Good afternoon everyone,

As we approach the midpoint of our term, it is timely to remind students and carers of a few issues that arise from time to time which cause interruptions to learning and disruptions to the day to day management of students.

The first matter relates to the use of Mobile Phones and other Electronic devices. Students and carers are reminded, as pointed out in the student diary, that:

• Phones and other electronic devices are discouraged from being brought to Mount Carmel and the College can take no responsibility for the safekeeping of these items.
• Should it be necessary (as is often the case) for students to have a mobile phone/device on them, they are not to be a distraction and must be kept on their person, turned off and out of sight at all times during school hours, unless instructed otherwise by a member of staff.  
• While there may be times that a teacher deems their use as acceptable during a lesson, devices which are used inappropriately during class and/or College times will be confiscated and only be returned to parents/guardians.
• Mobile phone/ device is permissible before 8.40am and after 3.15pm as a means of students maintaining contact with home or to play music. Their use at these times is not to play games, make videos/take photos or for social networking.

Following on from the use of phones, it is expected that in the event of a student becoming unwell or wishing to contact home during the day that they do so by reporting to Student Services or their respective Year Coordinator. By not following these channels, support for students may not be appropriately provided and the unannounced arrival of a parent or carer to the Front Office often causes disruption. A reminder also that students who have pre-arranged appointments or are leaving the site early are to provide a note from home which is then countersigned by their respective Year Coordinator before presenting to the Front Office for signing out. These are important steps in ensuring that attendance and care for students are maintained at the high levels that all members of our community would expect.

Thank you for your support with these matters, it is much appreciated.

Mr Simon Huntly

Pastoral Care and Wellbeing Coordinator