Dear Current and Incoming Upper School Parents, 

As we seek to enhance academic performance, limit distractions, encourage prosocial behaviours, support wellbeing, and maintain a respectful and productive community, the Upper School Cell Phone Policy has been updated for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. 

Effective September 2026, Upper School students will be prohibited from carrying cell phones, smartphones, or any other device capable of texting, calling, and/or accessing the Internet during the school day. Any cell phones brought to school must be stored in students’ lockers for the duration of the school day. Upper School boarding students will leave their phones in their rooms. Cell phone use will not be permitted during breaks, lunchtime, and co-curriculars.

A phone will be available near Main Reception for local, outgoing calls, should students need to reach their families during the school day. 

The updated Upper School Cell Phone Policy in its entirety is included below for your review and reference.

Thank you for your support and cooperation as we work together to promote an environment that prioritizes wellbeing, learning, and prosocial interaction. If you have any questions regarding these changes, please contact me at cpatterson@appleby.on.ca.
 

Sincerely, 

Chris Patterson 
Director, Upper School

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UPPER SCHOOL CELL PHONE POLICY

The purpose of the Upper School Cell Phone Policy, effective September 2026, aims to promote a positive and focused learning environment in the Upper School at Appleby College. By reducing distractions due to device usage during school hours, we seek to enhance academic performance, encourage prosocial behaviours, support students’ wellbeing, and maintain a respectful and productive community. 

This policy applies to devices such as cell phones, smartphones, and any other device capable of texting, calling, and/or Internet access. 

All Upper School students at Appleby are prohibited from carrying cell phones during the school day. Cell phones brought to school must be stored in students’ lockers or boarding room for the duration of the school day including during breaks, lunchtime, and co-curriculars. Students violating this policy will have their devices confiscated. 

Storage Requirements:

• Any cell phone brought to school must be placed and locked in students' lockers upon arriving at school. Boarders will leave their phones in their rooms.
• Cell phones must remain in lockers or boarding house rooms for the entire duration of the school day.

Prohibited Areas and Times:

• Classrooms: Cell phones are not permitted during class time, including any form of lesson or instructional period.
• Assemblies, Grade Band, Academic Support, Chapel, and other Community programs: Cell phones are not to be used during Blue Time programs.
• Lunchtime: The use of cell phones at lunchtime is strictly prohibited to encourage social interaction during meals. This extends to time spent outside the Dining Hall, in the A.W.B. Alumni Centre, etc. Students are not permitted to return to their lockers to use their cell phones.

Hallways:

• Students are not allowed to use their cell phones while in the hallways to encourage face-to-face interaction. 

Co-curriculars:

• On the busses to and from co-curriculars, students are permitted to have their cell phones and can use them with permission from coaches if they need to communicate pickup times. Otherwise they should be enjoying time spent with their teammates and coaches free from devices. 

Emergency Situations:

• Families needing to reach their children during school hours can contact Main Reception and leave a message on the phone line.
• Students needing to contact their families can make local, outgoing calls using the phone across from Main Reception.

Consequences of Violation:

• First Offense: The cell phone will be confiscated. Parents/guardians will be notified. Students can claim their devices at the end of the school day at Reception.
• Subsequent Offenses: The student will face additional disciplinary actions, up to and including a weekend gating or suspension. 

Exceptions:

• Exceptions to this policy may be granted for students with documented medical conditions or other special circumstances that require cell phone use during school hours (e.g. apps for managing diabetes). These exceptions must be approved by the Health Centre and the School Director. 

By adhering to this policy, we can work together to create an environment that prioritizes wellbeing, learning, and prosocial interaction.