Feedback requested – Smartphone & Social Media Policy

From the Deputy Head of College, Mr Mark Case

As a leading school in this area, Oxley launched our bold new policy and procedures at the start of this year. Whilst it has been challenging at times to enforce, even at this early stage we are delighted with how it has been going. There has been a tangible difference during the school day and at school events in the strict enforcement of “See it, Hear it – Lose it”. As a reminder, you can find information about the reasons for our approach, and a link to our policy, on the website: Smart Phones and Social Media | Oxley College.

I consulted with parents/carers throughout 2024, and the feedback I received was instrumental in developing our approach. I am once again asking parents/carers for feedback on the policy and its implementation. In particular, I am interested to know how successful the ban on smartphones below Year 9 has been in discouraging smartphone/social media use by students outside of school. I am particularly keen to hear from parents/carers with children in Years 5-8.

I encourage you to complete the Feedback Form found below to let us know of your experiences and observations.

The Parent Code of Conduct

At Oxley we are committed to upholding everyone’s right to a safe and respectful learning and working environment. Key to achieving this is the existence of an understanding, empathetic and caring College community that supports the College, its vision, and values. Parents, and carers form an intrinsic part of this community, and the College recognises that a positive and co-operative partnership with parents is fundamental to student achievement and progress.

This paragraph is adapted from the opening of our Parent Code of Conduct, which is available on the College website under “Policies”.

The start of a new school year is a good time to be reminded of this code, and I strongly encourage all parents and carers to read and be familiar with it. We have a similar code of conduct for staff, volunteers and contractors, and are in the final stages of developing a Student Code of Conduct, too.

I would like to draw attention to some aspects of the Parent Code of Conduct in this article (quotations from the Code are in italics). Please note that the full Code is publicly available on the College website or via the link above.

A ‘Child Safe’ School

Our primary responsibility is to provide a safe and supportive environment for our students. We have clear protocols and expectations and requirements for all of our staff, volunteers and contractors to ensure that we do this. Our Parent Code of Conduct is part of this responsibility too; it is why: 

Parents are required to sign in at Reception upon arrival at the College, and only enter a classroom or other student environment when invited to do so by a staff member.

[This does not apply if the visit concerns attendance at an activity or event to which all members of the College community have been invited, the Uniform Shop, or  student pick-up or drop off]

Please do not be offended if a member of staff asks you to abide by these requirements.

Respect and Inclusion

Our Parent Code of Conduct ensures that all interactions within our school community are grounded in mutual respect and understanding. It sets clear expectations for behaviour, encouraging parents to model the values we teach our students, such as being kind and showing respect.

Central to the expectations are that parents/carers respect and support the College and its inclusive community, which welcomes all members regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, background, family composition or different learning needs.

Use of Technology and Social Media

The Code of Conduct has a detailed section that outlines expectations of parents/carers in this area, especially the taking, sharing and publication of photos or personal information that identifies students or other members of the school community. It contains specific expectations, for example in outlining circumstances when consent is needed.

Effective Communication

Effective communication between parents/carers, teachers, and school staff is crucial for the success of our students. At Oxley, we emphasise courteous and respectful communication, both in person and online. The Code of Conduct outlines the appropriate channels and methods for communication, helping to prevent misunderstandings and ensuring that concerns are addressed promptly and constructively.

Parents are expected to recognise the damage that gossip can do within a school community and to refrain from unconstructive and speculative commentary with other parents or students, including on social media.

Setting a Positive Example & Building a Strong Community

Children learn by observing the adults around them. By following the Parent Code of Conduct, parents and carers set a positive example for their children; for example, in demonstrating our values in respecting players, coaches and umpires/referees on the side of the sports field/court, or in obeying road rules at pick up/drop off and when driving on adjacent streets. Doing so, in turn, helps students develop these qualities.

When parents adhere to the Code of Conduct, it strengthens the sense of community within the College. It fosters a collaborative atmosphere where everyone works together towards the common goal of supporting our students’ education and wellbeing – it is essential for creating a positive school culture.

Flamingo Bus

Parents/carers of students who catch the Flamingo bus to school will be aware of the ongoing problems we have experienced in the arrival of the bus at Oxley, in time for students to be present in class for roll call. We have been working closely with Berrima Buslines to try to fix this issue, and I am delighted that they have been able to adjust their timings, so that from Monday 10 March the scheduled arrival at Oxley will be five minutes earlier at 8.37am. Please see the revised schedule below: