The Government has introduced regulations that require all state and state-integrated schools to have student phone rules in use.
The regulations require that schools ensure students do not use or access a 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.
Our approach is ‘away for the day’ meaning phones are either left at home / not brought to school, or, are switched off and not able to be seen (ideally carefully stored in a school bag) throughout the school day.
If a student wishes to have secure storage for their phone for the day they can report to the Library before school starts at 8:40 each day and collect their device by 3.20 at the end of the school day.
It is important to note that if students do make the decision to bring a phone to school, they do so at their own risk. The school is not responsible for any loss or damage caused to any phone.
We understand that some parents like their children to have a phone to communicate with them after school, phones are able to be used by students for this purpose before and after school hours.
If a parent or caregiver needs to contact their child urgently during the day, they should call the office.
Other than in the specific cases below phones must be off and away throughout the school day:
- Student emergency contact with home: students should go to the Dean’s office where they will advise.
- In class use for a specific activity: If phones are used for a learning activity, this will be at the teacher’s discretion and the phone’s use will be supervised by the staff member. The task and reason for phone use will be clearly displayed on the board in the classroom. This includes the use of headphones in class. Guidelines on appropriate usage still apply.
- Health and emergency situations: Students with additional learning needs who use phones in class to increase or improve their ability to participate and learn can be granted an exemption. In matters related to a student’s immediate health and safety concerns, a parent or caregiver can apply to the principal for a period of exemption (e.g. medical conditions or protection issues). You should do this by writing via the principal@jchs.school.nz email account.
- 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.
Please note with all exemptions and exceptions appropriate usage guidelines and other relevant school rules still apply.
What if I am caught using my cell phone in class without permission?
Your teacher will give you a reminder that you must have your phone off and away. If you do this immediately there will be no further consequences.
If you must be reminded multiple times within a lesson to put your phone away, your teacher may ask if you would like them to store your cell phone for the duration of the lesson. You must immediately either put your phone away in your bag or give it to the teacher to look after for the lesson. You will be able to collect your phone at the end of any lesson – they will not be kept or stored beyond the end of that class.
If you wish to store your phone for the day, you can report to the Library before school starts at 8:40 each day and collect their device by 3.20 at the end of the school day.
If you continue to struggle to put your phone off and away, the teacher will make a referral to your Deputy Principal in charge of your year level. Your DP will contact home via email or phone and make a plan so that you are able to meet the school’s policy regarding cell phone use.
Ongoing refusal to meet this expectation will be dealt with as defiance and referred to the Tumuaki. This may result in a stand down or suspension.
What about listening to music / headphones?
If the teacher gives permission, or if there is an exemption, headphones may be used within a lesson. At all other times during the school day, headphones need to be away.
What do we mean by the misuse of phones?
- Repeatedly using a phone in class without explicit permission and / or refusal to put it away when asked
- Any sort of bullying, including online bullying
- Taking photos or videos of other people without their permission
- Forwarding inappropriate messages or content
- Livestreaming at any time during the school day
Other information you need to know
Phones may not be used at any time in:
- break out spaces
- the library
- bathrooms
- hallways
- other indoor areas around the school.
A reminder that students must have an orange pass from their teacher to leave class.
