Teaching and Learning 

Safe Use of Devices and Internet at Rangeview Primary School

In such a challenging year, the use of digital devices have been crucial and we have all adapted our lives, particularly during the COVID 19 restrictions. During remote and flexible learning, with the ongoing support of families, education technology became a lifeline for the continuation of learning. Our students have become proficient in the use of devices and many applications over this time.

At Rangeview Primary School, students are asked to adhere to the Student iPad Agreement with regard to general use, content, safety and security. Students are also required to follow the Acceptable Use Agreement for Digital Technologies. Both agreements are signed by students and a parent. 

iPads

In recent weeks, with the return to the school setting, we have found that some student iPads are coming to school with direct internet connectivity (SIM cards) and inappropriate applications. We request that SIM cards and inappropriate applications are removed from any device, as they are not permitted at Rangeview Primary School. Our internet service, provided by the Department of Education and Training, is set up to block students from any inappropriate website or application, however a device with a SIM card and its own connectivity can bypass our system and students can access any content available on the internet, posing a safety risk to students. We have also had discussions with a number of students and families about the excessive and inappropriate use of messaging from one student to another and chat groups, outside of school hours.

Applications such as Facebook, Tik Tok, Instagram, Snapchat and Among Us and a number of chat and messenger platforms are not suitable for devices at school.

Mobile Phones

In January 2020, the Department of Education and Training Mobile Phones – Student Use Ministerial Policy was issued. If your child does bring a phone to school or any other device capable of connecting to a mobile phone network, it must be switched off and stored at the school office. The device can then be collected at the end of the day. This includes an iPad with connectivity.

If you need to contact your child during the day, please phone the school office on 03 9874 6381.

Information

We do recognise the challenges faced by our families with safe internet usage and we would like to offer any support needed. 

For more information, we recommend the eSafety Commissioner webpage https://www.esafety.gov.au/

This valuable resource is filled with information for students, parents, educators and families.