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Bring a device to school for anywhere, anytime learning.
Welcome to Hillsmeade Primary School’s 2025 BYOD Program! The goal of this program is to expand learning opportunities for students by enabling flexible, ‘anytime, anywhere’ access to educational resources. Discover why enrolling in our BYOD program is a valuable step for your child’s education.
Explore the benefits
Want to see the impact? Check out teacher testimonials of the benefits to students to:
- Engagement and independence
- Fostering collaboration and flexibility
- Highlighting skills of the future.
Enrolling in Hillsmeade Primary School’s BYOD program offers numerous advantages beyond the classroom. By bringing their own device, students gain essential skills and resources that support active, personalised, and responsible learning. Here’s how the BYOD program benefits your child:
- Enhanced Learning Engagement: Access to digital resources boosts students’ interest and involvement.
- Personalised Learning: Students learn at their own pace with resources tailored to their strengths and needs.
- Improved Digital Literacy: Regular use of devices builds essential technology skills for the future.
- Access to Real-Time Information: Students can research and explore up-to-date resources for a deeper understanding.
- Consistent Learning Environment: Familiar devices help students feel more comfortable and engaged.
- Collaboration and Communication: Digital tools make it easy for students to work together, share ideas, and connect with teachers.
- Parental Control: Choose a device that aligns with your family’s preferences for security and control.
- Cost-Efficiency: BYOD reduces the need for school-provided devices, allowing more targeted school resources.
- Responsible Technology Use: Students develop essential habits in online safety and device management.
Recommended Devices
Hillsmeade wants to be as flexible with device types as possible. The school seeks to encourage families to allow their children to bring either laptops, tablets or Chromebooks. However, all devices must have the following minimum requirements to be compatible with the school network and have enough battery life for all-day usage. The table below shows the school device preference for our teaching and learning needs.
| Compatible Devices |
| Windows Laptops (Running Windows 11) Apple Laptops (Running macOS 11 iPads (Running Version IOS 16 or later software) Chromebooks |
| The following devices are NOT suitable for school use: Mobile phones Mini tablets Smartwatches Android Tablets |
Purchasing a Suitable Device
Please refer to Edunet’s preferred devices list here.
http://HillsmeadePS.technologyportal.com.au
This online video will explain Edunet’s service to students and parents.
BYOD Set Up
The following PDFs contain information on preparing student devices for school use. Download the required setup guide and get everything on your child’s device set for 2025.
School Wireless Connection
When students bring a compatible device to school, they use the appropriate guide to connect and configure their BYOD machine to the school network. Note that their teacher will share the username and password credentials with the student when they arrive at school.
- iPad connection to Edustar
- Windows connection to Edustar
- Chromebook connection to Edustar (Tech support will assist with this device)
- Apple laptop connection to Edustar
https://tinyurl.com/byod-enrolment
FAQs
Should I re-register if my child participates in this year’s BYOD Program?
Yes. All students need to sign in each year to participate in this program. Here is the link – https://tinyurl.com/byod-enrolment
Is the BYOD Program compulsory?
We asked all students in Years 4 to 6 to bring a compatible device to school for their learning needs. The school encourages families to follow our professional recommendations and participate. The school has researched the pros and cons, and the decisions are deeply engrained in proven educational research. If you need help from the school to make this possible, please get in touch with Mr. Singh at hardev.singh@education.vic.gov.au. He is here to support you and your child with their learning needs.
Will my child be using the device in all lessons throughout the day?
In 2025, teachers are enhancing their teaching and learning planning to ensure that devices are used to support learning. Platforms such as Microsoft 365 & Teams, Canva and Compass will give students the following:
- Access to learning resources
- The ability to showcase their learning in a variety of different ways
- Teacher feedback and assistance
- Collaborative opportunities with other students through inquiry-based projects.
Can my child use the device at recess and lunchtime at school?
Students cannot take their devices into the schoolyard at recess, lunchtime, or before/after school.
What are the ‘rules’ for my child’s use of the device at school?
All students must sign and adhere to the school’s Acceptable Use Agreement relating to using devices and the Internet at Hillsmeade Primary School. Breaches of the agreement will be addressed on an individual basis.
Can my child access social media apps and sites at school?
The Department of Education has filtering tools in place. Filtering tools restrict access to sites and apps not of educational value, or students may misuse them.
How often should a device be charged?
Devices must be charged at home daily. No charging at school will be permitted.
What if I am unable to provide a device for my child?
If you choose not to buy a device for your child, they will have access to a school device available for use at school. This will include sharing with other students.
What if I decide not to buy into the program but change my mind later?
You can join the program at any time throughout 2025.
Will my child’s device be insured whilst at school?
Insurance, accidental damage, etc., can be covered by Edunet should you wish to take up their offer. If the student brings an existing device to school, including your child’s device as a nominated item on your house and contents insurance policy is wise. Please check your home insurance cover to see what additional coverage you may have. The school will not cover damage to or theft of personal belongings.
Will my child’s device be safe at school?
Every endeavour will be made to ensure the security of these devices. Rules and protocols will be established. Students must learn to manage their technology. Students will store their devices in a locked classroom when they arrive at school and during school hours when not in use.
How can my child protect the device from accidental damage?
All devices should be kept in a protective case and used carefully. In addition, a compact tablet bag is very worthwhile for helping students carry their devices to and from school. This can be purchased via the portal, or you may choose to supply your own. Students are also instructed not to leave devices on the floor, near food or water or use it carelessly.
What if the device requires technical support?
The school technician will provide support as they do on all school-owned equipment. Edunet will give additional support for devices purchased from them.
Are there any additional costs?
There are no additional costs, although students must bring and use their headphones (listed on the 2025 book list).
Who do I contact if I need any more information?
You can email Hardev Singh at hardev.singh@education.vic.gov.au or ring the school during office hours.
Enrolling on the 2025 BYOD Program