iPads at Bertram Primary School

Why iPads for primary school students?

Bertram has been implementing a complete school program for a number of years. Each year our program develops to a higher level as staff and students become more skilled in the use of the device. This commitment and development was recognised with Bertram awarded Apple Distinguished School status since 2015.

The use of iPads across the school offers students another method of accessing and demonstrating learning. Its ability to connect directly to the world the student is living in increases engagement and relevance for the child. This along with the connectedness to home through a variety of sharing apps and websites means parents are even more aware of the day to day learning of their child and as a result involved and able to support their child in a more meaningful way as they progress through the school. 

Bertram Primary School continues to offer our students, teachers and community the opportunity to integrate innovative technology into classroom practice to enhance student engagement and motivation.

What if I don’t provide an iPad?

The iPad program is completely voluntary. Students who do not have their own device will have some access to school iPads, however this may not be 1:1. Each Learning Area has a small bank of school iPads rotated between students.  These devices are not permitted to leave the school.

Permission for your child to bring their iPad to school

Before your child brings their iPad to school you must complete and return the Bertram iPad BYOD Program 2020 form. It has been great to see so many of these forms returned over the past fortnight, allowing your child to use their iPad for educational purposes at school. Please remember iPads cannot be used before school, at lunch or at recess. In line with the Department of Education’s Student Mobile Phones in Public Schools Policy, iPads cannot have a SIM card installed when they are brought to school.

Permission for Students to Access Online Service and Online Services Acceptable Use Agreement

Before the end of this week you will receive two additional forms which need to be signed and returned to school as a matter of urgency.

·         Permission for Students to Access Online Services – this must be completed by every parent/carer giving permission for their child to access online services including the internet at school

·         Online Services Acceptable Use Agreement – it is important you discuss this agreement with your child before signing and returning to school. The Year 3 – 6 agreement also needs to be signed by your child, acknowledging they take responsibility for the choices they make.

Please return these forms to your child’s LA teacher before the end of Week 6, giving permission for them to access Department of Education online services and Bertram Primary School iPads.

Before and After School

Please discuss with your child your expectations when they are coming to school in the morning and home in the afternoon.

In the mornings we often have reports of students going to the shops on their way to school.

·         It is important someone knows where your child is, there may be times you need them to go to the shops, but otherwise they should come straight to school.

·         Children may buy soft drink or lollies to consume on their way to school or during the day. This hit of sugar can impact on your child’s ability to concentrate and engage in learning at school. The money spent on snack foods has often been provided by parents for ordering lunch or buying food at recess. You can order for your child online using Flexischools (https://www.flexischools.com.au/) to avoid sending money to school.

·         Peer pressure may lead to your child to make poor choices, for example shoplifting.

At the end of the day children sometimes go home or to the park with their friends without prior permission. This causes distress when parents can’t find them at the end of the day. Please ensure your child is clear about pick up arrangements when they leave home in the morning. 

Jane Weir, Aimee Coffey, Kiera Slade, Cathy Stott

Deputy Principals

We invite you to join our Mobile Device Management system.  We believe this system brings with it a number of improvements and supports to further extend your child's learning but also to support you as you work with your child through access and screen time issues many parents are facing on a daily basis.

Term One  

Monday, 3rd February - Thursday, 9th April

Labour Day Public Holiday - Monday, 2nd March  

Good Friday Public Holiday - Friday, 10th April 

Term Two

Tuesday, 28th April - Friday, 3rd July

School Development Day  - Friday, 29th May

WA Day Public Holiday - Monday, 1st June

Term Three 

Monday, 20th July - Friday, 25th September

School Development Day - Monday, 24th August 

Term Four 

School Development Day - Monday, 12th October 

Tuesday, 13th October - Thursday, 17th December 

Using Praise with children

How praise works

Praise is when you tell your child what you like about her or her behaviour. Praise nurtures your child’s self-esteem, confidence and sense of self.  By using praise, you’re showing your child how to think and talk positively about himself. You’re helping your child learn how to recognise when he does well and to pat himself on the back.

What to use praise for

You can praise children of different ages for different things. You might praise a younger child for leaving the park when asked, or for trying to tie her own shoelaces. You can praise teenagers for coming home at an agreed time, or for starting homework without being reminded.