To prepare your child’s Windows laptop for the 2025 school year, please follow this guide to install and set up the required applications. These tools are vital for your child’s learning experience at Hillsmeade Primary School.

Step 1: Ensure Windows is Updated

  1. Click the Start Menu, then select Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  2. Click Check for Updates and install any available updates.

Step 2: Install the Required Applications

Below is a list of required apps with installation links. Follow the steps for each app to download and install it on your child’s laptop.

  1. Microsoft Teams
    Download Microsoft Teams
    Login required: Microsoft 365 student account.
  2. Microsoft Word
    Download Microsoft Office Suite (Includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook)
    Login required: Microsoft 365 student account. If students have lost these details or forgotten their password, this year’s teacher will give them a copy when they return.
  3. Microsoft Excel
    Part of Microsoft Office Suite.
  4. Microsoft PowerPoint
    Part of Microsoft Office Suite.
  5. Microsoft OneDrive
    Download OneDrive
  6. Microsoft Outlook
    Part of Microsoft Office Suite.
  7. Canva
    Canva is a web-based tool.
    • Open a browser and go to Canva Website.
    • Log in with Microsoft 365 student credentials.
  8. Khan Academy
    https://www.khanacademy.org/ – Save this link as a favourite link in Edge or Chrome.
  9. Clipchamp
    Download Clipchamp or access it via the Microsoft Store.
  10. Minecraft Education
    Download Minecraft Education
    Login required: Microsoft 365 student account.
  11. NAP Locked Down Browser (for NAPLAN assessments -Year 5 students)
    Download NAP Locked Down Browser
    Follow instructions specific to Windows.

Step 3: Log In to Microsoft 365 Applications

  1. Open any installed Microsoft application (e.g., Teams or Word).
  2. Enter your child’s Microsoft 365 student account details.  If students have lost these details or forgotten their password, this year’s teacher will give them a copy when they return.
  3. Allow the app to sync and grant necessary permissions.

Additional Tips for Parents

  1. Organise a “School” Folder: Create a dedicated folder on the desktop for school files and shortcuts.
  2. Daily Laptop Maintenance: Ensure the device is charged and ready for school daily.
  3. Install Antivirus Software: Protect the device with reliable antivirus software.
  4. Support Links:

If you encounter any issues during the setup, please contact Mr Singh at hardev.singh@education.vic.gov.au or refer to the app-specific help guides linked above.