Circular 29

Circular 29/2008 11 August 2008

Dear Parent

CELL PHONE POLICY

According to legislation, the school has the right to forbid cell phones if necessary. Durbanville Primary is of the opinion that young children should be taught the correct use of cell phones from an early age. However, we do not condone the misuse of cell phones.

As a result of requests, incidents and uncertainty regarding the use of cell phones during school hours and sport and cultural tours, we hereby once again present you with our school’s official cell phone policy. It will also be discussed with the learners and any deviation thereof, will be regarded as a transgression of the school rules. We request our parents to have a serious discussion with their child(ren) as foul language, suggestive language, messages in poor taste and undesirable material, is regarded as a serious transgression. This could lead to a disciplinary hearing of a learner. If your son/daughter is guilty of minor misuse of a cell phone, you will receive a letter from the principal. (See Addendum A) The cell phone policy has been approved by the staff and Governing Body.

There were also enquiries from parents regarding a SMS block on cell phones. Cell phone companies offer their clients the following service:

	Parents who would like to make use of this service, must SMS the word “block” from the designated cell phone to 4133.
	The cost of this SMS is R25.
	The cell phone will then be blocked against any pornographic material for one year.
	The money will be taken directly from the cell phone contract or from the funds available on the cell phone.
	No contract is necessary between the involved parties.

Kindly complete the reply-slip below which confirms acknowledgement of the contents of the cell phone policy.

Yours sincerely

J.C. Swart

PRINCIPAL

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RECEIPT OF CELL PHONE POLICY

I, ……………………………………………., parent/guardian of ………………………….. in Gr ……... received the cell phone policy and we (my child(ren) and I), undertake to honour this policy.

……………………………………………………. ………………………………………………

SIGNATURE : PARENT/GUARDIAN DATE

DURBANVILLE PRIMARY SCHOOL

CELL PHONE POLICY

POINT OF VIEW

Durbanville Primary School is of the opinion that a cell phone is a “safety mechanism” which provides a measure of security in the time and milieu in which we are living. The problem is not the use of the phone, but the misuse of the phone.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION POLICY

	Cell phones must be switched off during the day from 08:00 to 14:00. Cell phones may only be used if permission has been granted by the class teacher.
	The above-mentioned also implies, that cell phones may not be used during breaks. Should a learner wish to use the phone during break, he/she must inform the secretary of the nature of such a call and the secretary will use her discretion when giving permission for the phone call. The teacher may also give the learner permission to use the phone during break for urgent matters.
	The school will not take responsibility for cell phones or any other valuable items. Please refer to the school’s code of conduct.
	The cell phone policy is part of the enrolment package which is made available to learners and their parents.

TRANSGRESSION OF ABOVE-MENTIONED CELL PHONE POLICY

	If a learner plays with a cell phone in the class (class situation) (or uses it), the cell phone will be confiscated.
	It will be sent directly to the principal’s office.
	The parent will receive a letter and will be requested to discuss the correct use of the cell phone with his/her child.
	Parents sign acknowledgement of receipt of letter and only once this is received by the principal, the cell phone will be returned.
	The principal records the above-mentioned process.
	If there is a second transgression, the phone will be confiscated and kept in the safe until the end of the year.

TOURS AND OUTDOOR OUTINGS

Cell phones are allowed as a safety measure and for the convenience of the learners, but subject to the following conditions:

	The school does not accept any responsibility for stolen or damaged cell phones.
	Cell phones may not be misused (e.g. Mix-It).
	Cell phones may not be used for the purpose of playing games.
	Cell phones may only be used to communicate with parents.
	Learners who suffer from anxiety separation, will be handled with the necessary discretion.
	Cell phones must be switched off during the night (lights out is determined by tour leaders and communicated to the learners by them).
	Should a learner disobey the above-mentioned rules, his/her cell phone will be confiscated and the parents will be informed in this regard.

GENERAL

The parents are reminded that they must discuss the responsible use of the cell phone with their children.

At the beginning of the year, the respective teachers will discuss the cell phone policy with his/her class and thereafter it will be displayed in the classroom.

At the commencement of each year, the learners will receive the cell phone policy and before tours it will again be discussed with all the tour members.

J.C. Swart

PRINCIPAL

5 June 2007