Craigieburn Secondary College Aligns With Mobile Phone Ban, Reviews Attendance Policy

Starting in Term 1, 2020, Craigieburn Secondary College fully aligned its mobile phone policy with the Victorian Department of Education's directive. Under the new rules, students are required to switch off their phones and store them securely for the entire school day. The policy, outlined by the college in its official communications, aims to reduce distractions and improve classroom engagement.

Attendance Policy Under Review

Alongside the phone ban, the college's Attendance Policy 2022 is currently under review, pending ratification by the School Council. The updated policy aligns with the Department of Education's mandatory 90 percent attendance rate requirement. According to the college, this revision is designed to support better student outcomes by emphasizing the importance of regular attendance. The Department has also introduced a new '2-hour rule' for attendance coding, which requires students to be present for at least two hours before midday or after midday to be counted as attending that session.

What This Means for Local Families

For Craigieburn families, these changes may require adjustments to daily routines. Parents will need to ensure their children's phones are left at home or stored away at school, and that attendance remains consistent to meet the 90 percent threshold. The college has provided guidance on its website, urging families to familiarize themselves with the updated policies to avoid any misunderstandings. The attendance review also includes a focus on coding and recording attendance accurately, which could affect how the school communicates absences to parents.

While no specific cost increases or savings have been tied to these policy shifts, the emphasis on attendance may reduce the need for catch-up classes or additional support for students falling behind. The college's website notes that good attendance is linked to better academic performance, which could indirectly ease household budgeting pressures over the long term by reducing the need for private tutoring or extra educational resources.

Next Steps for the Community

The School Council is expected to ratify the updated Attendance Policy in the coming weeks, pending final review. Craigieburn Secondary College has encouraged parents to visit its official website or contact the school directly for more details on both the mobile phone and attendance policies. As these changes take effect, the college continues to prioritize a focused and supportive learning environment for its students.