​My News: April 2026

What technology does your family have?

Digital access plays an important role in how children learn, connect and use technology safely at home. 

Having access to tools like a laptop and the internet can help your child to: 

• complete homework and school research 
• explore their interests 
• connect with friends and family 
• build digital skills 

We’d like to know what technology your family has at home. 

This helps us understand what educational programs may be suitable for your child, and what resources, support and skills your family may need. It also helps us advocate for Learning for Life students, including raising awareness and funding to provide digital support to more families. 

Please log in to My Smith Family and update your family’s internet and device details. 

Update digital access

Screen time at home during the school holidays

With school holidays coming up, it’s normal for children to spend more time on screens at home.  

Screens can support learning, connection and fun. There’s no one right amount of screen time for every child. What works will depend on your child’s age, maturity, learning needs and your family routine.  

It can be tempting to focus only on time. But what your child is doing online, and how you support them, matters just as much.  

Screen time works best when it doesn’t get in the way of sleep, physical activity, or time with family and friends. Noticing how your child feels before and after screen time can help you decide what’s working, and what might need adjusting.  

You may find these helpful: 

• 

  Healthy internet use

  Simple tips to help balance screen time with offline activities, choose quality content, and set clear routines at home.
• 

  Register for Navigating Screen time - eSafety webinar

  A free 45 minute webinar with practical ideas to manage screen time, boredom and family routines for primary and lower secondary school aged children.

Play and learning at home during the school holidays

School holidays are a great chance for children to learn through play at home.  

Play is not just about keeping busy. It helps children build confidence, try new ideas, and learn how the world works. It also supports learning in areas like thinking, movement, communication and relationships.  

Play does not need to be organised or expensive. Free play, using everyday items, can be just as valuable as structured activities. Giving children time, space and encouragement helps them play in ways that suit their age and interests.

You may find these tips helpful:

• 

  The power of play: helping your child learn and grow

  Practical ideas for supporting learning through play, including low-cost activities and simple ways to join in with your child.
• 

  Why play is important for child development (Raising Children)

  A large collection of play ideas, games and activities for all ages and skill levels. Includes lowcost ideas for indoor and outdoor play, art and craft, and everyday learning at home.  

  Available in multiple languages and videos.

Student Profile update