Dear Parents,
SMMC welcomes 11 new families and many returning students this year. Hospitality is a key part of SMMC community life. We've all been new and know what it is like. With that in mind, I hope you can make it to the Welcome BBQ on Sunday to get reacquainted with old friends and meet new ones. Please also note the date of this term's Parent Night, 27th February, and our guest speaker, Fr Byrnes, who will address the topic of the jubilee year.
We launch today a new set of guidelines for students who bring mobile devices to school. Saint Mary MacKillop College is a phone-free school; in this we are not on our own. Students are prohibited by law in all NSW schools from accessing mobile phones during the school day. It seems that virtually everyone appreciates the deleterious effects of open access to internet-capable screens. Please note also that smart watches with photo, video, messaging, internet and/or Bluetooth features and hand-held gaming machines are also to be left at home or handed into the front office. I commend the guidelines to you and ask your support to ensure that SMMC is a safe environment for every student.
In addition to the guidelines for students, teachers are also implementing digital technology guidelines that seek to ensure there is a uniform and transparent approach across K-12 that is consistent with our ethos. Paper copies of both sets of guidelines can be obtained at the front office.
I pray that your family enjoys a happy and holy 2025 Jubilee Year.
Warm regards,
Ian Smith
Principal
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