What if a parent/caregiver needs to contact their child during the school day?
We understand that some parents like their children to have a phone to communicate with them after school, so students will be able to use their cell phones after school. If a parent or caregiver needs to contact their child urgently during the day, they should call the office or contact their child via their school email address.
How can a student check their timetable without their phone?
No. Students can check their timetable on their laptop/chromebook by going to https://rutherford.bridge.school.nz. This page should be bookmarked for easy access. Ideally they could print a copy and have it with them each day.
What if a student refuses to put their cell phone away in their bag when requested by a teacher?
Teachers will follow the above procedures:
Can a student use their cell phone between classes or during break times?
No. The national education directive is that cell phones are not to be used during break times at all.
Can a student use their cell phone after 3:10pm on school property?
Yes.
When can a student use their cell phone in class?
Teachers will not permit phone use in class. Using a cell phone or ear phones during this time will result in the teacher applying the procedures listed above.
Can a student use their cell phone to take a picture or video in class?
No. Other devices like iPads, Chromebooks or laptops are capable of taking photos or videos. Photos and video are an important tool for recording project progress, capturing notes for study, producing creative work or other relevant learning tasks. Privacy of other students and staff must be respected and permission sought from them before capturing their image or voice.
Can a student use their cell phone to listen to music?
No. Students should remove all headphones and earbuds when in the class or in the school grounds.
Can a student use their cell phone to connect to the high school wifi?
Yes, students can connect their cell phone to the high school wifi using their same username and password as for their laptop. They are able to use their phones before 8.50am or after 3.10pm on school grounds.
Can a student use their cell phone for an education outside the classroom (EOTC) activities?
The same classroom rules around cell phone use apply to EOTC activities. EOTC activities provide fantastic opportunities for learning in new situations and for developing important social connections. Student cell phone use, particularly social media and gaming, diminish the ability of students to make the most of these activities. The teacher in charge of the EOTC activity should outline when and for what purpose cell phones can be used - if at all. Teachers will take into consideration health and safety, learning activities and the purpose of the trip when outlining appropriate cell phone use (if any) on EOTC activities.
Can a student use their cell phone if their laptop battery dies, or they don't have their laptop with them?
No. Cell phones cannot be used for regular classroom activities such as writing on google docs or accessing the internet for research. If a student's laptop won't keep a charge for the day, the student should bring a charger to school.
Can a student use their headphones to block out the noise of the class so they can concentrate on my work?
No. There are some learners whose learning support plan involves the use of headphones under the direction of the teacher. These students have permission cards from Student Support for this purpose.
Can a student use their cellphone during tutor time?
No.
What if a student’s phone starts ringing in their bag during class?
Students are not allowed to answer their phones in class. Students should take the phone out and turn it off and place it back in their bag. Parents who need to contact their child during the school day need to either email their child or phone the school office.
How do students get a medical or emergency exemption to use their cell phone in class?
Students who need to use their cell phone for medical or other purposes should approach their tutor teacher or the SENCO who will contact the deans to apply for an exemption so the student can use their cell phone for that purpose only.
Can a student use their cell phone as a hotspot to their laptop?
No.
