Victorian schools told to remind parents education is free

Victorian principals are concerned new advice on parent contributions will leave public schools short.

The Department of Education has told schools they must tell parents that all curriculum-based instruction and resources, including textbooks, are free.

"Victorian government schools provide free instruction. This means all students have free access to all items, activities and services that schools use to deliver the curriculum, including reasonable adjustments to support students with disability," a template letter seen by the ABC says.

It says there is "no expectation or pressure for families to contribute" voluntarily.

Similar advice has been posted on the department's website.

Australian Principals Federation president Andrew Cock believes fewer parents will make voluntary contributions as a result.

He said many principals preparing for next year had sent out letters calling for parent contributions.

"It's caused a great deal of angst and consternation," Mr Cock said.

He said schools would always ensure families without the means to make contributions were supported.

But he said schools relied on extra payments.

"If there's less money available in schools, then principals are going to be forced to consider what are the programs, resources, experiences that they can afford," Mr Cock said.

"Ultimately they are going to have to make cuts."

Education Minister Gabrielle Williams defended the guidance and said access to public schools had "always been free" under Labor.

"With the cost of living hitting families extra hard right now, the Parent Contributions policy was updated to make it absolutely clear that school contributions are voluntary," she said in a statement.

Schools can still request voluntary contributions for learning items for children to take home, or extra-curricular activities such as sports carnivals.

Ms Williams said the government was also offering dental and eye checks, breakfasts, uniforms and period products to help reduce costs for families.

Schools will no longer rent out devices

From next year schools will be unable to invite or allow primary students to provide, buy or rent a laptop or tablet for students to use at school.

The department said schools would give children free access to a device when needed to fulfil the curriculum requirements.

Mr Cock said this would be challenging for some schools.

"That's going to add some additional conversations in schools about how we provide digital learning to our students," he said.

The department said secondary students who use their own devices are to ensure at least one nominated device option costs no more than $980.

Mr Cock said public schools did not have the money to pay for anything more than they already do.

"I think it's going to highlight the funding gap and the underfunding of our Victorian government schools," he said.

"Parents have traditionally helped fill some of that gap."