St Michael's
Mittagong
Mittagong
A Catholic Parish Primary School
St Michael’s has a strong view on the importance of technology in the role of the education of its students. We see this as one of a number of key ingredients that support students in the learning process. As such, the presence and effective use of Information, Communication and Learning Technologies (ICLT) are a key feature of our contemporary classrooms.
Each student and parent/carer is asked to sign a Responsible Use of Technology Agreement at the commencement of each year
St Michael’s aims to provide contemporary quality learning environments for students through the integration of technology across all Key Learning Areas. iPads are used in a range of learning spaces, allowing students the opportunity to achieve desired learning outcomes in ways that are not always possible using traditional methods.
Students from Kindergarten to Year 3 have access to pods of iPads which enable students and teachers to create, collaborate and communicate in a digital world. These are used to consolidate basic skills but more importantly, they are used to innovate, plan and create across a variety of Key Learning Areas.
Students in Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 classes are 1:1 iPad learning environments, meaning students bring their own iPad to school (termed BYODD: Bring Your Own Designated Device) to aid in their learning each day.
All classrooms utilise whole-class devices for learning, including LCD TVs and Apple TVs. This enables teachers to design highly visual lessons to support student learning across all facets of the curriculum.
St Michael’s has had a BYODD (Bring Your Own Designated Device) iPad Program for students in Years 5 and Year 6 since 2015. The program was extended to include Year 4 from the beginning of 2022. The information below will help you to make the necessary preparations for when your child is in Year 4, Year 5 or Year 6.
The BYODD model firstly entails the purchasing of an iPad (and not an alternative tablet). This is to enable the smoothest possible integration, set up and workflow within the classroom. Parents decide where to purchase the iPad for their child and are responsible for its purchase, organising a warranty agreement and any necessary repairs over the course of its use.
EducomIT offers families in our Diocese discounted iPads which can be purchased online via a Parent Portal. To access current offers please go to https://www.educomit.com.au/dow/ and select the St Michael’s icon. If prompted for a password use BYOD2018 to access the portal.
However, over the remainder of this year (or Christmas holiday period) please feel free to shop around for the best price. Places such as Office Works, Big W, JB Hi-Fi, Domayne Electrical, Good Guys, Mac 1, Joyce Mayne, Harvey Norman and Refurb-Store etc sometimes have very good deals.
We do understand that it may not be financially possible for all families to purchase a new iPad for their child. If you already have an existing iPad that your child can bring to school then this may be an excellent option. Also, some websites (such as www.kogan.com) sell pre-owned, refurbished iPads for less than the cost of a brand new one.
We recommend that the iPad is Wi-Fi only – not cellular. This means that there are no additional internet usage charges, and your child will only be connected to the internet when Wi-Fi is available.
We encourage the students to not store large amounts of photos, apps and videos etc on their device. Nevertheless, the choice regarding which iPad to purchase is yours to make according to your budget. Unfortunately, the iPad Mini, which is sometimes less expensive than a 10.2 inch or 10.9 inch iPad, is not compatible / not supported for NAPLAN Online and therefore not suitable for the BYODD program.
Once the iPad has been purchased, one of the first things to do is to enter an Apple ID. This is basically an email address (and linked password) that will be used for the purchasing / downloading of any apps. We will not be asking you to download any apps that have a cost, however even to download free apps still requires an Apple ID. It will be your decision whether you wish your child to know the Apple ID password or not and there will be absolutely no disadvantage for students who do not know the Apple ID password. Many parents over the past few years have preferred to manage the downloading of apps to the device themselves rather than allowing their child to have this freedom which is perfectly understandable.
All iPads must have a sturdy cover in order to provide screen, corner and overall protection whilst being transported in school bags and in the event of being accidentally dropped. Some parents may choose to also buy a padded case / bag for the iPad to sit inside within the school bag. Thin plastic screen covers (similar to ones used on phones) are also quite inexpensive and offer extra protection. The only other accessory required will be a set of ear-buds or headphones for managing noise in the classroom.
Please contact the school before the end of year to let us know if your child will be unable to bring an iPad (when they are in Year 4, Year 5 or Year 6). In this case the school will organise an iPad for your child to use during the day next year however it will have to remain at school each evening.
The Year 4 to Year 6 students will use an iPad at school from the beginning of Term 1. Students will be expected to act responsibly at all times when using their iPad. Every student and parent will need to read and agree to follow the CEDoW Student Responsible Use of Technology Agreement. Social media apps will not be used and students will not be messaging each other nor parents via the iPad whilst at school. Communication between parents and students must continue to take place through the School Office. iPads must remain in school bags if students are travelling to and from school by bus. The teacher will ensure all students are aware of these and other expectations. Children from Kindergarten to Year 12 across the diocese will also engage in a compulsory Digital Citizenship program.
Having the use of iPads in the classroom opens up many wonderful learning opportunities for the students.
Please contact us if you have any questions about the program.
Oliver is our school’s Library Management System. It is fully web-based, so the whole school community can access library resources including eBooks and Audiobooks. Simple, clear search options like dynamic picture searches help young students find books and other resources that appeal to them. They can also choose from a huge selection of background graphics and avatars to personalise their library experience.
Oliver means students and staff can also manage their loans and reservations — anywhere, anytime.
Digital citizenship is a priority at St Michael's, with all students participating in learning experiences that focus on being responsible and ethical users of technology.
Teachers use a range of resources developed by the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong, the Office of the eSafety Commissioner and other online safety organisations, to assist in the ongoing education of our students in being safe and responsible digital citizens.
The CEDoW Digital Citizenship Program Site provides a program of resources for our students on digital citizenship.
