Changes to Digital Device Use

Along with everyone else in Victoria we found out recently, through the Herald Sun, that the government were going to make major changes to the criteria in relation to digital devices. It came as quite a shock as we had no previous information they were going to make such huge changes to the use of digital devices in schools.

Information from the government

From 2027, the Victorian Government is introducing changes to the use of digital devices for students from Prep to Grade 6.

Under the new guidelines, schools:

will no longer invite families to purchase or bring their own digital devices to use at school for Prep to Grade 6
will follow new recommended digital device times, including minimal device time for Prep to Grade 2; and a maximum of 90 minutes per day for grades 3 to 6.

These changes are intended to support families by reducing cost-of-living pressures. They will also support 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.

For schools with a BYOD program. This means we will be ceasing our current BYOD program for Grades 4-6 from 2027 onwards. Instead, we will provide class sets of digital devices for use by students. Students who have been using BYO devices prior to 2027 will be able to continue to bring their devices to school, but we will be following the new recommended device use times.

These changes are intended to support families with cost-of-living pressures and reduce student screen time.

We will continue our current BYOD program in 2026. This means that families who have a child in Grade 4 in 2026 can still choose to provide their child with an iPad and they will be able to continue to bring it to school in 2027-28.

School Council

On Monday night we held a School Council meeting. We have been discussing ways we could spend some of our money on grounds improvement. At the beginning of the meeting, we had a walk around the Senior School grounds to look at areas that we thought might be in need of a revamp. If you think there are any areas that could be improved, we ask that you send us your thoughts via email at preston.ps@education.vic.gov.au

We also discussed the introduction of new sports top for our Grade 5 and 6 students. The students would be able to wear the top on a Friday if they are involved in interschool sport, or on days when they are representing the school in sport e.g. athletics and cross country. Information on how to order the tops will be available shortly.

Out of Hours School Care

Last week David Gibson resigned from OHSC. David had worked in the program for many years and in various roles, including Assistant Coordinator and the Coordinator. David has been a great advocate for the program and always looked for ways to improve OHSC. He will be greatly missed by the families who use the program.

I would like to thank David for his many years of service to our OHSC program and the school and wish him all the best in future.

Art Show

Our annual Art Show is on Friday November 21st, which is quickly approaching, and we are starting to get organised.

Every child in the school will have a piece of their artwork on display so we hope that all families will come along and join us in what is always the highlight of the Preston PS calendar. Don’t forget to put the date in your diary you don’t want to miss the highlight of our school year!

We will require some help from the school community on the day, so information on how to sign up will be sent out shortly.

Trivia Night

Our annual Trivia Night was held on Saturday night. Once again it was a great success with just under 100 people attending. Lots of fun was had throughout the evening.

I would like to thank Bec Gray, Nadia Mecoli, and their band of helpers, for organising the event and making it such a success.

Bike Racks

Yesterday the Darebin Council installed two new bike racks outside Gate 2 on Bowden Street.

The bike racks are intended for parents and visitors to the school to use. They are not for student bikes.

I would like to thank the Darebin Council for their quick response to our request.

Swimming Program

Our Grade 4 students have attended swimming lessons over the past two weeks. This week the Grade 2 and 3 students started their two-week intensive swimming lessons. students will have a lesson each day from Monday through to Thursday. There will be no lesson on Tuesday November 4th as it is Melbourne Cup Day.

Please don’t forget to remind your child that they need to bring their bathers, towel and goggles with them each day.

We will not be contacting parents to bring forgotten items to school. Please ensure your child has all of their clothing clearly named.

Regards,

Janet Paterson,

Principal.