Ashy Art Show
I want to share what a wonderful experience it was as I walked around our first Ashy Art Show. It wasn't just being able to see children excitedly show their parents and relatives their various creative pieces, but the way they engaged their audience as they described their process - they were able to tell their parents how the piece came together. It really was a testament to their experience in Art over their schooling. There is a more expansive post on the Art Show here, but I want to take the time to thank a few people. Firstly, in addition to actually guiding the students in all those different techniques and stylers, Miss T was able to curate a collection of pieces from many thousands of examples so far this year. She ensured that every student's work was on display so no one missed out. We need to thank Paula and Yuen, our heads of PA, for their driving determination in making the event a success - they liaised with third parties to produce those wonderful year level pieces, as well as creating the merchandise, stocking the refreshment kiosk, putting up artwork and spending the whole day at school. Lastly, thank you to Ash Howarth of Marshall White for the generous donations to help support the event! We look forward to our next Ashy Art Show!
Changes to digital device use
You may have seen a story in the Herald Sun last week around changes to the use of digital devices in schools from 2027 - specifically around setting hard limits on daily use for Years 3-6 students (and "minimal" use for Prep to Year 2) as well as not starting ceasing BYOD program in the future.
As background, our school has had a 1-1 Bring Your Own Device program using iPads in place since 2019 across Years 3-6. Our Prep to Year 2 classrooms employ class sets of iPads which are a shared resource. This program has always been an opt in one with any family not choosing to participate still have access to a school device on site. Despite it's optional nature, we had over 95% of students involved. Over the 7 years of the program, we have also been able to support families under financial hardship by sourcing devices for them to use at home too.
Speaking with my teachers this week, they were able to say that there were very few instances where our senior students would have had a culminative total in any one day of over 90 minutes directly on their iPad. Even though these changes are not due to begin until the 2027 school year, we will be working under these time guidelines from next year. This includes the "minimal" time for Prep-Yr 2 which still needs further explanation for the Department.
On a similar note, we were due to begin onboarding our current Year 2 students to join the 1-1 program in 2026. Although technically we could have continued, after discussion at School Council this week we have decided to not begin the program for Year 3s in 2026. Those in Years 4,5 and 6 next year will continue in the program if they wish.
The Department of Education subsequently released advice to schools. Below is the information that they have released for families.
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.
What this means for our school
This means we will be ceasing our current BYOD program for Grades 2 and it will not commence in 2026 as previously scheduled. Instead, we will provide class sets of digital devices for use by students. Students who are currently part of the BYOD program (currently in Years 3, 4 and 5) will be able to continue to bring their devices to school, but we will be following the new recommended device use times.
Students with disability who use a digital device as a reasonable adjustment are exempt from these changes.
These changes are intended to support families with cost-of-living pressures and reduce student screen time.
You can read more about the changes on the department’s website: Digital Learning: Policy.
Meeting with Junior School Council
I met this week with members of the Junior School Council who presented me with their "Dream" plan for the yard, specifically the oval area. I was super impressed by the work they had done with Miss Reese over the year, giving up their lunchtimes to come up with ideas and research solutions and prices.
Speaking with them, some of the main desires are new soccer goals, a new outdoor game called "9 Square", water taps and a new surface on the oval itself. Using some of the fundraising dollars, we are looking at being able to implement the new soccer goals and 9 Square ideas, hopefully before the end of the school year.
World Teachers' Day
We celebrate our teachers today as part of World Teachers' Day! On World Teachers’ Day, we pause to acknowledge the vital role teachers play in shaping not just young minds, but our entire community. Our Ashburton Primary staff go above and beyond — supporting, guiding and inspiring our students every single day. We are deeply grateful for all that you do.
The "official" day is next Friday, but with that falling on the upcoming student free day the Parents' Association has been kind enough to supply a special morning tea offering today! Thank you to our Parent Association for their generosity.
Student Free Day next Friday, October 31st
A reminder that next Friday, October 31st is a Student Free Day as staff are involved in Professional Practice Days. Some staff will be working onsite while others will be working off site on the day. Staff will be working on a range of tasks including report writing, assessments, professional development and completing mandatory and accredited courses. Team Kids will be open for a full day program in the hall. Monday, November 3rd is a NORMAL SCHOOL DAY. Tuesday, November 4th we will be closed for the Melbourne Cup public holiday.
