1 to 1 Laptops in Years 7-12

We are very excited about the roll out of 1 to 1 laptops for students in Years 7 to 12 at the start of 2019.  This aligns with the rollout of Canvas learning management system, improved classroom technology and the full Office 365 licenses being made available to our students.  Any number of these items without the other provides us with technology with which to do what we have always done.  However, the combination of all of these aspects together means that students can begin to master their learning at any time or at any place they choose.  This will enable students access to a high quality device at all times, as well as access to all the information they need through Canvas.  Canvas can not only hold the files that teachers can share with students at present, it can also store all of the notes, drawings, videos and anything else that has been taken during the lesson by the teacher or the students.  This means students will no longer be able to lose their assignments or handouts, as they simply won’t need handouts! There are obviously a few issues around the laptops, so a brief of some organisational matters are below:

• All students in Years 7 to 12 will be issued a Laptop at the start of the 2019 school year, and from 2020, all students starting Years 7 and 10 will be issued new laptops.
• The cost for the laptop will be invoiced quarterly and no concessions are applicable to this cost. 
• Students starting Years 7 and 10 will keep the same laptop for the next 3 years and may then may opt to buy the machine out for a nominal fee.
• All students starting Years 8, 9, 11 and 12 will have their laptops for 1 or 2 years and will not be able to buy the machine at the end of this period. 
• All laptops will have 3 years warranty as well as accidental insurance, though an excess will apply to repairs as a result of an accident.
• The laptops will all be a common model, except for those studying Film, TV and Media in Years 11 and 12.  Specific machines will be supplied for these students at the same cost.  These laptops cannot be bought out.
• The laptops will be owned and administered by the College. Students will not be able to install software.
• What the laptop can access via the internet is determined by the wi-fi network it can access.  At school, it will be governed by our network, unless students deliberately avoid our network by using their phone to hotspot.

Other aspects affiliated with 1 to 1 laptops:

• The biggest concern with laptops is the appropriate use by students.  We will not lock them down so tight so that they are unusable and we will expect students to use them responsibly. They will sign an agreement prior to collecting their laptop to reinforce the expectations regarding responsible use.
• If your home network has no limits, then neither does your child.  We will be sharing further information regarding cybersafety so parents can plan for this over the holidays.
• School fees and levies – to bankroll these projects requires a significant budget.  If you have concerns regarding the payment of your fees, or laptop component, then see the College proactively.  We will be far more vigilant in chasing unpaid fees and progressing long term debts to our debt collector.
• The laptop is the responsibility of your child. Accident insurance does not cover abuse, wilful damage or loss.  In these instances parents will be required to pay the total cost of the laptop so it can be replaced.
• Students will still have books and textbooks.  Technology is not the master, learning is.  The technology will be used appropriately at many times, though students will still need to write, draw and notetake at various times, and textbooks will still be in paper form, though many with online resources for students to access.

The final model of the laptops will be finalised shortly, along with much more information for parents to consider over the holidays.  This is a very exciting time as we move forward to enabling children to function and learn as they will be expected to as they enter university and the workplace.  We fully recognise that this will be a major shift in ways of thinking and working for both the staff and students at our College, and as such will be providing plenty of training and support as we enter the new year. Policies, details and final figures will be released prior to the end of the school year.

Peter Cuskelly

Principal