Dear parents

There is a growing amount of evidence that shows that unlimited access to phones can have a detrimental effect upon learning and social development. Issues that all schools are experiencing include:

• rising levels of social isolation and anxiety, particularly around the use of social media
  
• phone addiction
  
• distraction from learning (games, social media, online media)
  
• conflict between students and other students/teachers over device use
  
• students ‘unable’ to learn without access to music/headphones (the benefits are disputable)

Generally, mobile phones are not to be seen or used during school lessons. Exceptions can be made if students ask the teacher’s permission to use their phone for a learning purpose or the teacher explicitly states that phones are allowed during an activity.  For example:

• taking simple notes
  
• setting reminders
  
• video or audio recording and analysis
  
• using apps such as a calculator
  
• taking photos of notes or instructions on whiteboards
  
• checking timetable changes or school-specific notices

Should a student refuse to quietly put their phone away it will be confiscated. If students do not follow these instructions, they will be referred to their dean. If this happens consistently they will be referred to the senior leadership team and high-level consequences are possible. We believe this process encourages positive use of phones for learning purposes and assists with minimising the distraction these devices can cause. We ask that parents assist by not expecting your child to answer messages until break times.

I wish all students a restful holiday - I am sure senior students will use the time wisely to prepare for their upcoming exams!

Nga mihi nui

Daniel Wilson
Principal