CELL PHONES AND OTHER MOBILE DEVICES AT SCHOOL

These rules are designed to ensure that the learning of all students is maximised while minimising any potential for distraction and cyber-bullying.  Our approach is "away for the day" meaning cellphones either do not come with the student to school, or are switched off and in classroom safes during the full school day.

We strongly recommend students do not bring these devises to school with them.  If a student does bring their cellphones for emergency contact or health reasons, these must be switched off and kept in the classroom safe at all times, unless directed by a teacher.

We understand that some parents like their children to have a phone to communicate with them after school and their cellphones will be available for students to use after school hours, including pick up time.  If a parent or caregiver needs to contact their child urgently during the day, they should call the office.

Ōtūmoetai Intermediate School Expectations

We encourage our students to uphold our school protocols for cellphones at school and to act responsibly with their devices.

If a staff member observes a student with a cellphone during school time, the student must hand it to the staff member immediately when asked.  The phone will be kept in the office and can be collected by the students' parent.

Health and Emergency Situations

Students with additional learning needs who use cellphones in class to increase or improve their ability to participate and learn will be granted an exemption. In matters relating to a student's immediate health and safety concerns, a parent or caregiver can apply at any time to the Principal for a period of exemption (eg medical conditions or protection issues).

Education Outside the Classroom (EOTC)

Students may take certain digital devices on EOTC activities but should check whether their device is allowed before the activity commences. Usage will be at the discretion of teachers and other adult supervisors.

It is important to note that if students do make the decision to bring a phone to the school grounds they do so at their own risk.  The school is not responsible for any loss or damage caused to any phone.

If parents require their child to have a cellphone at school, they are asked to write to Henk Popping, our Principal, for their child to have permission to bring a cellphone to school.  We are currently processing requests received and will create a database of approved students for teachers' reference.

Protocols for Use of Cellphones and Other Mobile Devices at School

Cellphones and Chromebooks

Cell phones are only permitted at school to enable students to communicate with their parents and caregivers before and after school. Chromebooks and other similar devices are only permitted at school for learning.  Specific rules are as follows:

1. All cell phones must be placed in the student’s class safe for storage during the whole school day.
2. Cell phones are not permitted at morning tea or lunch time.
3. Cell phones must be kept in bags before and after school while on school site.
4. Cell phones must be switched off while in the class storage safe.
5. Cell phones can be retrieved from the class storage safe at the end of the school day.
6. No direct calls to friends or parents are permitted during school time. All contact with people who are not in the school, must continue to be made through the school office during the school day.
7. No accessing of personal emails, messages or texts during school time on any mobile device.
8. No access to the internet is permitted during morning tea or lunchtime. The school student wi-fi system will be turned off during these breaks.
9. Gaming is not permitted at any time on school site.
10. No videoing or photographing of others on school site.
11. No uploading of school images to social media sites such as Facebook, Tik Tok and YouTube.
12. No use of social media sites such as Instagram, Snapchat, Tik Tok, Facebook and Twitter during school time or while on school site.
13. No put downs or nasty messages and texts allowed.
14. No inappropriate music or ringtones.
15. No inappropriate photos or videos.
16. No cell phone or chrome book chargers at school.
17. Teachers will ensure the class storage safe remains locked throughout the school day.

ICT Devices Including Laptops, Chromebooks, iPads, Watches etc

All of the above apply plus:

1.  All students wishing to have an ICT device at school must have signed and returned the Responsible Use of ICT Devices Agreement to school.
2. Ensure your device comes to school fully charged.
3. Devices brought to school remain the responsibility of the student. The school will take care but no responsibility for loss, breakage or theft of devices.
4. Keep passwords secure and private. Do not share with other students.
5. Each student is responsible for the content of their own device. If someone else uses your device you must ensure it is used responsibly.
6. Ensure your device is named and easily identifiable. Keep a record of the serial number at home.
7. Only use the device for learning as directed by your teacher or in association with the topic you are studying at the time.
8. Only log in to your own account with your own username and pass word.
9. No watching or downloading music, video or movies at school without the teacher’s permission.
10. No playing of games at school that have not been provided by the teacher as an educational activity.
11. No chatrooms or other group communications without teacher permission.
12. No use of chatbots or other artificial intelligence ( AI ) without the teacher’s permission.