MOBILE PHONES AT SCHOOL

In December 2018 it was announced that mobile phones and associated devices will be banned in NSW public primary schools this year in a bid to combat bullying and distractions in the classroom.

The ban follows an independent review which found a rise in online bullying, the sharing of explicit images and a lack of focus in classrooms due to mobile devices.

"Technology should be there to help a child learn it should not be there to upset them or make them feel uncomfortable," Premier Gladys Berejiklian

At Artarmon Public School we have always implemented a practice where students who bring a mobile phone and/or watch with phone capability, will need to turn it off before school starts and can only use it again at 2.55pm when school finishes.

Parents can always contact the school for emergency issues and the school will contact parents if students are unwell.

I often hear parents and caregivers say that they feel that children are safe with a mobile phone. Nothing keeps your children safer than parents and teachers giving them skills to look after themselves. A phone is just a communication device. In fact Dr Michael Carr-Gregg recommends parents buy their children ‘dumb phones’ , only capable of phone calls.

The Artarmon Public School policy will be reviewed when the Department policy is issued and all students will be participating in an online cyber safety program – eSmart Digital Licence- through the Alannah & Madeline Foundation.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2019 CLASS PARENTS

Thank you to all 48 class parent volunteers. This is an important role at APS . Class parents help with communication between the families of children in the class, with the teacher, school and P&C Committee and help to make families feel part of the school. We are all very appreciateive of the work you do.

YR 2 GOING SWIMMING

EXCURSION REFUNDS

When the school books excursions we have a set cost for the buses and an entry/participation cost. If your child is unexpectedly unable to attend an excursion we are unable to refund the travel/bus cost as the companies do not charge per person, they charge per bus.

LOST PROPERTY

We ask parents to ensure all items belonging to their child are named.

A system is in place to return lost clothing, water bottles and other items to students. However, where items are unnamed or are second-hand and carry the name of an unrelated student, we are unable to find the current owner.

6VC Artwork