Primary School | Teaching Healthy Screen Time
- justinsayson
- Sep 22
- 2 min read
Technology
Recently I sent an email with information on Digital Safety for students. As a follow up this link provides advice on recommended time allocations.
As we head into the holidays, please be mindful of your child’s technology usage, remembering as parents you are in control of this.
What Parents and Carers Can Do
Ground Rules
Involve your child in setting family expectations for technology use at home.
Agree on appropriate screen time, apps, and online friendships, helping them practise responsibility.
Remind your child to protect personal details (name, school, address, photos) and to think before they share anything online.
Online Safety
Use parental controls and privacy settings on devices, consoles, and apps.
Monitor the appropriateness of your child’s online interactions including chatrooms, in-game chats, YouTube comments and messaging features.
No filter is perfect—supervision, guidance and conversations are the most effective protection.
Location
Keep devices in family spaces where you can casually supervise.
Establish “tech-free times” (such as during meals and before bedtime) to support sleep and wellbeing.
Dialogue
Ask your child to show you their favourite games, apps, and websites—explore them together and discuss the positives and risks.
Teach them how to block or report inappropriate behaviour and reassure them they can always come to you for help without fear of getting into trouble.
Talk through real-life scenarios so your child feels prepared to make safe choices online.
New things for Term 4 in Maths!
Teachers will be communicating with you soon in relation to access of the following programs to enhance our Maths speed and accuracy in number fact recall.
Prep - Year 2 - Numbots
Year 3-6 - Times Tables Rock Stars (TTRS)
Holiday Learning
Whilst it is nice to have a break from the routines of school, it is important to engage with your child in some learning activities each day.
Literacy
Holiday Journal: Encourage daily writing or drawing about holiday adventures, even small ones.
Postcards or Letters: Write to a friend, relative, or even themselves to read later.Holiday Reading Challenge: Set a goal (e.g., 5 books) with a sticker chart or rewards.Story Starters: Use festive or seasonal prompts to spark short stories.
Numeracy
Cooking with Maths: Measure ingredients, work with fractions, and double/halve recipes.Shopping Games: Give a budget (real or pretend) and let them plan a picnic or holiday meal.Holiday Bingo or Math Scavenger Hunt: Find numbers in travel timetables, signs, or receipts.Board Games: Monopoly, Uno, or card games to build strategy, counting, and reasoning.
Creativity
Craft Projects: Holiday cards, decorations, recycled-art challenges.Music & Drama: Put on a mini play, create a dance routine, or write a song. Build & Design: LEGO challenges (e.g., “build a holiday landmark”), cardboard construction, or marble runs.
Blessings,
Sarah Rowan
Head of Primary – On Campus
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