Term 3, two years ago, was the launch of the San Clemente updated Phone Policy. At the time, the state government was in the process of passing a law to ban all mobile phones in Department of Education schools. At San Clemente, we took a consultative and collaborative approach to assist our families and young people to avoid the distraction of their mobile devices in an effort to promote genuine connections and concentrate on our core focus of education and learning. 

Our policy was overwhelmingly well received by all in our community, with a very noticeable change to the visibility and use of mobile devices on the playground and during our learning time. Students also began learning positive use of their mobile devices, using them at times with teacher instruction or being guided by their LOWE, should they need to contact home. 

Catholic Schools Maitland - Newcastle developed their own policy, launching this in 2025 in conjunction with the State Government. This policy identifies a number of strategies for managing mobile devices in schools. At San Clemente, our policy fits into the category of "Off and away". This refers to devices being allowed on the premises but placed in bags, turned off until the appropriate time to use again.  Students who do not adhere to this guideline will have their device placed in our office for the day, with further follow-up, such as parent contact, should there be repeat behaviour. 

The CSO policy indicates students are to engage with "Off and Away" from the moment they enter the school grounds, an amendment from our original policy. Students this week have been informed that when school supervision begins in the morning at 8:25 am, staff will be guiding students to place their devices "Off and Away". Mobile devices will be confiscated if they are used between 8:45 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. 

Further to this, the Federal Government will be introducing new regulations in regard to Social Media and our young people. No doubt this may be a challenge to navigate for some in our community. At San Clemente Catholic College, we partner with SchoolTV to provide wellbeing resources and assistance for families. SchoolTV are offering our families the opportunity to engage in a free webinar on -

Wednesday, 3^rd September, 7:30pm - 8:30pm.

This webinar will cover:

• New Social Media Regulations
• Digital Footprint and Reputation
• Screen Time and Brain Development
• Parental Controls

http://mayfieldsanc.catholic.schooltv.me/webinar/east-coast-digital-media-literacy-safety-part-III

Nathan Beckett Assistant Principal (Wellbeing)