A reminder that the NLSchools Responsible Student Use of Personal Electronic Devices Policy will come into effect when students return from holiday break on January 6, 2025. The policy aims to reduce the impact of inappropriate personal electronic device usage, such as cell phones, on learning.
The full policy is available on the NLSchools website, here. Some of the highlights to be
aware of are:
• Students in grades K-6 are encouraged to not bring PEDs to school or have on their
person and will not be permitted to use personal electronic devices in schools.
• Students in grade 7 to level 4 who bring a personal electronic device to school must
switch it off and store out of sight during instructional hours. Students can access
their devices during recess and lunch breaks.
• Teachers and staff should continue to exercise their professional judgement in
determining when their PED use is necessary.
To support the implementation of the policy on January 6, a frequently asked questions
document for students, parents and guardians is available on the NL Schools website, here.
Weather Closures
Social Media Safety
As we head towards January we often see challenges as students get used to their often brand new devices. As a school, we are beginning to see a significantly increasing impact from the time that our students are spending on screens, and the ways that our students are relating to each other outside of school.
This is a new world for all of us, and we don't yet know the full extent of these devices upon our student' development and mental health. We encourage all of our families to maintain a constant conversation around screen time. If you are having discussions, and looking to set parameters around screen time usage, there are some amazing resources that can help guide you. We have listed a few below:
https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/cellphones-and-devices-a-guide-for-parents-and-caregivers
https://psychcentral.com/health/technology-boundaries-for-children-and-teens
Common Sense Media have also completed a wide ranging study on cell phone usage, which is available here:
NLSchools strives to create and promote a safe and caring learning environment for all students and staff. All parents, guardians, families and partners play a pivotal role in achieving that goal.
As outlined in the Safe and Caring Schools Policy, parent responsibilities related to maintaining a safe and caring school environment include:
● Modelling positive social behaviours, both in person and online;
● Practicing positive social interactions both in person and online;
● Engaging in positive, nonviolent, conflict resolution.
Allergy Information
Please be aware that we have severe allergies to the following products at the school:
Nuts, Tree Nuts, Peanuts (please do not bring Wowbutter or similar products either)
Sesame Seeds (often found in burger buns or hummus)
Fish, Shellfish
Visible Egg (often found in Breakfast Sandwiches)