is feeling unwell at school and needs to go home, must arrange this through the Health Centre. Under no circumstances may students use either mobile or pay phones to contact home and make arrangements to leave except through the Health Centre or Deputy Principal.
The following 'common sense' rules apply with respect to mobile phones:
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Courtesy, consideration of and respect for others, are paramount at all times.
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They are brought to and kept at school, and used entirely at their owner's risk. The College cannot accept any responsibility for theft, loss, damage or health effects (potential or actual) resulting from mobile phone use. Students and parents should recognise, however, that mobile phones are a highly prized target for theft and, accordingly, phones should always be stored in a safe and secure place.
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Parents and students should ensure that such phones are properly and adequately insured as personal property.
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Mobile phones must be switched off during lessons, private study times or during examinations and when they are stored in a locker. They should not be used in any manner or place that is disruptive to the normal routines of the College or to other people. Usage includes the sending and receiving of text messages or data.
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Students are not permitted to use mobile phones during field trips, excursions or other off-campus supervised activities. Arrangements will be in place for communication with staff members in the case of an emergency.
In addition, the following apply in the Boarding House:
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Mobile phones may only be used in students' own rooms. They may be stored in students' rooms or lockers. It is strongly recommended that, when not in use, the phone should be safely locked away in the Boarding House. Mobile phones are not to be switched on or used during designated study times or after "lights out". Parents should set appropriate parameters and rules for their children for such matters as frequency of use, lending the phone to others, costs of access and call cost plan, etc.
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The mobile phone number must be registered with the Boarding House staff.
Non-observance or breaches of these rules may result in the mobile phone being confiscated and privileges restricted or withdrawn. If the mobile phone is confiscated, it will need to be collected from Reception by the parent/guardian of the student.