Technology Update

Senior School - BYOD Laptop Program - 2026 Information

The following outlines key information in relation to the senior school BYOD laptop program as we look towards 2026.

If you have any questions about any aspect of the program, please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or the IT team by emailing support@kws.nsw.edu.au.

Supported Laptop Program

Kinross Wolaroi School offers a Supported Laptop Program as an alternative to families purchasing, supporting, repairing and configuring their own devices. 

Families wishing to purchase a supported BYOD laptop can do so by ordering through our technology partner Centorrino Technologies – CLICK HERE

The supported laptop program is recommended to all families but particularly those with a student starting Year 7 or boarding and comes with three years of warranty and accidental damage protection.

• Students receive a laptop that meets all school requirements, with all necessary software installed including Company Portal.
• The School provides full technical support from the IT Helpdesk such as school software support and hardware assistance.
• If your device requires service or repairs the IT Helpdesk will organise this with the laptop manufacturer on behalf of families while providing priority access to a ‘hot-swap’ spare laptop while repairs are underway.
• Supported laptops are eligible for the 'supported’ status while the warranty and accidental damage repair insurance remains active – 3 years from the date of original purchase.

• Spare and replacement accessories (e.g. chargers) are available for purchase through the BYOD store at any time throughout the year and can be delivered by the IT Helpdesk directly to students.

   

Families who have previously purchased a supported laptop that is more than 3 years old should be aware that the warranty and accidental damage protection has now expired.

You have the choice of either purchasing a new supported laptop, sourcing your own laptop that meets the minimum requirements set out in the BYOD policy or continuing to use the laptop without the benefits of the supported laptop program.

From 2026, all Senior School BYOD laptops are required to have the School’s BYOD App Store – ‘Company Portal’ installed

Through our strategic partnership with Microsoft the School is committed to delivering a safe and secure BYOD program that keeps student laptops ready for learning.

• Company Portal enables students to access and manage School provided software applications on their BYOD device through one easy to navigate curated App Store.
• Company Portal provides students secure access to the School’s BYOD Wi-Fi network.
• The IT team will use Company Portal during exam periods (e.g. NAPLAN) to ensure students have access to the correct software to complete examinations.

Families are reminded to carefully check the minimum laptop specifications and ask for help (email support@kws.nsw.edu.au) if you are not sure if the device you are planning to buy is suitable.

More information about the capabilities of Company Portal can be found in the BYOD Policy on our website with information on how to complete this setup available on The Hub for existing students.

For students new to the School in 2026, a second notice including a copy of the complete BYOD setup guide will be distributed closer to the start of Term 1, 2026.

Student Laptop Onboarding Sessions

Detailed information regarding student onboarding sessions will be provided closer to the start of Term 1, 2026.

• All year 7 students will attend a dedicated laptop onboarding session on the first day of class
• Students new to the School in other cohorts will be given the opportunity to attend dedicated group onboarding sessions before and during the first week of Term 1.
• Existing students with a new laptop are welcome to attend the helpdesk at any time for onboarding support

On behalf of the entire ICT team at Kinross Wolaroi School, we look forward to welcoming new families to the School in 2026 and continuing to serve our existing staff, students and families.