The 2025 School Committee, comprised of Year 12 students, has launched a fabulous new initiative, the Heads Up! campaign. This initiative encourages students to put their phones away, lift their heads and truly connect with one another.
Each Tuesday morning in their Committee meetings, the student leaders talk about the creative and thoughtful ways they are promoting this message across the school. It has been a joy to see the phrase “Heads Up!” take hold, called out playfully and warmly among students as a gentle reminder to be present. This simple catchphrase is gaining momentum and helping to build a culture of genuine connection.
At its heart, this campaign is about much more than screen time. It’s about nurturing a sense of belonging. When students look up and engage with those around them, through eye contact, conversation and shared experiences, they help create a community where every person feels seen.
A strong sense of belonging at school is essential for the wellbeing of children and young people. It supports their learning, motivation and engagement. When students feel accepted and valued by their peers and teachers, they are far more likely to thrive–not just academically but also socially and emotionally.
Research shows that a sense of belonging can lead to:
- Lower absenteeism
- Higher levels of motivation and effort
- Greater enjoyment of school and learning.
As part of the campaign, students were recently invited to reflect on their experiences with screen time and connection. Here are just some of their thoughts…
‘Instead of using our phones, we can spend time with our family. Human connection is important for wellbeing and gives us long-term happiness.”
‘In the blink of an eye, you look at the time and it’s already 7pm, and your mum is calling you for dinner. Suddenly, you’re feeling overwhelmed and thinking… is my phone really good for me?’
‘If you think about it, there are so many other things you can do than spend time on your phone.’
‘It’s helpful to put screen time limits on your phone.’
‘Morning? Phone. Afternoon? Phone. Midnight? Phone. Eating dinner? Phone.’
‘How much do you really care about your time?’
These comments reflect a growing awareness among students about the impact of screen use and the value of making time for real human connection.
We are excited to see how the Heads Up! campaign continues to roll out across all areas of school life–from music concerts to speech and drama events, to sport and perhaps even into students’ home lives as well.
This is just the beginning of something meaningful: a movement that celebrates connection, presence and community.
By: Mrs Pascale Drever | Deputy Head of School
