As announced last week, Diocesan is introducing new device guidelines to help students stay focused and make the most of their learning.
We are also responding to challenges we hear from around the globe as learning institutions experience more of the challenges of AI technologies. Authenticity of students’ work and assessment is of increasing concern. To maintain a quality learning environment where we can assess and verify important foundations for knowledge, we are working ahead of the issues to maintain academic integrity at Dio.
From Tuesday 28 October (Week 4, Term 4), students in Years 0 –11 will not be permitted to wear smart watches at school. In the mornings, once inside the school grounds. Devices may only be used during the timetabled day, in classrooms and when requested by a teacher. There is to be no device use during interval or lunchtimes.
Laptops and iPhones may only be used in class when directed by teachers. This allows for more meaningful connections, balanced breaks, and stronger learning habits. Devices can still be used after school for safety and travel. These positive changes will apply to all students from 2026. Year 12–13 students, while mostly on study leave, are encouraged to support the new approach during exams.
There may be exceptions to these guidelines for students who have medical conditions that are monitored on their iPhone.
Social media and AI technologies are challenging the way we want our young people to develop healthy, supportive and engaging relationships with people. We advise parents to be very aware of the growing list of technologies that are addictive and unhealthy. It is a difficult era to navigate for parents and we are here to help. Netsafe provides great guidance for parents https://netsafe.org.nz/.
