Digital Learning & High Abilities
Mr Hardev Singh: Learning Specialist in Digital Learning & High Abilities Students
Hillsmeade Primary School
Changes to BYOD at Hillsmeade
The Victorian Government has changed its policy on Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) programs in primary schools. From 2027, government primary schools can no longer invite or allow families to buy or bring their own devices for school use. This means Hillsmeade will no longer offer BYOD to new students from 2027.
Current Year 4 and 5 students: If your child already brings a device from home, they can keep using it until they finish primary school. You don’t need to do anything.
Devices at school: The Department requires schools to give every student free access to the digital technologies they need for the curriculum. Families will not need to buy a device for school.
Time on devices: From 2027, schools are also expected to limit device use. For Years 3–6, this is a maximum of 90 minutes per day and use in Foundation to Year 2 is minimal. Teachers will plan device use around clear learning goals.
You can read the full policy at https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/digital-learning/policy. If you have questions, please contact Mr Singh, our Learning Specialist for Digital Learning.