From the Principals

The start to Term 2 has been a busy one, with the beginning of the winter co-curricular and the school’s involvement in Generations in Jazz, along with both of us having the opportunity to step into the roles of principals for a day.

In preparation for Term 2, the College released an updated mobile phone policy, aiming to create a more efficient and effective learning environment.

As new research emerges on the ongoing threat that smartphones and social media pose to young students, we are seeing trends in the number of schools across the globe acting on these frightening statistics. As per Jonathan Haidt’s latest novel, The Anxious Generation, rates of depression among young girls have gone up 145% between 2010 and 2021, while a study by the National Library of Medicine revealed 33.6% of boys have some sort of mobile phone addiction. The College’s decision to implement the new mobile phone policy is a proactive response to the re-evaluation of technology in an educational setting.

The addictive nature of smartphones comes with profound implications for students' social behaviour and interpersonal relationships. Excessive screen time causes a reliance on the devices, ultimately disrupting the development of these essential social skills. Although phones play crucial roles in today’s society, the links between smartphones and issues in the youth of today are becoming all too noticeable: upward trends in anxiety, isolation, and depression are becoming more apparent as the new ‘digital age’ hinders genuine human interaction.

So, what does this new policy mean for students?

On a practical level, students will not be allowed to access their phones during the school day and are encouraged to keep their phones in their lockers.

On a deeper level, this will mean students are no longer exposed to the constant distractions posed by these mobile devices. The ultimate aim is to enhance social connections and improve students’ focus and concentration throughout their classes.

While we both acknowledge the challenges that come with this new policy, we also understand and have experienced the distraction and threat that mobile phones pose in learning environments. Often, doing the right thing is hard, but we strongly believe this new policy will serve us well in the long run.

Ultimately, this policy underlines the commitment the College has made to nurture each student holistically. As such, we are asking the student body to respect and abide by these new rules.

We were excited to launch the 1478 Unite Appeal recently. With every student across IEY, Junior School, and Senior School taking part in this initiative, we will see a total of 1478 items donated to St Vincent de Paul, the Adelaide Day Centre, and Centacare. These items will be in great need by many during the harsh winter months.

Social justice holds a central role in our Ignatian education, nurturing students' dedication to fairness and empathy. Within our community, we emphasise values that empower students to actively engage in advocacy and support for those facing injustice.

On 7 May, an email was sent to all parents with extended details about the donation drive and what items are being sought from each year level. The College will be receiving donations up until Thursday 6 June (week 6).

Good luck to all our students participating in their co-curricular sports and activities over the weekend. Next week, as part of Reconciliation Week celebrations, our students will be competing in Reconciliation Round matches to recognise our shared histories and the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to sport in our country.

We wish our community a wonderful weekend.

John Dwyer and Imogen Baily
Principals for a Day

OREMUS (Let us pray)

We remember all in our College community. May our prayers comfort those suffering at this time. May God’s blessing be a source of support in their sorrow and loss, and bring courage, patience, and hope.

For those who have died:

• John Newton Darroch
• Salvatore (Sam) Fazzini

“Ask and you shall receive … knock and the door will be opened unto you.” (Matt 7:7)

If you would like someone to be remembered by the College community in prayer (even anonymously), please provide details to the Rector, class or Mentor Teacher, or House Leader.