Dear Parents and Guardians,
As shared in this Monday's issue of Appleby This Week, the school is implementing a new After-Hours Technology Use Policy for our Upper One, Upper Two and Senior One boarding students.
In today’s digital age, we recognize the importance of technology. However, we also understand the necessity of ensuring a good night’s sleep and maintaining healthy bedtime routines, as these are connected to promoting overall physical and cognitive health, especially for adolescents. As such, as of Tuesday, September 3, the following After-Hours Technology Usage Policy for our Upper One, Upper Two and Senior One boarding students is now in effect.
• To encourage uninterrupted rest and sleep, Upper One to Senior One boarding students are required to deposit their phones by 10:00 p.m. (Upper School) or 10:30 p.m. (Senior One). The school has provided secure cabinets in common areas to hold student devices overnight.
• Following the December break, Senior One students will not be required to hand in their device each evening, however the option will still be there for them to securely store their device if they wish.
• Students should have their devices charged and will power off the devices before storing for the night.
• In the morning, before class, students will collect their devices from the common room where the Support Don on duty will be there to open the cabinet and return the devices beginning at 8:00 a.m.
The policy is designed to build healthy sleep habits and a healthy relationship with technology, it is not intended to be punitive nor is it in response to past behaviour. Should you need to get in contact with your child after lights out, please call the boarding house duty phone number (included below) to contact the faculty member on duty who will then reach your child.
• Baillie House: +1 905-510-8836
• Colley House: +1 905-580-2026
• Powell's House: +1 905-580-0931
• Walker House: +1 905-510-6380
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation as we implement this new policy. We understand that this will be an adjustment for everyone. Our goal is to create a healthy and supportive environment that allows our children to thrive. We believe it will have a positive impact on your child’s health and wellbeing.
Sincerely,
Luke van der Hulst
Director, Boarding Life
