As you may be aware the Government has introduced regulations that require all state schools to put in place school rules regarding the use of phones. The regulations require that schools must ensure students do not use or access a phone while they are attending school, including during lunch time and breaks. This includes students who are on a school course or visit outside the school grounds.

International research indicates that phones in schools are not conducive for learning and for student wellbeing. Therefore, these regulations have been put in place to ensure that the learning of all students is maximised, while minimising any potential for distraction and cyber-bullying.

Currently, students are not able to use phones during class time. From Term Two the expectation will be that student’s phones to be away for the day, meaning phones either do not come with the student to school (recommended), or are switched off and in their bags during the full school day.

‍If a parent or caregiver needs to contact their child urgently during the day, they should call the office or contact their child via their school email address. Parents and caregivers might also like to talk to their child about ways to manage any concerns about being off their phones for the day.

In order for this to be effective and not to disrupt our learning programmes we ask parents/caregivers to speak to their child about these rules and reinforce the expectations of the school.
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Steps we will take to support students to meet the ‘Phones Away for the Day’ expectation:

‍1. A reminder of ‘phones away for the day’ expectation at the beginning of the day. Each morning Manaaki teachers will ‘check and connect’ and ensure their students are set up to have a successful day. This involves reminding them of our school expectations.

2. A reminder of ‘phones away for the day’ expectation at the beginning of each class.

3. If a student has their phone out, the teacher will give them one reminder to put it away.

4. If a student continues to have their phone out, the teacher will ask for it to be handed in, and it will be returned at the end of a lesson.

5. If a student refuses to hand their phone in, it will be collected by a Dean or a member of the Senior Leadership Team. Students will be required to see a DP/Principal at the end of the day to discuss how they will meet ‘phones away for the day’ expectation and will be able to collect their phone. We will notify home to ask for support.

6. If a student continues to not meet our ‘phones away for the day’ expectation, the phone will be collected, and a parent/caregiver will be required to pick it up.

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Ngā mihi nui,

Lea Vellenoweth

Tumuaki/Principal