At St. John XXIII Catholic School, we are dedicated to nurturing our students' physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. In line with our commitment to fostering a Christ-centered, distraction-free learning environment, we are establishing clear boundaries regarding Personal Communication Devices (PCD), including cell phones, tablets, iPads, smartwatches, and gaming devices.
Policy Overview:
- School Hours and Property: From 8:30 a.m. to 3:15 p.m., and while on school property, students are not permitted to use any digital devices unless they are part of instruction led by the teacher (Chromebooks and laptops). The only exceptions are for students with a diagnosed medical condition or identified inclusive educational needs coordinated with the school.
- Encouraging Disconnection: We strongly encourage students to leave their personal devices at home. However, if a student brings technology to school, it must be stored securely in their backpack and remain powered off during school hours.
- Communication Protocol: All communication with parents, including absences, illnesses, and pick-up arrangements, must go through the school office. To maintain our focus on learning, we ask parents to refrain from texting or calling their children during instructional time. In case of an emergency, please contact the office directly.
- Policy Violations: If a student violates this policy, the device may be confiscated, and parents will be notified. Repeated or severe infractions may result in further disciplinary action.
- Device Responsibility: St. John XXIII Catholic School does not assume responsibility for the safety, security, loss, repair, or replacement of personal devices brought to school.
For Reference:
- St. John XXIII students must adhere to the EICS One-to-One Responsible User Agreement.
- Refer to Elk Island Catholic Schools Administrative Policy 140-Appendix B for the Student Responsible Use of Technology Agreement.
By setting these boundaries, we aim to create a space where students can be fully present, grounded in faith, and engaged in learning. We appreciate your support in maintaining this focus.