BYOD Program for 2021

Due to COVID-19 Restrictions, our 2021 3-6 BYOD Launch will not be hosted on school grounds. Therefore, I have provided all information I usually give out on the night including Acceptable Use Agreements, technical device requirements (minumum) and other information relating to our BYOD Program. If you have any further questions, please email me: rebecca.casey@cg.catholic.edu.au

Holy Trinity conducted a 1:1 iPad program in place in Years 5 and 6 from 2013 – 2015. We trialled a BYOD program in Years 3/4 in 2015 and after finding it worthwhile and effective, moved into BYOD from Years 3-6 in 2016 and 2017. This has successfully continued over the past few years.

At Holy Trinity, we believe it is important that our teaching and learning reflects the needs of students in today’s current climate. Within the classroom environment, a personal device also provides the children with multiple opportunities.

Why BYOD? Our BYOD Program provides:

• More choice for parents (not just iPads)
• Increased student engagement
• Greater access to research and information
• Unlimited ways to present ideas and apply critical thinking
• Central control for robotics
• No issues of work being deleted or tampered with by sharing a device
• A personal device can be tailored to individual needs
• Continued learning from school to home
• Exposure to different operating systems
• Security of personal log ins and passwords

Over the last three years, we have had extensive changes to our wireless network. This included detailed mapping of our wireless, upgrade of routers to handle heavy traffic and the ease of connecting a variety of devices. This created a safe, reliable wireless environment to support our BYOD model for Years 3 through to 6 continuing in 2021.

Therefore, in keeping with this plan, all students in Year 3 -6 will engage in this program by bringing a personal device to school in 2021. The specifics of the devices and the rights and responsibilities associated with the program are contained in: 

• Facts and FAQ's document.

• The School Wide Network Usage Agreement and the 1:1 Device Policies and Acceptable Use Agreements 

• Recommended Essential Apps

• Screentime- Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavioursrecommended by Australian Health Guidelines (2019)

At the start of the 2021 school year, all students in Years 3 - 6 will participate in cyber safety and digital citizenship boot camps. Depending on COVID-19 restrictions, Parent information sessions will be offered to provide parents with material regarding varying ICT topics. Once the students and parents have signed and returned the necessary acceptable use agreements, students will be permitted to bring their personal device to school.

* If this provides difficulty for any families please contact our principal, Philippa Brearley.

Regards,

Rebecca Casey

ICT Coordinator

rebecca.casey@cg.catholic.edu.au