The first day of school is less than a week away, and the new year will be filled with policy and curriculum changes.

Ontario Education Minister Jull Dunlop announced new province-wide measures taking effect Sept. 1 to “reduce distractions.”

Two key points of the government’s new plan include the restriction of cellphone use in classrooms, and banning the use of vapes.

K-6 students will be required to keep their phones on silent, and put away for the entire school day.

Students between grades 7-12 will not be allowed to use their cellphones during class time.

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The move to restrict cellphone use in classrooms has been a theme across the country, with varying degrees of use allowed in each province.

In some provinces, like Nova Scotia and Saskatchewan, phones are not permitted in class at all, from K-12.

Alberta has given school divisions until Jan 1. to create their own policies and procedures, though broader provincial standards will begin in September.

When it comes to vaping, the Ontario government has announced an investment of $30 million to install “vape detectors” in schools.

Students found in possession of any kind of smoking products will have to surrender them, and their parents will be notified.

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“This school year is shaping up to be the first in years without the threat of pandemic disruptions or negotiations with teachers’ unions,” Dunlop said in a conference Thursday morning.

“We’re excited for the year ahead where students can look forward to uninterrupted learning, extra-curriculars and a back-to-basics, modernized curriculum that will set them up for success.”

Both the Hamilton Catholic and public boards have updated their codes of conduct to reflect these new changes.