Wantirna College Newsletter

Computers 2018

Computers for each student 2018 – 1:1 program

From 2018 all students at the College will need to have a computer as a basic tool of learning.  Our aim is to make this as easy as possible for you. Each Year 8 and 9 student should have received a letter explaining all the options either late last term or in the first week of this term.

 

Type of Device

  • Recommended Computer: Lenovo Miix 510 (Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for all 2018 students
  • Alternative Choice: Apple MacBook Air 13" (Core i5, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) for Year 9 and 10 2018 students (only if they prefer MacOS instead of Windows)

 

The Lenovo Miix 510 is a suitable device for all student needs.  It has a touch screen, a detachable keyboard to be used as a tablet and comes with a stylus - integrated into the curriculum in several areas in Year 7.

We are offering the Apple MacBook Air 13" for Year 9 and 10 students that prefer this platform. No suitable Apple product comes with a touch screen, which is why they are not suitable for Year 7 students.

Leasing Option

To minimise cost for parents, the College has developed a new process for assisting parents to get a computer for their student. The new process is to lease the computer to students for a three-year period. The benefits of leasing the computer are as follows:

  • Standardised software will be preloaded on the computer.
  • Repairs will be conducted through the College with the average turnaround time of 3 days for this service.
  • Software issues will be dealt with by our in-house technicians.
  • Loan computers will be available when the leased computer is with the technicians for more than one day.
  • The College does not pay GST on these computers and this will be passed on through the lease fee

At the end of the lease, the computer is to be returned to the College, with a separate agreement to buy the device for $1.00.

 

Accidental Insurance Policy under Lease Plan

This policy covers accidental damage such as drops or spills. There is a limit of one claim per year and an excess of $100 for each occasion.

 

Option 1 - Early Payment

Parents pay $1,150 (Lenovo Miix 510) or $1,550 (Apple MacBook Air 13") by 8th November 2017 (4 pm) for a three-year lease period. This will guarantee your child’s computer will be ready for the first school week of 2018

 

Option 2 – Regular Payment

Parents pay $1,250 (Lenovo Miix 510) or $1,650 (Apple MacBook Air 13") after 8th November 2017 (4 pm) for a three-year lease period.

 

For payments made up to beginning of December we will endeavour to have your child’s device ready for the first school week of 2018. For payments made after this date we will have a computer ready at the earliest opportunity.

 

Option 3 - Payment Plan

Parents pay $700 (Lenovo Miix 510) or $900 (Apple MacBook Air 13") by 8th November 2017 (4 pm)

Parents pay $300 (Lenovo Miix 510) or $400 (Apple MacBook Air 13") by 30th May 2018 (4 pm)

Parents pay $300 (Lenovo Miix 510) or $400 (Apple MacBook Air 13") by 14th September 2018 (4 pm)

BYOD

Parents may decide to purchase a computer from another supplier. If this is the case then the following needs to be noted:

  • Software is available for students but they will need to load the software themselves.
  • Technician support is limited to only assisting students whilst they load the settings required to the College wireless network and internet access.
  • The College technicians cannot fix software or hardware issues for these devices.
  • Minimum specifications. (Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD, battery life of more than 6 hours, running Windows 10 or greater or MacOS Sierra 10.12 or above)

Financial difficulties

The College can assist any parent who, for significant financial reasons, is unable to purchase a device before the start of the 2018 school year. The College will loan students a device until they are in a position to purchase one of their own.  The loan period is for a maximum of 12 months.

 

Please note that we have limited resources and whilst we would like to be able to assist all parents in genuine financial need, parents are strongly encouraged not to apply for assistance unless you really need it.  This assistance can be accessed via direct contact with our Leader of Student Well-Being, Ms. Katrina Katz.

Network Access Agreement

All devices will need to be connected to the College Wi-Fi network. For this to happen students and parents will need to sign the Network Access Agreement

 

1:1 Computer Program Handbook

A copy of the Handbook with further detail and more information about the acceptable use material is available on Compass under the Community section then School Documentation/1;1 Computer Program

 

Andrew Lewis

Assistant Principal