Term 1 Update - including Mobile Phone Policy

Kia ora koutou

As we approach mid-term, there are some important notices and dates to share with you.

The term has been busy with excellent learning in and out of the classroom. The Year 10 camp to Motutapu was fabulous, as was the Marae Noho to Matapōuri. Congratulations to all involved with the Athletics Day and Swimming Sports; there were some impressive results.

It was great to talk with so many parents and caregivers at the Year 9 Parent Information Evening and at the two Parent-Teacher-Student Evenings. The next PTS meetings are scheduled for Term 3, but do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher and/or dean if you ever have any questions or concerns.

Mobile phones

New Government regulations require schools to ensure students do not use or access a mobile 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. Ministry of Education guidelines are available through https://www.education.govt.nz/school/digital-technology/cellphones/#consultation

Our phone rule to meet the new regulations is that at school, mobile phones will be turned off and in bags between 8.55am and 3.30pm.

We encourage our students to self-regulate and develop healthy in-person relationships. We have had effective rules around phones for some time, so have just updated them to reflect the new regulations. We appreciate the support of whānau as we make these changes to comply with the new regulations. The Board has approved the changes. Students will be told about this change in assembly before the end of this term and reminded by email the day before Term 2 begins.

As part of the consultation process (under section 126 of the Education and Training Act 2020), please find attached the Northcote College Phone Policy for use from the start of Term 2. If you have feedback on this change, please email office@northcote.school.nz

A student needing to contact a parent can ask to use the phone at Harakeke | Student Reception. If a parent or caregiver needs to contact their child urgently during the day, they should call Student Reception (09 4810141 Ext 724) or the Main Office (09 4810141) or email their child using their school email address.

Flexible Learning Day - Friday 22 March

Our first Flexible Learning Day FLD is in Week 8 of this term. Flexible Learning Days are full days for all teaching and support staff. Teachers are available to students at the start of the day and at the end of the day, and professional learning activities take place between these times.

Students may have workshops with teachers periods 1 and 5. They can come to school and work independently in the library, or they may continue with school work at home.

Traffic and parking

The traffic is particularly challenging this month with ‘March Madness.’ Please ensure students arrive at school on time ready for period 1 at 8.55am and to contact the attendance office if your child is unable to attend school for the day.

We acknowledge that parking is also challenging around Northcote College, especially with our current building project. Please be mindful and respectful of our neighbours, and do not park over driveways. Please also avoid picking up your children from outside the main entrance of the school, Gate 1. This causes issues with buses, and the congestion is dangerous for people crossing roads. We suggest either further down Kauri Glen Road or Gladstone Road as safer places to collect children.

Kindo payments

Kindo has advised us of a small change to the ‘online Eftpos’ payment option. They are unable to process single payments of more than $250 via online eftpos. If a payment exceeds $250 you may need to make two payments. Sincere apologies for any inconvenience. If you have any queries, please contact our Accounts Department at accounts@northcote.school.nz

Thank you for your ongoing support of our school. We encourage you to stay in contact; if you have any queries, please contact your child’s Dean in the first instance.

Ngā manaakitanga

Vicki Barrie
Tumuaki | Principal
6/3/24

Key dates for the second half of Term 1

Week 7

Wednesday 13 - Friday 15 March: Year 13 Camp
Week 8
Friday 22 March: Flexible Learning Day
Week 9
Friday 29 March: Good Friday - school closed
Week 10
Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 April: Easter - school closed
Week 11
Friday 12 April - last day of Term 1
Term 2 Week 1
Monday 29 April - first day of Term 2 (Timetable Day 6)
Updated Phone Policy in Place - ‘phones away for the day’