Dear colleagues,

Thanks for your contribution to another positive week. There was a great vibe around the working groups last week.  Thanks to everyone for their participation and to our Leads for being organised, setting the tone and providing support.  Short video below. #buildingfuturestogether

Routines Matter

Let's help each other with a collective push on high expectations and strong starts:

• Phones  & headphones away: use demerit if necessary

• Uniform: All outdoor jackets & hoodies off 

• Lesson Starters: Avoid down time, set the tone, build on prior learning

Mobile phone policy review - Update

Just a reminder of our current policy which is under review following the publication of government guidelines and concerns raised by some parents.

1. In general, phones should be away and on silent/switched off.

2. Unless part of a support plan, pupils should NOT wear headphones or listen to music.

3. Currently pupils CAN use their phones for learning ONLY with the teacher's permission.

Thanks for your comments and input to the survey (27 respondents and some chat around the school).  The most recent survey data:

• 13 respondents frequently have to ask pupils to put phones away

• 7 respondents occasionally have to ask pupils to put phones away

• 6 respondents rarely have to ask pupils to put phones away

• 1 respondent has said never

• 12 staff would welcome a complete ban

• 15 would prefer to stay with current policy

I was struck by this comment on the survey, "this is the worst low level problem in the school."  This comment reinforces how important it is that we ALL reinforce the same expectations.  I know that whatever we do, the policy needs to be tightened up.

The current policy states that in the first instance, pupils should be asked to put their phone away.  If it is out again, they should be warned and a demerit issued (phone).  This helps us collect data on the issue.  In the first 4 weeks, there were 46 demerits across the school for phone misuse.

If you haven't and would like to add your individual view, follow this link.

At the Parent Council last week, a significant number of parents who attended would welcome a complete ban.  A smaller number (who were there) did not support the notion of a complete ban. It was reported by a number of parents that their children are using phones in class for a range of things including listening to music.  There is a view that we are sending mixed messages to our young people.

In summary, at the pupil council last week:

•  Almost all pupils recognised that phones can interfere with learning.  

• While almost all are not in favour of a complete ban, there is an appreciation that phones should not be out in classes. 

• They also raised a distinction in expectations for young people based on their age and stage. i.e. more strict restrictions in the junior years, relaxing into S6.

Next steps:

• Please consider the issues at TMs and feedback suggestions to influence policy change

• Further Parents Meeting late September (date tbc)

• Full parental survey (30 September)

• Feedback will be carefully considered and the policy will be updated by October break

Remember to sign-up for this week's Active Learners, Active Thinkers CLPL focusisng on Quiz, Quiz, Trade on Friday at lunchtime in C8. Just click on the link in the section below. 

Thank you for your help with supervision.  The first and last 10 minutes are the busiest.  Your input at these times makes a difference.

Thank you all for your support, hard work and professionalism.  Have a great week. 

Elaine