The Hamilton and Alexandra College Newsletter

Information Technology

James Kruger, Head of IT

 IT Changes in 2025

 

Starting in 2025, we will be making some changes to the way the school network and school devices operate.  This is to ensure that our school systems run smoothly and can be effectively managed going forward.  The intended changes are as follows:

  • Phase out of students using personal laptops during school hours

We are phasing out the option for students to use personal laptops on the school network.  All students are issued with a laptop by the school which is more than suitable for what they require.  Understandably, some students will have existing personal laptops so we will allow those devices for up to two years, at which point we will be only allowing school laptops during school time.   

 

Any student with an existing personal laptop will need to see the IT Department to register the device and allow it to connect to the school network.  Following this, no further laptops will be registered this way unless under special circumstances.

  • Student personal devices on the school network

Relating to both the above and also the updated mobile phone changes this year, students will no longer be able to connect their phones or other personal devices to the school network.  

  • Restricting internet browsers, extensions and other computer programs

Going forward, we will limit internet browser options for students to Microsoft Edge (recommended) and Google Chrome.  Any third-party browsers will be blocked from being used.   Browser extensions will also be blocked across the board, except for any approved extensions for students to use as requested by staff.

 

Non-school-related applications will also be more strictly controlled. Students can use the school’s Software Center library to download any school-related software as needed, which can also be added to via staff requests.

  • Boarding students

We are working with Boarding staff to find the right balance so that Boarding students can use school network services within the Boarding House areas.

 

For any further information or questions regarding these changes, please feel free to contact James Kruger via email on jkruger@hamiltoncollege.vic.edu.au