Technology Updates
Tech Levy & 2026 Changes
Hi Parents and Guardians of our wonderful St B’s young people,
At St Brigid’s we are committed to giving students the very best teaching and learning tools, and that extends to the digital devices they use.
Our Preps have been exploring and imagining with class sets of iPads. Our Grade 1/2 students have been using laptops to create and discover (from asking why letters on a keyboard are all jumbled up in February, to being able to type full, detailed stories in September!). By the time they reach Grade 3/4 and 5/6, students are using online learning spaces like Google Classroom to collaborate and build independence.
We are always looking for ways to prepare our students for their next steps into high school and the responsibilities that come with it. With that in mind, we are making some exciting changes to our device program in 2026.
Grade 5/6 – Windows 11 Pro laptops
From next year, our Grade 5/6 students will move to Windows 11 Pro laptops. This will give them experience with the same operating system, software and devices they are most likely to use in high school. In the supportive environment of St Brigid’s, they will have the chance to build new skills and confidence. These devices will open up learning opportunities beyond what Chromebooks can offer, such as 3D and CAD design, video editing, and much more.
Students will also take these devices home. This is a big step, but one that will help them develop responsibility for both the device and their learning. We understand some families may have concerns about device use outside of school. To support this transition, we will provide students with guidance on safe and responsible use, and we will also run workshops for parents on practical ways to support and supervise learning at home.
Grade 3/4 – Chromebooks
Our Grade 3/4 students will continue with Chromebooks, but from 2026 they too will take their devices home. This early introduction to responsibility will help prepare them for later years. It will also make it easier for teachers to share engaging online learning materials and save time and resources currently spent on printing and paper handouts.
Grade 1/2 – Chromebooks
Our 1/2 students have shown such enthusiasm for laptops over the past two years. Their excitement for learning the basics—typing, emails, and word processing—has been inspiring. In 2026, we will update their laptops to match those used in Grade 3/4, ensuring smoother transitions as they move up through the school.
Prep – iPads and Chromebooks
Our Preps have thrived using iPads to learn, create and explore. They were especially excited to start learning about usernames and passwords this year! From 2026, they will also begin using laptops for activities like typing lessons and story writing, giving them a head start for future learning.
Technology levy
Up until now, St Brigid’s has been one of the very few schools to provide students with this level of technology access without passing costs on to families. While we are proud of that, it has become financially difficult to sustain while also keeping devices up to date.
To support these improvements, from 2026 we will introduce a modest technology levy. The levy for each year level will be:
Prep: $50
Grade 1/2: $100
Grade 3/4: $150
Grade 5/6: $150
This levy is not just about funding devices. It also supports a broad range of technology initiatives and programs that help our students use technology in creative, responsible and faith-filled ways. This includes ongoing upgrades, new learning opportunities, and the development of resources for families.
We also recognise that taking a device home is a significant responsibility for students and, understandably, a concern for parents. Unlike some schools that simply hand devices to families to manage on their own, St Brigid’s will be providing a full program of support. In Term 4, we will run a series of parent information sessions on safe technology use at home, our expectations for students, and practical ways to supervise and guide them. More details on these sessions will be shared later this year.
We believe the levy represents excellent value for families given the quality of devices, the range of learning opportunities, and the support provided. Most importantly, we will continue to ensure all students have access to the technology they need, regardless of circumstance.
Thank you for taking the time to read through these updates, and for your continued support of everything we do at St Brigid’s.
If you have any questions, feel free to email me at dgarcia@sbgisborne.catholic.edu.au.
- Daniel