Each week data on behavioural trends within the college is looked at. That data informs our pastoral teams of different types of interventions to implement, messages in our hui (assemblies), and resources to share to families through SchoolTV (online resources for families). 

Cell phone use during the school day

This week's data has shown a spike in cell phone use during the school. As we know, the coalitionl government, in their first 100 days, issued a ban on cell phone use during the school day, removing the distraction to the classroom. 

The research the government used to inform their decision is the 2022 PISA results, which found that Kiwi kids ranked fifth in the world for being distracted by digital devices, with around half of students reporting they become distracted in most or every lesson. You can read the research here.

We have reminded our junior learners that cell phones are not to be used during school—in or out of classes. These will be confiscated and returned at the end of day. If there are multiple instances, or refusal to follow school processes, contact with whānau/caregivers will be made to discuss the next steps. 

Watch this SchoolTV video about managing screen time for your child. It includes helpful tips and videos answering questions around parental controls, screen time impacts on sleep or noticing signs that technology is having a negative impact on your child. 

Respect for others 

Another spike in behavioural data is inappropriate comments made to others. In this week's hui, juniors were reminded that there is no place in our kura/school for inappropriate, derogatory comments to others. 

Rolleston College is an E Tū Tāngata (Stand Together) partner, as our values are aligned. Seeing the value in oneself is just as important as understanding that others’ values matter too. Here are some resources you can access to help start the conversation at home around respect to others. For a child to hear that the school-home messages are aligned can go a long way to reinforcing positive behaviour. 

This SchoolTV resource looks at respectful relationships, social media's influence on how teenagers treat each other, and navigating conflict/disagreements.

Break times

To support positive behavior at break times, and so our learners have positive experiences, we have used our Active As funding to purchase a huge amount of balls, games, and equipment that can be used. We have seen an impact already with busy courts and a full field of play. We also have clubs still running that your child can enquire with their Ako coach. 

Our junior council are also planning activities and a colour run for our juniors this term.