Each school year, QEB strives to optimize the learning environment for our students. We understand that cell phones have great utility, but cell phone use has increasingly become a source of distraction, antisocial behaviour, prohibited photos and videos being taken, and conflict both at home and at school. To ensure that students are fully engaged and present in their learning, we implement the following cell phone usage guidelines at school that are in alignment with the Ontario Ministry of Education’s revision to the provincial Code of Conduct to include a restriction on the use of personal mobile devices in the classroom (Nov. 4, 2019).
We strongly recommend that cell phones be left at home unless families deem it necessary for their child(ren) to have access to one before and after the school day.
When students enter the classroom, if they bring a cell phone, we ask that the cell phone is put away for the day and only brought out with permission from the teacher. Chromebooks and calculators are always on-hand for student access to support programming. We believe this approach allows our students to be more engaged in classroom activities and assignments, less dependent on electronics to do classwork, and less likely to be distracted in class.
In an effort to best serve your child, we will need your full support in the adoption of these cell phone guidelines at our school. We ask that families and students use the main office when communicating messages from home or school. You can reach your student at the main office at 613-968-9173. Please save this number for easy access.
If a student chooses not to follow the directions for cell phone usage within the school - families will be contacted and progressive discipline will be followed.
Thank you for your continued support in ensuring a safe and healthy learning environment for our students. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school directly.