Dear Families of Ventura Park,
It is important to us that we provide a caring, safe and inclusive environment in our school that supports the academic achievement and well-being of all students. To support this environment, the Ontario Ministry of Education has revised the provincial Code of Conduct (Policy/Program Memorandum No. 128) to include a restriction on the use of personal mobile devices during instructional time as of November 4, 2019.
The revision states that the use of personal mobile devices (i.e. cell phones) during instructional time is not permitted unless under the following circumstances:
- for educational purposes, as directed by an educator;
- for health and medical purposes;
- to support special education needs and/or English-Language Learners.
We recognize that learning can be enhanced by technology and we have created opportunities in our classrooms to leverage digital tools to enhance teaching, learning and communication.
As shared in the Guide to the School Year 2019-20, it has always been our policy that cell phones and other personal communication devices must be turned off and kept out of sight during all instructional periods, except with the clear permission of the principal or the classroom teacher. Additionally, camera and/or video functions on mobile devices are not permitted for use on school property without clear permission from the principal or teacher. At no time may mobile devices be used in washrooms or changerooms.
Infractions will be dealt with as student discipline, under Caring and Safe Schools Policy and its related procedures. If students bring mobile devices into the classroom, they must leave them turned off unless they have been given specific permission for their use by the adult who is supervising them. Mobile devices are not permitted at recess or lunch times. Students are responsible for the care and security of their personal devices. The school is not responsible for any damage, loss or theft.
For more information on why the Ontario Ministry of Education is making this revision, please see their Cellphones and Other Personal Mobile Devices in Schools: Questions and Answers guide.
Thank you for helping us create a safe, respectful and inclusive school community.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school’s administration.
Ventura Park PS BLOG 