As was signalled at the end of last year at our Junior Prize Giving, from this year, it will no longer be acceptable for any student to use a mobile phone at school.

Mobile phones are a useful communication tool, when used sparingly and for direct communication. However, there is clear evidence, both inside and outside of this school, that they are increasingly over-used and that the amount of time spent on them, along with what they are doing, is harmful.

Cyberbullying including the taking, manipulating and sharing of images is a real issue for young people. There have been, unfortunately instances where boys and staff here at school, including myself have had their image taken or altered and used by others to belittle or mock. And as we know, once it is out there, it is incredibly hard to delete. 

We also want to reduce screen time, to encourage positive social interactions between the boys and physical activity. We offer a wide range of cultural and physical opportunities, during and after school that are designed to generate a 'brotherhood'. With the number of challenges that young men face in the world, the ability to positively socialise, to connect with others face to face is important, not only for the now, but for the future.

We are also talking about one hour. The students cannot use them in class currently - so it is just before school, interval and lunch. Surely, we have a school where one hour is not the end of the world!

So from when your son arrives at school, until he leaves, his mobile phone is to be either in his bag, switched off, or left at home. Hostel boys will not have their phone returned to them until after school. 

As a parent, if you need to contact your son, or to get a message to him, we have a fantastic office team and can easily manage this. For instance collecting him for medical or dental appointments, or other reasons, still requires him to sign out and in at the office. You, as a parent can call the school or email to confirm, so for you there should be no real change. 

We just ask that you consider how urgent it is, so we are not inundated. 

If your child, has a medical issue, or other reason that requires him to have his mobile phone on his person during the day, please communicate with me. These will be considered on a case by case basis. Please be aware there will be a high threshold. 

Therefore, if a student has their phone on them, the device will be confiscated, held securely and returned at the end of the day. A second time will mean the need for a parental meeting, where the device will be returned to the parent. 

More specific guidelines will be communicated to each family next week.

We ask that you as whanau support us in this. We are a community, 829 boys, 103 staff and over 1600 parents and caregivers. If we work together, we will continue to raise excellent young men that any community would be proud to have.