Technology at Aintree Primary School

Changes to digital device use

Aintree Primary School has made the decision to end our BYOD program a year earlier then the imposed deadline of 2027. From 2026 Aintree Primary School will support digital learning exclusively via our school provided devices in line with the Victorian Government’s expectation. This means we will not accept new devices or support our existing BYOD devices from next year onwards.

Below information has been provided by the Victorian Government outlining the guidelines for schools.

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

Under the new guidelines, schools:

• will no longer invite families to purchase or bring their own digital devices to use at school for Foundation to Year 6

• will follow new recommended digital device times, including minimal device time for Foundation to Year 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.

What this means for Aintree Primary School:

Changes to our BYOD Program for our Year 3 to 6 students in 2026:

·   Aintree Primary School has made the decision to end our BYOD program a year earlier then the imposed deadline of 2027. From 2026 onwards, we will not be running a BYOD iPad Program for Year 3-6, for both new and existing students.

·   We will be increasing the number of school owned devices to ensure students still have access to digital devices in line with the new guidelines and device usage.

·   Aintree Primary School will no longer provide Mathletics, Reading Eggs or Mathseeds subscriptions, which will be removed from the 2026 Parent Contribution Fees.

·   Students with a disability who use a digital device as a reasonable adjustment are exempt from these changes.

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

You can read more about the changes on the department’s website: Digital Learning: Policy.

School iPad Program Information

Digital Technology Acceptable Use Agreement

Students in all year levels will be using School purchased iPads to support them with their learning. The iPad will be used as a personal learning tool along with other existing tools that are available at school.