Information Technology Update – May 1, 2015

Cybersmart Outreach Parent Presentation

Just a reminder about the upcoming Cybersmart Outreach presentation for parents on June 1 at 7:00 pm in the Old Boys Pavilion. This will be presented by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA).

The Cybersmart Internet safety presentations cover topics including:

ï‚· the ways children use the internet and emerging technologies

ï‚· potential risks for children online, such as cyber bullying, illegal content, inappropriate contact, identity theft, grooming and predatory activity

ï‚· tips to help children stay safe online.

The presentations are thorough, non-technical and will be conducted by an accredited Cybersmart trainer. This is a fantastic opportunity for the St Patrick’s community to hear form the experts on all issues regarding to cyber safety. All are welcome and I look forward to seeing you there.

Required iPad Apps for all Year 7, 8, 9 and 10 students

The Booklist for all Year 7, 8, 9 & 10 students listed two paid apps required by all students:

Book Creator $6.49

Inspiration Mapps $12.99

Several teachers recently have created tasks around the use of these apps and a number of boys have been disadvantaged by not having purchased the apps and having them installed on their iPad. It is expected all Students in Years 7 to 10 have purchased these apps. I recommend an iTunes Gift Card be used to purchase these apps. Check the https://www.giftcardsonsale.com.au/ web site for any stores that might have these gift cards on sale.

App4 for Students eDiary

It is timely to remind all parents about the App 4online eDiary being used by all students in Years 7 to 10 on their iPads. The eDiary allows students to check their timetable, homework, assignments and any notes that may have been sent to them by their teacher. Parents can monitor their son’s homework and assignment information through the App4 for Students app on your son’s iPad or through the App4 for Parents app on your own iPad or through the App4 Parent portal. You can download a Quick Start Guide which covers the main features of App4 from http://ipads.stpats.vic.edu.au/app4.html

Creating an App4 Parent Access Code

To access your son’s homework using the App4 for Parents app on your own iPad you will first need to create a parent access code. This can be created using the App4 app on your son’s iPad. Simply open App 4 and click on the -‘About Me’ link on the home page and access the -‘Parent’ tab where you can create the parent access code. It is important that the parent access code you create is complex and difficult to guess. Once the parent access code is created you will be able check and even sign-off on your son’s homework. Instructions on how to create the parent access code and setting up the App4 for Parents app on your own iPad can be found on http://ipads.stpats.vic.edu.au/app4.html

App4 available through Web Portal

Parents can also access their son’s App4 iPad eDiary though a web portal on any device that has a browser. However it is recommended that you do not use the Internet Explorer browser as there are some issues accessing the site with this browser. To access the App4 parent web portal you will need to have setup your Parent Access Code first. Instructions on how to do this can be found at http://ipads.stpats.vic.edu.au/app4.html

To access the App4 parent web portal go to http://stpats.app4.ws/parent

If you experience any problems accessing your son’s App4 diary or with your Parent Access Code please email me (mholland@stpats.vic.edu.au) so I can begin to resolve your issue.