Information Technology Update – August 3, 2017

August 2, 2017

Do Not Install iOS 11

Apple have unofficially released a beta version of their new iOS operating system, iOS 11. However, this beta release is intended for use only by app developers who can download the beta iOS and test their apps on the new operating system. Apple make it clear that you install this beta version at your own risk and that it could cause problems with your device.

We have informed all of the boys not to install this beta version iOS 11 on their iPad. The only updates the boys and any normal users should install are those that are clearly listed in Settings/Software Update menu. No other updates should be installed by school and home users.

Replacement Neoprene Sleeves

At the start of the year a number of students received the incorrect sized sleeve for their iPad ordered from CompNow. The replacement sleeves have now been distributed to those students. All students who received the incorrect sleeve from CompNow at the start of the year should now have received their replacement sleeve.

Microsoft Office for home for free!

As mentioned earlier in the year, as part of the College’s membership to Office 365, all students are allowed to download the Microsoft Office suite for free on up to five home computers. This can be done quite easily by following the instructions on the iPad Parent Support page here:

http://ipads.stpats.vic.edu.au/installing-office-365-at-home.html

The important thing to remember that when the Office suite has been downloaded that the student logs in to the application and registers their ST Patrick’s College email and password to authenticate the download. After this has been done, the Office applications can be used by anyone. Please let me know if you have any questions about this.

Parent Cyber Safety Resources

Just a reminder about some of the Cyber Safety resources I have curated for parent’s use. As a parent I am always on the lookout for any tips and advice from experts on how to support my children in the best use of technology. In the 21st Century we are in a very different world to the one we grew up in and our children’s use of technology is often one of the key concerns many parents have. I have listed a number of good resources on the iPad Parent Support website that can be of use to parents and you can check these out here: http://ipads.stpats.vic.edu.au/cyber-safety-resources.html

I would like to highlight some excellent resources put together by the Australian Government on their eSafety Commisioner’s website which includes advice for parents on ways to manage their childre’s devices and these can be found here: https://esafety.gov.au/education-resources/iparent

Can you see your son’s diary? – App4 Parent Login

App4 is the official College diary and is used by teachers and students across the different year levels. You are able to access your son’s diary online to see homework and information from his teachers in a couple few ways:

To login to view your son’s diary you will need to create a password or access code. Instructions on how to do this and other instruction manuals on App4 can be found on the ICT Devices Parent Support website here: http://ipads.stpats.vic.edu.au/app4.html

Please note, the Parent or Student ID is your son’s 5 character St Patrick’s Student ID. The school identifier is -‘stpats’:

App4 Parent Login:

  • Parent or Student ID: Your son’s St Patrick’s 5-character student ID #####

  • School Identifier: stpats

  • Pasword or Access Code: password

If you have any problems accessing your son’s diary, please don’t hesitate to contact me on mholland@stpats.vic.edu.au

Mark Holland

Director of ICT