Weekes' News

Dear Sacred Heart Kew Families,

You may recall that at the end of last term, I shared with you all that as part of the MACS Digital Reimagination, and in line with the MACS Digital Ambition, as a school, we will be reviewing our current use of Digital Technology, in particular, within the Senior School learning and teaching space (Year Five and Six), which includes our Year 4 - 6 (1:1 device) iPad program, which has been in place for several years now. The Year 4 - 6 (1:1 device) iPad program involves children in these year levels, bringing their own iPad to school (1:1 device), making use of this in all learning areas across the school. The iPad is also used at home for homework tasks. 

Earlier this term we asked for feedback from parents in Year 4 - 6 who had experienced the Year 4 - 6 (1:1 device) iPad program, asking for their thoughts and opinions with our current practice. Parents were asked a number of questions regarding the overall program, including: General experience, learning and engagement, technology and device management, parent involvement and communication, and program improvements or suggestions for the future. 

Thank you to our Year 4 - 6 families for providing feedback regarding their experiences with our iPad program. We received a response rate of 68%, which is our highest response rate to any parent survey for many years. One of the main questions parents were asked was would they support the continued use of iPads in future years? The majority of parents felt that Year Four is too young for any 1:1 device program. Another question was what areas could be improved? The majority of parents felt that any devices that the children use at school should remain at school, and not be brought home.  

Common themes included: 

• iPads have increased screen time for most children
• iPads do not enhance learning
• Year Four is too young for any 1:1 device program (as above)  
• Any IT use is preferred for Senior children (Year Five and Six)
• Any devices used should remain at school (as above)

• Chromebooks would be better than iPads (for classroom use only)

   

After careful consideration and listening to feedback from parents, we have decided not to continue the Year 4 - 6 (1:1 device) iPad program. However, we are not removing technology altogether.

What does this mean for your child’s learning? 

• Children will still be taught the required Digital Technologies as per the Victorian Curriculum (regardless of having a 1:1 device iPad program in Year Four - Six)
• Children across the school will make use of our school chromebooks and school iPads (during the school day). These will not be taken home. 
• Year Five and Six children will still make use of their iPad’s, but these will remain at school. These will be used in conjunction with the school chromebooks in the Senior school level next year. 

• Our school chromebook resources are currently being updated, with new devices being purchased, adding to our existing supply (for children to use across the school).

   

We greatly appreciate your support, and once again, we thank all our Year Four - Six parents who provided feedback about their experiences with our Year Four iPad program, and digital technology use in general. Your experiences and suggestions have helped shape what we believe to be some positive changes and steps forward, as we continue to support all children to thrive within their learning environment, away from unnecessary digital distraction. We will continue to provide opportunities for all our children, allowing them to develop their understanding of responsible use of technology, the importance of digital wellbeing, how to engage with technology respectfully, and of measures to protect ourselves and each other in a digital space. 

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. 

Kind Regards,

Ed Weekes 

School Principal