As you are aware, the cellphone-free academic time initiative started in earnest on Thursday 16 January. We form part of the cohort of schools in the country on this journey, and the trend is both national and global.

Understandably, the request for students to be cellphone-free has challenged our girls and we are proud of the progress made to date.

Our initial observations showed that students struggled with not knowing the time without their phones, leading to a resurgence in the use of analogue watches, with some students rediscovering the art of reading them. We have responded by placing more clocks around the school.

Initially, students were frustrated at not being able to use a digital payment method to buy food and beverages. This is a work in progress and we are seeing more students making alternative payment method plans. The launch of the Karri card will also assist students with making payments.

Other challenges include forgotten locker codes, keeping codes private, compliance with smartwatches and a few students not using their allocated locker. We are committed to adapting and improving the initiative's success.

Despite these challenges, it is so good to see that students are no longer on their phones as they walk between classes and there is a greater level of engagement between students at break time. In class, there is less distraction coming from cellphone notifications, which allows for better focus. Planning of meetings is being done further in advance and attendance at meetings has not been negatively impacted by the change.

Many staff have commented on the refreshing day-to-day interactions now occurring, which might not have happened previously when students were often absorbed on their phones or listening to music.

In an ever-growing digital world, we continue to embrace technological advancements while encouraging a reduction in digital disruptions. By offering our girls time away from cellphones, we aim to quiet the constant digital noise and foster deeper connections and focus.

Thank you for your understanding and support of this initiative, as we work together in the best interest of our girls' well-being and improved academic time.

LILIAN STICHLING AND CAROLYN HUYSAMER