Some Need to Know Information
Nudgee College’s social media pages have been a wonderful way to share important events and moments within our diverse community. Through this increased online presence, the Student Formation team will now focus our newsletter articles on important “Need to Know” dates, events and year level reminders.
A focus for students in the coming weeks include:
Commencement Mass and Senior Investiture - Friday 5 February
Year 12 Students are to wear their Formal uniform.
If Year 12 parents are attending please RSVP here, alternatively the Mass is being live streamed through this link.
Year 5, 6, 8 and 9 will watch remotely from their classrooms.
Year 7, 10, 11 will watch in person in the CBCC.
Year 11 Leadership
In week 4, our Year 7 students will attend their annual camp. As part of our leadership program, Year 11 students can nominate their interest to attend this event with their House Dean. We strongly encourage any students to speak with their House Dean as soon as possible. This is one of many opportunities for our Year 11 students to lead in preparation for their Senior year.
Year 7 Camp
A reminder for any parents to please complete the camp registration form ASAP
Mary Valley: https://www.higherground.com.au/2021-stjosephsnudgee-year7-mv (Duggan, Fogarty, Magee, McKenna, Shaw)
Kenilworth Homestead: https://www.higherground.com.au/2021-stjosephsnudgee-year7-kw (Barrett, Riley, Ross, Tierney)
New Mobile phone policy “Mobile Free from 8 to 3”
At this week's assembly, I outlined to the students the College’s new position on mobile phones at school, which I had flagged with them last week. I then sent a direct communication to all Nudgee parents, if you missed that email then please see below. The new position comes after an eighteen month process, including: a literature review of international research into mobile phones and school performance; the tabling of many schools’ phone policy statements from across state and private schools; parent and staff survey feedback; and the consideration of recommendations from an internal school committee.
The College’s new position is that:
- Mobiles are not to be seen/visible during the school day
- Laptops are the device for class. Mobiles are NOT to be used as a device for classes.
- Students can keep mobile phones in Junior School tidy boxes, lockers, in bags, in laptop satchels, in pockets (if they can handle the temptation) but they are not to be out. Security is essential but is to be self-managed
Some small exceptions:
Students who need exemptions for medical reasons or other needs can register that with the Student Office and will receive an exemption card to attach to their mobile or have with them. If you need to apply for such an exemption for your son, please click here.
- At the tuckshop - students can use Apple Pay/ Google Pay if they must.
- Of course, students can continue to use phones on the journey to and from school on buses/trains etc.
- If a student's teacher specifically states a use for a class, such as videoing or photographing performance(s) or products, that is approved under teacher direction.
Please note, if a student has a smartwatch, it is not banned. However, only quick glances to it are considered acceptable.
A further note is that, for a number of reasons, a slightly more nuanced approach will apply to Year 11 and 12 students during break times but phones are still not to be highly visible.
Parent Communication to son/s:
Parents can communicate with boys using their College email. This is encouraged and will have the added benefit of students perhaps seeing important messages the College has sent them. Phone contact can be made before 8am and after school. Students can check their texts at those same times.
What Outcomes are we after? What is the spirit of this approach?)
- Boys in classes learning - not on mobiles.
- Boys talking and interacting with each other or being active - not on mobiles or devices for long periods.
- Limiting the instances of inappropriate taking of pictures and videos at school.
- Most importantly, from a well being perspective, maximising a device break-time. We are encouraging students to be ‘present’ to the world around them.
This approach comes after significant consideration but will be reviewed in an on-going way. We are certainly open to further discussions with any parent. If there is something you wish to discuss further, please send an email with the subject ‘Mobile Phone Policy’ to students@nudgee.qld.edu.au. I have to say I have been overwhelmed with positive feedback from parents after sending yesterday’s communication.
Mr Peter Todd
Dean of Students