Changes to Digital Device Use

You may have seen news reports yesterday regarding changes to the digital device policies and usage times for Government Primary Schools. Whilst it is not ideal that the Department releases this information to the media before schools, I am happy that we now have some clarification about this. Please note: Although the Department of Education has released its information, as a school, we have made the proactive decision to implement this in 2026, rather than 2027, as mandated by them.

Therefore, I would like to share the following: From next year, 2026, the Victorian Government has made changes to the use of digital devices for students from Foundation to Year 6.

Under the new guidelines, schools:

Will no longer invite families to purchase or bring their own digital devices to use at school for Foundation to Year 6.
Will follow the new recommended digital device times, including minimal device time for Foundation to Year 2 and a maximum of 90 minutes per day for Years 3 to 6.

The Department has stated that they believe these changes are intended to support families by alleviating cost-of-living pressures. They will also help students by reducing screen time, which can reduce the risk of eye strain, sedentary behaviour, and reduced peer interaction. These reforms complement Victoria’s nation-leading mobile phone restrictions, ensuring an integrated approach to addressing digital distraction and the inappropriate use of technology.

What does this mean for our school?

This means we will cease our current BYOD program for Years 3-6 from 2026 onwards. Instead, we will provide students with class sets of digital devices for their use. Students who have been using BYO devices before 2026 will be able to continue bringing their devices to school, but we will follow the new recommended device use times.

Our STEM program will continue for our Year 3-6 students; however, it will impact device time throughout the other lessons due to the new maximum device time allocation.

Please note: Students with disability who use a digital device as a reasonable adjustment are exempt from these changes.

You can read more on the department’s website: Digital Learning: Policy.

Leaders in the Making

Congratulations to one of our staff members, Ms Hope Cummins. This week, I attended the final presentation of the Whittlesea School Network's Leaders in the Making course to see Ms Cummins complete this leadership development course. This program is designed for 'aspirant leaders' within our school network, supporting them in building capacity and fostering connections with other future leaders. In addition to this, they learn from many current school leaders about the various domains of leadership and how they underpin school leadership, enabling strategic direction in line with the Framework for Improving Student Outcomes (FISO 2.0).

Ms Cummins worked collaboratively with a group of teachers from both Primary and Secondary School settings on the topic of Assessment. In this work, they explored the impacts on student learning and the various layers of assessment requirements, right from the student to the department level. Through listening to Ms Cummins and her group present, it was clear that a significant amount of learning had taken place.

We look forward to seeing all of these learnings transfer back into her work at our school.

2026 Class Structures

In last week's Primary Post, we announced that we are beginning to examine class formations and compositions for the 2026 academic year. Again, we will be using the Class Creator app. If parents have a separation request for consideration, please submit via the school's email address, clearly stating the reason for the request. While all requests will be carefully reviewed, please note that due to the limited number of classes in some year levels, we cannot guarantee that all separation requests will be possible. Students have the opportunity to submit preferences on friendships that will support both their learning and wellbeing outcomes. We consider all information to ensure that the final class placements are made in the best interests of the entire school community.

In terms of the school's structures, in 2026, we will have the following: 'straight' classes at the Foundation, Year 1, Year 2, Year 5, and Year 6 levels. We will again have composite classes in Year 3/4. Whilst we have discussed the 'ideal' of moving to 'straight' classes at all year levels, we are, however, unable to do so next year due to student numbers, staffing considerations, room availability, and financial implications for the school.

The 'Wall' has finally started....

This week, we have seen the commencement of the Family Brick Pavers being displayed. This has been a bit of a work in progress, as we had to wait until the area in front of it (the old toilet block) was removed and replaced with turf. We still have many more pavers to install, so please keep an eye on this 'space' and see if you can spot the brick paver that you purchased in either 2024 or 2025. In future years, we will offer this fundraiser again, allowing us to continue watching the wall grow.

Have a great weekend,

Kaylene

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