In responding to the educational demands of a rapidly changing world, The Melbourne Declaration on the Educational Goals for Young Australians (MCEETYA, 2008) highlights the need for students to become more creative and productive users of technology.
Today’s students must “learn to use ICT effectively and appropriately to access, create and communicate information and ideas, solve problems and work collaboratively in all learning areas at school and in their lives beyond school.”
In the modern age, educators need to provide a teaching and learning environment that not only fosters the development of foundational skills in literacy and numeracy, but also provides our students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to use information and technology to enhance other aspects of learning.
Effective technology use in support of learning involves ready-access to tools which enhance critical thinking, creativity, clear communication, on-line collaboration, feedback and sharing.
ICT use is no longer an add-on or an isolated activity to be completed through occasional visits to a computer lab.
For this reason, St Patrick’s College has transitioned to a “Bring Your Own Designated Device” (BYODD) environment.
We are transitioning to a Windows-only environment and are progressively phasing out support for Apple Macintosh devices. All Junior School students and new enrolments are required to use a Windows device, and while Apple devices may currently connect to the network, this support will be discontinued over time.
Using an extensive range of cloud-based educational platforms such as Microsoft Office 365 and the Canvas Learning Management System means that our teachers and students can collaborate and learn in an online environment without being tied to a designated operating system or program.
Ultimately, we believe that the use of technology enhances and supports the College’s long standing approach to high quality teaching and learning. All students will be expected to use their devices in a manner that is aligned with the expectations and values of the College and they will be supported to grow as responsible digital citizens.
Our IT team will install and configure everything your child’s laptop needs to connect to the St Patrick’s College network. This includes a Security Certificate, their College account and email, and the latest version of Microsoft Office.
For new Year 5 enrolments, this will be done in class at the start of the school year. For all other new enrolments, the setup will be completed at the start of the year or by visiting the IT office.
To help us get your child’s laptop ready quickly, please check that:
- The laptop starts up to the Windows desktop and is easy to access.
- Your child knows any passwords or PIN numbers.
- Any parental controls allow access to the websites the St Patrick’s College network requires.
Microsoft Family Settings Guideline
Loan Laptops
St Patrick’s College IT keeps a small pool of loan laptops for students whose own laptops are temporarily unavailable. Loan laptops are provided on a first-come, first-served basis and cannot be reserved. Please send a note from a parent, the Year Coordinator or a teacher. Loan laptops are for use during a single period or a single day only and cannot be taken home.
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