
Student mobile phone use will be banned across 80 Western Sydney Catholic schools from the beginning of the 2026 school year. The restriction presents a positive opportunity to enhance student outcomes, both in academic excellence and wellbeing.
Catholic Schools Parramatta Diocese Chief Executive Officer Jack de Groot feels that consistent restrictions with clear parameters are necessary to support both students and staff.
“Though the majority of our schools already have a phones-off-and-away approach, it’s important to make clear that this is the right approach for all our students,” Jack said. “Of course, there is a place for mobile phones in our lives, but that’s not at school.”
Parent representative George Giovas agrees that school is not the place for mobile phones.
”It is important to have a consistent, proactive and collaborative approach to the issue of mobile phones,” George said.
The safety and wellbeing of all our children and teachers during school is paramount. This is something that needs to be understood, respected and adhered to.
With the social media ban for children and young people under 16 coming into effect in December, the move to restrict phone use feels particularly timely. It also provides an opportunity to encourage students to prioritise real-world interactions and build social skills accordingly. School staff will receive support in implementing this policy throughout the school day, including guidance on appropriate consequences for breaches.
Of course, a small number of carefully considered exceptions to these rules will be allowed. For example, some students with diabetes use mobile phone apps to monitor their blood sugar levels and require access to a phone for safety reasons. Digital literacy will continue to be valued, but the ban certainly supports boundary-setting and perspective.
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10 Dec 2025
From Facebook
Thank you to everyone who put their faith into action and donated to our annual Christmas Appeal. Thanks to your generosity, our dedicated Faith in Action Team (FIAT) were able to pack dozens of boxes and bags to support people in need. The boxes were collected on Monday by Vinnies, and we look forward to welcoming Sue from David's Place, who will take the bags of food to ensure the David's Place community enjoy a special Christmas lunch. Our Christmas Appeal is one of the many ways that we try to live in way of Jesus through our Founding Values of dignity, compassion, hospitality, service, stewardship and justice. Thank you also to Miss Takchi and Mrs Rodrigues for your support of FIAT throughout 2025.09 Dec 2025
From Facebook
We did it again! Our amazing Gardening Club has again won the Sydney Hills Gardening Competition, in the category of school gardens maintained by primary students. It is a fitting recognition of all the hard work our Gardening Club put in every week. Congratulations and thank you to Mrs Harvey and the Gardening Club on this achievement and for your contribution to Respecting Our Environment and our Founding Value of Stewardship.