No Cell Phones at School Policy

From Term 2, 2024 the Ministry of Education regulations required that schools must ensure students do not use or access a cell phone while they are attending school, including during lunch time and breaks. This includes students who are on a school course or visit outside the school grounds.

PURPOSE:

To set out the guidelines for making contact in an emergency, and the process for breaching the policy expectations.

For this policy a cellphone is defined as a portable usually cordless telephone for use in a cellular system.

GUIDELINES:

1. Students are not to bring a cell phone (including devices that can be connected to a smartphone, e.g. smart watches, bluetooth speakers, virtual reality devices) to school or on school trips or courses.
2. In an emergency, students may access a telephone at the Student Hub.
3. In an emergency, families can contact students via the school office.
4. Students who breach the policy will:
   1. In the first instance have their cell phone confiscated and returned at the end of the school day from the Assistant Principal.
   2. In the event of a second breach of the policy, students will have their cell phone confiscated until such time as the Kamar registered parent meeting is held with the Assistant Principal.
5. For off-site courses or school trips a cell phone will be carried by the staff member in charge for making contact in an emergency.
6. To create a learning environment that promotes the safe and responsible use of digital technology. Students may bring their own acceptable device to school for learning. Acceptable devices do not include cell phones.