Students are not permitted to use mobile phones between the hours of 8.40am and 3.20pm. This includes morning tea and lunchtime. If parents/whānau/caregivers want to contact their children during the day they should call or email the school office and a message will be sent to the student in class. 

Phones are to be turned off and in bags. 

Airpods and headphones will not be allowed during school hours unless connected to a laptop and with permission from the teacher.

If students are found to be using their phones during school hours they will be required to store it in their bag in a phone pocket. The phone pocket (phone locker) is a pouch that is magnetised shut so that the phone is not accessible during the school day. There will be an unlocking station at reception where students can unlock and return their pockets at the end of the school day.

Parents/whānau/caregivers will be notified every time a pocket is issued. 

See the presentation shared with students here.

RATIONALE
The purpose of our approach is to ensure that teaching and learning and face-to-face interaction is prioritised. While there are many positive uses for mobile phones, inappropriate use of cameras, learning distraction, bullying, threats and attendance challenges are often enabled through their use. Our approach therefore, also prioritises privacy and safety, alongside the promotion and development of a more positive school culture.

FROM THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION

Both international and local evidence shows that cellphones can be a distraction from learning during class time, as well as reducing important face to face interaction during school breaks.

A UNESCO report published in July describes the move towards cell phones being away for the school day as supporting addressing issues of classroom disruption, improving learning and helping protect children from cyberbullying. The expectation of our new coalition Government is that we are ready to implement a cell phone policy that has cell phones ‘away for the day’ as soon as possible in Term 1 2024. Phones away for the day – Education in New Zealand

Frequently Asked Questions

How will students access timetables?

Students will be provided with a hard copy of their timetable. Students can also access their timetables on their laptops via the student portal. Reprints can be done at student reception at interval or lunchtime.

What if my child has a medical condition?

We know that there are medical conditions that require access to a phone. Please get in touch with our Deputy Principals so that we can work through an exemption process to ensure students are safe and well supported. 

How will students tell the time?

All classrooms should have a working clock and BYOD laptops will also give students access to the time.

Is there a visual reminder?

Our ‘Learning Habits’ poster has been updated to reflect the ‘away for the day’ habit. 

What if I have questions or feedback?

We are keen to hear from you! Please email secretary@tawacollege.school.nz who will forward your questions and feedback to the appropriate staff member.