What is Microsoft Teams?

Microsoft Teams is a secure, school-managed digital learning platform allowing students to collaborate, communicate, and access learning materials in a structured, safe environment. It is used across all year levels to enhance digital learning, provide a centralised space for classwork, and prepare students with essential 21st-century skills.

Department of Education License Agreement with Microsoft

The Victorian Department of Education has a statewide licensing agreement with Microsoft, ensuring that all Microsoft 365 applications, including Microsoft Teams, are provided in a secure, school-managed environment. This agreement guarantees that student and teacher data is stored within Microsoft’s Australian data centres, complying with strict privacy laws and data protection regulations. The Department oversees and enforces data security measures, ensuring that personal and learning information remains protected, confidential, and used solely for educational purposes. As part of this agreement, Microsoft cannot use or share student data for advertising or commercial purposes, and all content remains under the Department’s governance to support safe and effective digital learning.

Scope and Sequence of Microsoft Teams Implementation

Year	How Teams are Used	Monitoring & Safety Measures
Year 2 (Term 4)	– Introduced to Teams in a supervised setting to prepare students for Year 3. – Used mainly for accessing learning resources and teacher-led discussions. – No independent chat or collaboration features enabled.	– Strictly teacher-controlled. – Students cannot initiate chats or send messages independently.
Year 3-4	– Used for submitting assignments, receiving feedback, and engaging in class discussions. – Limited chat features (students can only message within teacher-created channels). – Focus on responsible online communication.	– Chats are only within teacher-monitored class channels. – No private or one-on-one messaging between students. – Teachers can moderate and delete inappropriate messages.
Year 5-6	– Used for structured group work, peer discussions, and collaborative projects. – Assignments, announcements, and resources shared via Teams. – Chat function is enabled only within teacher-moderated groups.	– All chats are visible to teachers. – Private messaging outside of school-managed groups is disabled. – Explicit digital citizenship lessons on online etiquette and responsible communication.

How Teams Are Monitored for Safety

Ensuring a Safe Digital Environment

1. No External Access:
   • Microsoft Teams at Hillsmeade is restricted to students and staff within the school’s network. Students cannot chat with people outside the school environment.
2. Chat Restrictions:
   • Private, student-to-student direct messaging is disabled.
   • Chats can only happen within teacher-moderated class groups.
   • Teachers actively monitor class discussions and intervene if necessary.
3. Supervised Communication:
   • Teachers and school administrators can review messages sent in Teams at any time.
   • Any inappropriate use of Teams is reported and addressed according to school policies.
4. Digital Citizenship Education:
   • Students participate in regular lessons on responsible online behaviour, cyber safety, and digital communication.
   • Clear guidelines are set on respectful interactions and the consequences of misuse.

How Families Can Support Safe Teams Usage

• Talk to Your Child about their experiences on Teams and reinforce respectful digital communication.
• Monitor Their Activity by reviewing their schoolwork and discussions in Teams.
• Encourage Safe Practices, such as reporting inappropriate messages to their teacher.
• Reach Out to the School if you have concerns about how Teams is being used.
• Information for parents/carers is regularly available on The Link, and this year, on-site information sessions will assist with online security and managing home devices.

Department of Education Resources

​The Victorian Department of Education and Training (DET) utilises Microsoft 365 and Microsoft Teams to facilitate collaborative learning environments while ensuring the security and privacy of student and staff information. These platforms are managed and secured in accordance with the department’s policies and guidelines.​

Key Security Measures:

• Information Security Policy: This policy supports schools in managing and sharing information securely, aligning with the Victorian Protective Data Security Standards (VPDSS). Schools are required to assess information security risks, implement access controls, and ensure staff complete information security awareness training. ​Education Victoria
• Technologies and ICT Services Policy: Schools are mandated to transition to department-provided technologies, including Microsoft 365 and Teams, by the end of 2028. This transition aims to enhance security by minimising risks associated with diverse technology environments. ​Education Victoria+1Education Victoria+1
• Microsoft 365 Security Features: Microsoft 365 offers a comprehensive set of security features that allow the department to set policies, control user access, monitor data, and respond promptly to security issues. ​saarcprd.blob.core.windows.net+2brinbealsc.vic.edu.au+2eastdonsc.vic.edu.au+2

Resources for Parents:

• Microsoft 365 Information for Parents and Guardians: This document provides detailed information on how Microsoft 365 is used within Victorian schools, including data collection, usage, security measures, and safety tips for students. ​eastdonsc.vic.edu.au
• Security Guide for Microsoft Teams: This guide offers insights into the security measures implemented within Microsoft Teams, ensuring safe and secure communication and collaboration. ​learn.microsoft.com