The following expectations apply to all Middle School students and support the School’s commitment to student wellbeing, safety, and positive social connection. By limiting access to digital devices, the School aims to foster presence, meaningful relationships, play, and healthy routines during these formative years.
Purpose and Rationale
Research and experience demonstrate that reducing access to smart devices during early adolescence supports improved wellbeing, social confidence, and stronger peer relationships. In Middle School, we seek to create an environment where students can fully engage with learning, boarding life, and one another, free from unnecessary digital distraction.
General Expectations
- Mobile phones are not permitted for use during the academic day for any Middle School student.
- Expectations differ for day students and boarding students, as outlined below.
- Where permitted, device access is managed and supervised by staff.
- The School reserves the right to confiscate any device used or held outside approved times.
Middle School Day Students
- Mobile phones must be switched off and stored in lockers from arrival until the end of the school day.
- Phones must not be carried on a student’s person during classes, breaks, or transitions.
Devices used or held outside these expectations will be confiscated, with families notified and follow‑up actions taken in line with School procedures.
Middle School Boarding Students
Approved Devices
Middle School boarding students:
- May not use smartphones or smart devices (including smart watches) while in the Boarding Houses
- May have one approved basic function phone only.
A basic function phone:
- Can make and receive calls
- Can send and receive SMS text messages
- Has no camera capability
- Has no internet access
- Has no app, data, or web‑browsing functionality
Phones with cameras that are disabled, covered, damaged, or altered do not meet these requirements.
To support you in sourcing an approved device, the following models have proven reliable and meet the Digital Reset requirements:
- Kidcomms P110
- Nokia 215
There are also other suitable camera‑free, internet‑free models available on the market, and you are welcome to select any device that meets both criteria.
Storage and Access
- All phones brought to boarding are provided to the Head of House on arrival and stored securely.
- Students are permitted access to their approved basic function phone only at times authorised by the Head of House, such as:
- Before evening Prep
- Designated times on weekends
- Devices are returned to students only when they:
- Depart for weekend exeat
- Depart for mid‑term exeat
- Depart for School holidays
Communication with Families
Students may contact families:
- Using their approved basic function phone at authorised times
- Via the House phone, with assistance from staff
- Through scheduled calls
- Via School laptops for video calls, where appropriate
The Tutor on Duty phone remains available for urgent communication with families.
Travel, Exeats and Emergencies
- Boarding students may take their approved basic function phone on House trips and excursions as directed by staff.
- Upon departure for exeats and holidays, students regain access to their smart phone to support:
- Travel documentation
- Travel management apps (e.g. PTV, V/Line)
- Banking and ticketing arrangements
Banking and Payments
- Students are required to have a bank card for personal expenses during the School term, activities, and trips.
Compliance
Devices used or held outside the expectations outlined above will be confiscated. Families will be informed, and further action may be taken where concerns persist or expectations are deliberately disregarded. Thank you for partnering with us to create a community where social connection and wellbeing are at the heart of Middle School life.