Parents

School Holidays. South Lanarkshire Council

Parent Forum Meetings

Dear Parent/Guardian

Use of Mobile Phones, MP3 Players etc:
As you will be aware, the number of pupils owning and using mobile phones, MP3 players, i-pods, and other modern technologies has been growing steadily in recent years.  The technology has grown rapidly in its sophistication to include features such as digital photography, Bluetooth, video etc.  I readily understand why parents or guardians would wish to be able to communicate quickly with their child or children.  The use, or should I say the misuse, of such technology has, however, begun to cause the school serious problems recently.  I would, therefore, like to take this opportunity to inform you of our rules regarding mobile phones, MP3 players and similar devices.  Please note that there is no ban on these devices but the school would advise that expensive items like games consoles and i-pods would be best left at home.

Mobile Phones:
These should be kept out of sight and switched off during class.  If a pupil uses a phone during class, it will be confiscated.  Pupils should not use mobile phones when moving between classes.   Phones should not be used to take photographs or video footage at any time.   Effectively this means that phones can only be used before the start of the school day, at the interval, at lunchtime, and after
3.30 p.m.  The S.Q.A. explicitly forbids pupils bringing mobile phones into exams.  This rule also applies to S3 examinations and the S4 and S5-6 prelims. 

MP3 Players and other Audio Devices:
It is not allowed to play such devices during class time and when moving between classes.  They should be kept out of sight.  As with mobile phones, their use in class will lead to the confiscation of the device.

Chewing Gum:
Chewing gum is not allowed on school premises.   A large number of bins have been provided both outside and inside the school building for this.

The intention behind these rules is to allow appropriate use of such technologies at appropriate times and to protect our newly refurbished building.  Some of our pupils have not appreciated this.  We will raise this issue with pupils at assemblies so that everyone is clear of the reasons for these school rules.

I would be very grateful if you would discuss this with your son/daughter(s).  Please contact me at the school if you would like to discuss this further.

Yours sincerely

C Stewart
Head Teacher

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