Principals Message

Principal’s Message - Changes to Digital Device Use in Primary Schools

You may have seen recent media coverage about the Victorian Government’s decision to introduce new guidelines fordigital device use in primary schools from 2027.  

Under the new policy, from 2027, schools will no longer invite families to purchase or bring their own digital devices for students in Prep to Grade 6.  This change will impact families of current Grade 1 Students at Trafalgar Primary School.Schools will instead provide class sets of devices, and recommended daily device times will be introduced – minimal use in Prep–2 and a maximum of 90 minutes per day in Grades 3–6. These changes aim to reduce screen time and ease cost-of-living pressures on families.

At Trafalgar Primary School, we support the intent of this policy. We have always believed that parents should not have to pay for essential learning tools, which is why our school operates on a fee-free education model. The Chromebook has been the only classroom prerequisite families purchase, largely because many value having the device available for home learning, creativity, and communication.

Yesterday's announcement will, however, have significant implications for our well-established and successful BYOD program, which has supported students’ learning for many years. At this stage, there is no indication from the Department about how new school-owned fleets of devices will be funded, given that devices have previously remained the property of families. Currently, the school maintains a small fleet of devices to support students in Foundation to Year 2 and to provide temporary access when student devices are being serviced.

Our School Council will work carefully through the policy implementation over the coming year to ensure a smooth and well-planned transition before 2027.  

It’s important for families to know that Trafalgar students already spend well below the recommended daily maximum. At our school, device use is purposeful, focused on learning and always balanced with hands-on and collaborative learning. Only in exceptional circumstances, such as when a classroom teacher is absent and students are working independently, would device time increase.

Our approach has always been about teaching responsible and balanced use of technology, not just providing access to it. You can read more about our Chromebook Program and digital learning philosophy on our school website.

We’ll continue to update our community as more information becomes available.

Sincerely,

Cameron Nicholls

Principal