Kia ora koutou

It's been a very busy couple of weeks at school and I trust you enjoy reading about the many and varied activities our rangatahi have been engaged in. We know that learning is effective and students develop a sense of self, strong relationships, experience deep learning through creativity and curiosity, display grit and determination, and grow through leadership and service in our community. Our bulletin this week provides a wonderful snapshot of how this happens at MGC.

The big discussion this week has been the changes to our cell phone policy. We really appreciated all the feedback to our survey. Yesterday we shared the new policy and our new processes with students in assembly. Read on for the key points...

What's the new rule?

The new government policy means that we have changed our rules around cell phones. For MGC, and every other school in the country, cell phones are now away for the day. That means phones are away for the day from 8.30am until 3.15pm, after the final bell for the day has rung. This includes intervals and lunchtimes. These times also apply on late start Thursdays. 

For example, if a student's bus arrives at school at 8am, they can use their phone until the clock ticks over to 8.30am, and then it's phones off and away for the day. After the bell has rung at 3.15pm a student may still be at school because they have volleyball practice or be waiting for a later bus. They can use their phone as long as it is after 3.15pm. 

The away for the day rule also applies if students are on class or sports trips outside of school. Every trip is different and teachers and staff in charge will let students know what the rules are for each trip. Essentially, if you are working and learning together, cell phones are turned off and away.

Why have you changed the cell phone rules?

We have changed our school rules to ensure that we meet the new government policy about cell phones in schools. We also know that too much of a good thing can actually be quite harmful, and this applies to an overload of information and stimulation from constantly being online or connected to a cell phone. Moderation in all things is key. Brains, both young and old, need to have a break from an overload of information so that they can process learning and the world around them. 

Other schools who have had cell phones away for the day for some years tell us that their school environment is calmer, students socialise and are more active at intervals and lunchtimes and learning is more focused in classrooms.

Can I use my phone for learning in classes?

In some classes, students may use their phones for learning activities, eg making a movie or recording a debate or interview. Teachers will determine when cell phones can be used for learning in class time. If students are using their phones for learning outside the classroom, they will have a note from their teacher so that everyone knows using their phone is legit.

Some students will have an exemption card so that they can use their cell phone during the day. Exemptions support students' medical or learning needs and our Deputy Principals will manage exemptions. Please make sure you contact the Deputy Principal in charge of your year level if you have a question about this.

What happens if I have my phone out at school?

A staff member will ask the student to take their phone to the student office, where they will hand it over and log their name. This is MGC's cell phone Jog & Log.

We expect students to do the right thing, to be calm and kind to staff and get their phone logged in quickly and then get back to class. Check out the flowchart below of what happens if you have a phone out...

Jog & Log applies in class and around the grounds at break and lunchtimes. 

If a student does not jog their phone over to the student office and log it in, a curriculum Leader, Dean or DP will come to their class and ask them to take their phone to the student office. In this case, students will not be able to collect their phone at 3.15pm. Parents will be phoned and asked to collect the phone from school when it suits them.

If a student still refuses to hand their phone in, they will be removed from class and parents invited in for a hui to restore the relationship with the school.

If a student has their phone out a second time, they will not be able to collect their phone at 3.15pm. Their parents will need to collect it from school at a time that suits them, and have a hui to restore the relationship with the school.

Repeated breaches of the cell phone rule will result in a disciplinary meeting with the Principal.

Year 12 and 13 students have permission to leave the school grounds at lunchtime. They are able to use their phones off site.

What about earbuds/headphones?

The same rules for phones also apply to earbuds and headphones. They are also away for the day, unless a class has been asked to listen to soundtrack or movie on their laptops/devices. 

What if I need to get in touch with home/my child/have to sign out for a dentist appointment?

If parents need to contact their child for any reason, and particularly in an emergency, they should ring the school office and we will get a message to the student as soon as possible. Any student who needs to contact their parent or caregiver is welcome to ask to use one of our phones in Guidance or in the Senior Leaders offices.

For appointments outside of school, please email attendance@mgc.school.nz

How about my timetable... I need to check my phone to know what class I have next!

Every student has been provided with a printed timetable today. They can also log on to Schoolbridge on their device and check their timetable.

What about teachers & their phones?

Teachers have responsibilities in their roles and lives that students do not have, and this means they may need to use their phone during the school day. An example of this is a PE teacher taking the class roll when they're out on the field. The government rules also do not apply to staff in schools. We do expect teachers are as focused on teaching and learning in class as students, and they are also great role models of how to survive and thrive successfully without cell phones in class. 

To see a copy of our cell phone policy, please click here.

We fully acknowledge this is a really big change for some students, especially those who have had cell phones in school for a number of years. I have a lot of trust and confidence in our students to cope and manage this change successfully for everyone. We answered a lot of questions in assemblies yesterday and staff are happy to answer questions. The success of this change also sits on our staff and we are approaching this as one team, all on the same page, with consistent responses and support for these new rules. A huge thank you to everyone in advance of our new cell phone free school that kicks off on Wednesday 3 April at 8.30am.

Have a enjoyable and restful Easter break.

Ngā mihi nui

Mary-Jeanne Lynch
Principal | Tumuaki