Information Technology Update – December 1, 2016

November 30, 2016

Year 9 Students 1:1 Device 2017 and beyond

Our current Year 9 students are all using a College supplied iPad which they received at the start of Year 7 2014. However, moving in to Year 10 in 2017, the boys will begin to be a part of the Senior School 1:1 program which sees the student device changing from an iPad to a Windows notebook. The Senior School 1:1 program started at the beginning of 2016 which saw each boy supplied with a HP Spectre 360 notebook. The College sources the notebook and parents are asked to pay off the notebook over three years with annual payments. Essentially, the notebook is owned by the parents and at the end of Year 12. After the three annual payments have been completed, the student can take the notebook home. More details on this program, costs and insurance will be sent to parents shortly.

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eSafety Commissioner’s Workshop

It is really important that we as parents keep informed on our young people’s use of technology and have a sound understanding of what and how they are using it. I personally love to hear from experts in the field as they are informed of the latest trends and come armed with advice and strategies for parents and teachers on how to best guide and support young people in the safe and responsible use of technology. One great resource that is available to all parents is the eSafety Commissioner’s Government website which has many excellent resources for parents and students alike. I have listed a number of these on the iPad Parent support website on the Cyber Safety Resources page here: http://ipads.stpats.vic.edu.au/cyber-safety-resources.html

I would like to advertise a free workshop that is coming up early next year that is being presented by an eSafety expert from the Office of the eSafety Commissioner on how you can help keep young people safe online. The workshop will particularly focus on learning how:

  • Young people are using social media and technology

  • To make a complaint about child cyberbullying

  • We can remove serious cyberbullying material

Date: Thursday February 16 6:00 pm -“ 8:30 pm

Venue: Ballarat Art Gallery Annexe 40 Lidiard St (entry off Alfred Deakin Square). Light supper provided.

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Year 9 Parent Decision to Return or Buy College Supplied iPad

A letter has been sent to all Year 9 parents asking if you wish to purchase or return the College supplied iPad your son has been using for the last 3 years. At the start of the 2014 school year, your son was issued with a College iPad. Their use of the iPad will end this year (which is further explained above) and you now need to make a decision regarding your intention with regards this College iPad. You can decide:

  1. To take ownership of the iPad and buy the iPad from the College for $100.00 (including the provided cover, neoprene sleeve, charging cable and wall charger)

  2. Return the iPad to the ICT Hub (including the provided cover, neoprene sleeve, charging cable and wall charger).

If you decide to return the iPad to the ICT Hub, you also need to return the cover ($43), neoprene sleeve ($35), charging cable ($30) and wall charger ($30). If any of these peripherals are missing you will be charged the replacement cost for each missing item. If the iPad is returned in a damaged condition and is in need of repair, a $150 fee will be charged to your account to help cover the cost of repairs.

If you decide to return the iPad you will need to return the iPad to the ICT Hub immediately after the final Year 9 Exam on Wednesday 7 December.

You were asked to complete the form in the letter and return it to your son’s Pastoral Care Teacher or ICT Hub by Monday 14 November notifying the College of your intention regarding your College supplied iPad.

Mark Holland

Director of ICT