Kindergarten to Year 12 Device Strategy

We understand that the levies put upon the devices can be a matter of concern for our families. We assure you that we have made every possible effort to keep the cost as minimal as possible without compromising the quality of education and the tools needed for it.

In light of this, we would like to share the device levy for 2024 entering the College-Owned program:

Junior School 

• Year 4: $272
  

Senior School

• Year 7: $288*

• Year 8: $272

• Year 10 iPad Air: $604*

• Year 10 MacBook Air: $604*

• Year 11 iPad Air: $332

• Year 11 iPad Pro: $599

• Year 11 MacBook Air: $604

*Subject to change prior to fee announcement in December 2024

These rates have been carefully calculated considering various factors to provide the best possible resources to our students at the most affordable prices for families.

All devices owned by the College come with a 3-year Insurance and Warranty coverage.

Warranty covers any manufacturing defects, ensuring protection against device problems arising from such faults.

For Accidental damage to the College-owned device, an excess fee applies as follows:

2025 Year(s) 

$100 for Year 3 ,4 & 7, 8
$250 for Year 10

$200 for Year 11

In the case of total loss, including theft, of the College-owned device, an excess fee applies as follows:
$250 for Year 3, 4, & 7, 8 & 10, 11

For detailed information on the terms and conditions regarding the device's insurance please click here.

In summary, bringing personal devices to the College is not permitted due to operational constraints, as the College lacks the capability to effectively manage such devices. Apple has recently revised its organisational device management policies, explicitly prohibiting the legal management of our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. According to their updated guidelines, organisations are no longer allowed to oversee personally-owned devices, i.e., BYOD devices.

It is not possible for students to opt out of the program, whilst remaining enrolled at the College.

Moreover, the revised K-12 device strategy was thoughtfully crafted with the goal of ensuring equal access to learning resources for all students. Extensive community consultation revealed concerns among families regarding the potential for disparate access levels under the BYOD program. In response to this feedback, the decision was made to implement a standardised device provision for all students.

The Device Levy is an item on the College’s fee and charges schedule. Families will be levied for the Device Program as part of the annual school fees which will be sent to families at the end of January 2025. It is acknowledged that there are additional financial implications however families will not be required to purchase devices upfront as was previously the case under the BYOD program and spread the cost of the device over a 3-year period with an annual levy.

Moreover, the annual levy cost highlighted in our most recent communications covers the device and includes comprehensive device protections and essential accessories such as a keyboard case and digital stylus. We believe that these inclusions are crucial in enhancing the overall learning experience and ensuring that students have access to a well-rounded educational toolset.

For students who joined us in Year 3 in 2024, they can keep their iPad after 4 years, provided they have attended school since Year 3 and all their fees have been paid. They will complete their cycle in Year 6, 2027.

Students who started in Year 7 can keep their iPad after 3 years, provided they have attended school since Year 7 and all their fees have been paid. These students will complete their cycle in Year 10.

Year 10 students have a different option - they can buyout their device after 3 years. Their course completion year will be Year 12.

Here is a summary table for your device based on the year the student joined the College,

Year 3 (2024)

·       Keep the iPad after 4 years

·       Conditions: Attended since Year 3 AND all fees paid

·       Completion Year: Year 6 2027

Year 7 (2024)

·       Keep the iPad after 3 years

·       Conditions: Attended since Year 7 AND all fees paid

·       Completion: Year 10 2026

Year 10 (2024)

·       Buy out after 3 years

·       Conditions: Attended since Year 10 AND all fees paid

·       iPad Air: $370

·       iPad Pro: $450

·       MacBook Air: $400

·       Completion Year: Year 12 2026

Year 7 (2025)

·       Keep the iPad after 3 years

·       Conditions: Attended since Year 7 AND all fees paid

·       Completion: Year 10 2027

Year 10 (2025)

·       Buy out after 3 years

·       Conditions: Attended since Year 10 AND all fees paid

·       iPad Air: $400

·       MacBook Air: $400

·       Completion Year: Year 12 2027

Due to the higher cost of the devices provided to our Year 10 students, there is a buyout cost attached in order to keep the levy cost to a reduced amount for families. However, the investment in these high-quality devices is designed to enhance the learning experience and equip our students with the most efficient tools for their educational journey.

In line with our commitment to nurturing responsible digital citizens, we have implemented the policy regarding social media access on college-provided devices.

Year 3, 4 and 7, 8 will not have access to social media platforms on their iPads. This decision has been made to ensure a focused and distraction-free learning environment for our younger students.

For students in Year 10 and 11 access to social media will be granted upon successful completion of the Digital Citizenship course. This course is designed to educate students about the potential risks and responsible use of online platforms, underlining the importance of respectful and mindful online engagement.

During school hours, supervised access to social media may be permitted for educational purposes, under the guidance of our faculty. However, personal use of social media during school hours, without explicit permission, is strictly prohibited.

Digital Citizenship Program
We believe in cultivating healthy digital habits among our students. Therefore, we encourage all students to monitor their social media usage on all devices, not just college-owned ones. We also urge parents to support us in fostering responsible online behaviour at home.

Remember, your digital footprint is enduring and the virtual actions can have real-life consequences. As a community, let's work together to create a safe and respectful digital environment for everyone.

We understand your eagerness to opt-in early to the device program. However, due to the costs associated with a device cycle being 3 years, we are unable to accommodate early opt-ins at this time. We highly value your input and assure you that we are constantly working on incorporating feedback from parents like you. We recognise the challenges posed by the transition from the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) scheme to the college-owned program. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this period, and we remain committed to making this process as smooth as possible for everyone involved.