Issue 118 - 2025 | Term 1 | Week 6
Update Are you ready for NAPLAN next week?
NAPLAN 2025 starts next week on Wednesday 12 March.
Important: Windows locked down browser update
The updated Windows LDB v5.9.2 was deployed as a mandatory install to all SCCM and Intune Windows devices on Friday 21 February. CDM and UDM also have the updated version 5.9.2.
BYO Windows devices (BYOD): Download the new locked down browser from Assessform.
All Windows users: Ensure all Windows devices to be used for NAPLAN are turned on before the NAPLAN test window to ensure the LDB has been installed.
Final preparations
The day before NAPLAN starts ensure devices are fully charged and spare devices, headsets and mouses are available.
Be sure to have a system in place for preparation and set up.
What should schools be doing now?
- Check all devices meet ACARA’s requirements.
- Test devices by getting students to use the demonstration tests provided within the locked down browser or NAPLAN Training and Practice environment in the platform.
- Source headsets/headphones for all students.
- Plan resources for charging devices before, during and after tests.
- Schedule classes to accommodate resource availability.
- Consider splitting classes into smaller groups to make tests easier to manage.
- Turn on all devices to ensure security and OS updates are installed.
News EduTECH 2025 is coming to Sydney
EduTECH 2025 is coming to Sydney this year and will be held at the International Convention Centre (ICC) in Darling Harbour June 11-12. EduTECH’s focus this year is on education leaders shaping the future. We are excited to showcase real school stories demonstrating how technology is utilised across our NSW public schools.
The T4L team have full conference tickets for those interested in attending. Whether you’re planning your whole of school technology approach, or want to learn quick tips and tricks to take back to the classroom, we’ve got you covered. For those staff who are unable to attend, we will have ‘After the Bell’ sessions for in-person attendance from 4-6pm, and will be available as a recording soon afterwards. If you are based outside of Sydney, we plan on having a full wrap up resource to support you in your professional learning.
Registrations will open soon, but please complete this EOI, and we will email you when tickets are available.
Tip Introducing sensitivity labels
When you create a document or email that contains sensitive information, remember to carefully consider its contents and label it with the correct sensitivity label.
For further guidance on labelling sensitive documents and emails in a simple, consistent and non-invasive way, visit Information classification and labelling.
Want to better understand information classifications and your responsibilities related to the appropriate labelling of information? Complete the professional learning module.
Info New applications in AssessedIT
The number of applications assessed by Cyber and added to AssessedIT has grown to over 1100!
So you may find a service that meets your requirements without requesting a new assessment. You can explore AssessedIT using the keyword filter to find alternative applications to meet your needs. (For example, there are 49 endorsed literacy applications and 11 endorsed 3D printing applications)
Reminder: for applications marked 'Use with caution', schools can make their own decision to use the application but should review and adhere to the usage conditions for the application. These usage conditions could include things like age limitations, backing up data, not supplying unnecessary personal information or not uploading specific types of content.
News Your Canva Learning Consultant
Canva is excited to introduce Jo Muirhead, a new Canva Learning Consultant, here to support NSW DoE teachers!
With 20+ years of teaching experience and over 13 years as a technology integration specialist, Jo has trained educators worldwide in leveraging technology to enhance learning.
She’s passionate about creativity, digital literacy, and empowering teachers to make the most of Canva for Education.
Looking for personalised support or a tailored PD session? Jo is available to help you bring creativity into your classroom with practical, engaging strategies through dedicated virtual training for your school.
Book a planning call with Jo today
News Are you new to SASS? We've got you covered!
T4L have just released the School Administrative and Support Staff Tech Guide for 2025.
Even those of you who have been in the role for a while won't want to miss our latest SASS Tech Guide.
Here you will find updates on the most commonly used platforms and programs and everything from how to personalise your Staff Portal to covering the tools, tips and tricks across Microsoft, Google and Canva.
The guide also covers professional learning opportunities to help you connect with your larger SASS community.
So, start the year right and check out the new edition of the Tech Guide to establish your SASS journey.
Read and share with your SASS colleagues today!
Update Apple updates coming next holidays
During the next holiday break (14 April – 24 April), all Apple devices in schools managed through Jamf Pro will be updated to the latest macOS/iPadOS that the device is compatible with.
Macs and iPads will download the update via the Apple Caching Server and reboot.
Apple devices should be left turned on over this period to receive the update and reboot.
If not, the device will update and reboot when it is next powered on.
At the time of writing, the latest version of macOS is 15.3.1 (Sequoia) and the latest version of iPadOS is 18.3.1.
Find out about the latest macOS Sequoia, and the latest iPadOS 18.
Info Unplug and connect offline
7-8 March 2025 is Global Day of Unplugging, and it is a timely reminder think about ‘screen time’ and participate in ‘green time’ activities instead. Time off devices can be good for our physical and mental wellbeing.
We can prepare by updating our devices and switching them off for the weekend!
Some ideas for you to unplug include:
- go for a walk or hike
- volunteer with a community organisation or local group
- learn to paint, knit, sew, crochet, or embroider, play dress ups
- play indoor and outdoor games, set up a scavenger hunt, go on a picnic
- cook or bake together with family, make it a competition!
Get more unplug ideas. Teachers can also get students engaged with offline activities to inspire them to get on-board.
Info Year 7 student Adobe Creative Cloud license requests
For schools needing to request an Adobe Creative Cloud license for their year 7 students and other cohorts, please be advised that processing of these requests is automated and so, it is important your request is submitted exactly as asked on the online form.
Please note the following when submitting your request:
- All requests must be submitted via the online form, selecting the 1st option: “Adobe Creative Cloud Licence”.
- Include all email addresses of the students requiring a license into the text field, titled “Please provide email address(es) of people requiring a licence”. The text field will be able to cater for all email addresses your request may have.
- Ensure email addresses have the correct domain. Student email addresses end in: @education.nsw.gov.au, staff email addresses end in: @det.nsw.edu.au.
Do not:
- Refer to lists of email addresses hosted remotely, e.g. OneDrive and SharePoint sites, Google Drives, etc.
- Capture only a portion of the email address. E.g. john.smith999 instead of: john.smith999@education.nsw.gov.au.
Requests are processed within 48 hours of submission but will generally be processed much sooner than this. The requester will receive an email from the Dept. service request management system advising the request has been completed.
Please visit the support page on the T4L website for more information.
Update
Updates from the Adobe Edu Team
Adobe Wednesday Webinars:
Join the regular Adobe Wednesday Webinars for teachers of all subjects and levels. Discover more and share the details.
Join the Adobe Creative Educators (ACE) Community:
Become part of the ACE community by completing the Level 1 and 2 micro-credential courses. New and free opportunities are available every month. Learn more here.
Special congratulations to the newly announced NSW DoE Adobe Creative Educator-Leaders for 2025
- Brett Kent (Hilltop Road Public School)
- Danielle Hain (Waitara Public School)
- Martin Gray (Singleton High)
- Michael Turner (Mitchell High School)
- Paul Jrieche (Sydney Distance Education High School)
- Roger Thompson (Miller Technology High School)
PL Apple Education Community
The Apple Education Community provides teachers with even more ways to support their ongoing practice. The Apple Education Community is a professional learning hub designed for educators that use Apple technology.
You'll find helpful resources for any skill level — from quick tutorials to inspirational ideas. Grow skills in this collaborative space, as you connect with peers and experts for advice, shared stories, and more.
The Learning Center provides free, Apple‑created resources — from guided tutorials to lesson ideas and hands‑on teaching materials. With the Learning Center, you can earn recognition badges as you learn new skills and create more engaging lessons, all at your own pace.
The Forum is a dynamic, online space where educators meet to collaborate and inspire each other. It’s an opportunity to engage in thoughtful discussions, ask questions, share stories, and find helpful resources.
Check out the Apple Education Community today.
Fun ICT thought of the day
Info news.T4L will be back in Week 9!
Information Technology Directorate publishes three issues of news.T4L each term. Remember - share each issue with your staff! And if you aren't receiving an email notification as soon as a new issue of news.T4L drops, then you're missing out! So why not subscribe?
Tell us about your school's great ICT initiatives! Send us an email to T4LNews@det.nsw.edu.au
