We wanted to let you know about some upcoming changes to how we manage mobile phone use at Rolleston College.

Like many schools across the country, we’ve been seeing an increasing number of students using their phones during class time and breaks. While we know that most of our young people are trying their best, we’re finding that phones are becoming a real distraction to learning and connection during the school day.

As you may know, the government introduced a clear rule for all schools: “phones away for the day”.

This means students should not be using their phones during school hours. It’s all about helping students stay focused, reduce social pressures, and be more present in their learning.

You can read more about the policy on the Ministry of Education website.

To support this, we’ll be updating our phone procedures from the start of term three. These changes will strengthen our current processes and include clearer follow-ups, increased whānau communication, and stronger consequences for repeated misuse. The goal is to be fair and consistent, while also supporting students to break habits that are getting in the way of their learning.

What you will notice as a caregiver is increased communication with home when the phone policy is breached, as well as stronger consequences for refusing to provide the phone when asked by a teacher.

We’d really appreciate your support at home by talking with your child and helping them make a plan for leaving their phone in their bag, or even at home, during the school day.

Thank you for your continued partnership in helping our rangatahi thrive at school.