Information Technology Update – May 12, 2016

May 11, 2016

App4 Online Diary

I have recently had a couple of parents enquiring about how they can access their son’s App4 eDiary to check homework or assignments that may have been set by teachers. App4 is now used by all students from Years 7 -“ 12.

Parents can access App4 three different ways:

You can download a Quick Start Guide which covers the main features of App4 from http://ipads.stpats.vic.edu.au/app4.html There is also more information for parents at the App4 website at http://www.app4software.com.au/app4parents.php

If you have any issues with accessing App4 please contact me.

Apple AC Wall Plug Adapter Replacements

As you were notified earlier in the year, Apple identified a problem with the Apple AC Wall Plug Adapter designed for use with Apple devices such as the iPad and voluntarily decided to exchange affected wall plug adapters with a new, redesigned adapter, free of charge.

Apple’s official statement and further details can be found by clicking the following link: https://www.apple.com/support/ac-wallplug-adapter/

The College has the replacement wall plug adapters from Apple and you are now able to exchange any old adapters with the replacement adapters.

To facilitate the exchange, we are asking students to bring from home any of the old Apple AC wall plug adapters to either the IT Hub (1st floor corner of Wilding and Little Wings) or to the College shop. The old adapters will then be taken from the student and replaced with the replacement adapter.

Social Media Apps

We know our children like to use a number of social media apps in their daily lives on their devices and as parents it can sometimes be hard to keep abreast of what apps our children are using. Many experts say that parents having an understanding of the social media apps our children use can help greatly in us advising our children on responsible use of the internet and allows us to participate more fully in conversations with our children around appropriate and safe use of the internet.- To help parents better understand the social media apps our children are using there are a couple of very useful websites designed for parents that explain the most common social media apps our children are using and give the summary information about the app. These sites include:

Office of the Children’s eSafety Commissioner -“ Games, Apps and Social Networking

Safe, Smart and Social – Popular App Guide for Parents and Teachers

More parent Cyber Safety resources can be found on the iPads@St Pats Parent Resource website at http://ipads.stpats.vic.edu.au/cyber-safety-resources.html

One of the best pieces of advice we can give our children when they post online is -Remember, keep your posts Light, Bright and Polite!-

Mr Mark Holland

Director of ICT