Digital Learning

Hi everyone,

As we head towards the school holidays, students may have more opportunities to spend time gaming, watching videos, chatting with friends and using their devices. 

Technology is an important part of how our students learn, create, play and connect, so developing healthy habits is not simply about counting the number of minutes spent in front of a screen.

The eSafety Commissioner reminds families that there is no single "magic number" for screen time. A healthy amount will depend on a child's age, maturity, the type of content they are engaging with and individual family routines. The Alannah & Madeline Foundation similarly encourages families to consider the quantity, quality and content of screen use.

A useful question for families is:

"Is screen time getting in the way of the other important things in my child's life?"

Consider whether your child is still getting enough sleep, physical activity, outdoor play, face-to-face time with family and friends, and opportunities for other interests and hobbies. If these things are being pushed aside, it might be time to revisit the family's screen habits.

Tips for becoming a Screen Smart family

• Focus on quality as well as quantity. Creating digital artwork, researching an interest, video calling family or playing a problem-solving game is different from endlessly scrolling or watching videos. Talk to your child about what they are actually doing online.
• Create screen-free times and places. Family meals and the hour before bedtime are good opportunities to put devices away. Having a central location where devices are charged overnight can also help.
• Make the rules together. Children are more likely to understand and follow expectations when they have been involved in creating them. Discuss when, where and how devices can be used in your home.
• Give a warning before switching off. Moving away from a favourite game or activity can be difficult. Giving a warning before screen time ends, or agreeing to stop at the end of a round or an appropriate save point, can make the transition easier.
• Stay interested. Ask your child about their favourite game, app or video. Playing or watching together occasionally gives you a chance to understand their online world and talk about safe, positive choices.
• Model the habits you want to see. Children notice how adults use technology too. Putting our own phones away during meals, conversations and family activities sends a powerful message about healthy technology use.

The Alannah & Madeline Foundation also recommends creating a family Screen Smart Plan, with simple agreements about where devices are used, when the family has technology-free time and what activities are important to protect from being crowded out by screens.

Link to The Alannah & Madeline Foundation Screen Smart Plan

As we finish another term, perhaps the holidays are a good opportunity for the whole family to consider: Are we controlling our screens, or are our screens controlling us?

We wish all of our Willy Kids and families a safe, happy and balanced school holiday break!

Warm regards,

Steven Puhar

Apps List 2026

WPS Digital Learning Statement

Attached is the school’s digital statement outlining the online platforms and their privacy policies that the school uses on a day-to-day basis. 

As part of the school’s ongoing student education, the school will further enhance key understandings around user privacy, as well as the tools available on selected devices.

This will be embedded within the current school’s eSafety program that currently sees students undertake numerous digital workshops run by both school leadership, classroom teachers and external providers such as the Alannah and Madeline Foundation’s eSmart organisation.

Parents are advised of a key iPad feature to turn tracking off. This feature will be explicitly demonstrated to students within the school-based workshops.

Go to Settings > Privacy > Tracking.

The list shows the apps that requested permission to track you. You can turn permission on or off for any app on the list.

To stop all apps from asking permission to track you, turn off Allow Apps to Request to Track (at the top of the screen).

Williamstown Primary Digital Information

Below is a link to the schools Digital Learning page. This page contains key information about the school's implementation of the digital technology curriculum as a tool within a blended learning environment.

JB HiFi Digital Purchase Portal 2025/2026

The JB HiFi purchase portal is again available for Willy PS families. The schools recommended minimum specification device is the iPad Gen 9, but the portal does also offer a range of iPad models and accessories. Although students have access to bluetooth keyboards we also recommend the Smart Keyboard or a 3rd party keyboard incorporated within the cover. This accessory will add value to the users experience.

Please also note the change in School Code.

Although the portal is set up through JB HI-FI on behalf of the school, we encourage families to explore all purchase options.

Further GoogleSuite for Education Information 

Please find attached documents released by DET.

The first document gives a deeper understanding of the DET licences G Suite for Education, how it is set up and how it differs from the public Google platform.

The second document provides families with supporting resources on how to protect individuals privacy online.

The Department of Education information pack for parents is available from the following link: