Home of the STḴȺYE

  Westshore Secondary - Colwood Campus 2139 Sooke Road

  Victoria, BC V9B 1W4

  https://westshoresecondary.web.sd62.bc.ca / Ph: 250-474-2505 |Fax: 250-474-6211

Cell Phone and Digital Expectations

Dear Westshore Families,

As you are likely aware, The Province of British Columbia introduced a Ministerial Order that restricts the use of personal digital devices in schools. This initiative aims to promote online safety and create more focused learning environments. All public schools in BC must comply with the Ministerial Order.

At Westshore Secondary we strive to create a healthy learning environment that is conducive to student learning and achievement with as few distractions as possible. While we recognize the important role that technology plays in the lives of our young learners as both a tool for learning and for its role in the social lives of our students, we also recognize the school’s role in fostering an environment where technology is used within healthy boundaries and students are educated on the ways that technology can affect their learning and health.

Students may only use personal mobile devices during instructional time for instructional purposes as directed by their teacher, for classroom lessons, for health or medical purposes, or as assistive technology, in consultation with the Inclusive Education Teacher. At all other times, personal digital devices must be stored away except during break times. This policy includes earbuds and headphones.

We kindly remind parents/guardians and students that the school district is not responsible for personal digital devices brought to school.

To keep the focus on learning and to reduce unnecessary distractions, the school will expect the following:

• At the start of each class, students should place their phone on silent and put into the cell phone pocket provided at the front of the class, OR store phone in their bag OR on their person (out of sight).
• Personal devices are powerful tools that can support student learning when used effectively. Teachers may allow students to work with their personal devices for any number of learning opportunities. When instructed to do so, it is expected that students will use their devices responsibly, for the intended use and time duration as directed by the teacher.
• Headphones should be worn in class only as permitted by the classroom teacher.
• Should a parent need to contact their child urgently, please call the office (250-474-2505) and we will facilitate this communication.

The goal of these guidelines is to support an effective and healthy learning environment for our students. We believe that maintaining a similar set of expectations between classrooms will make it easier for students to manage their technology use during the school day in a healthy manner.

Thank you for your support in helping students understand these expectations.