Principal's Report

Dear Parents, Teachers and Students

Technology Update

Last term I notified parents that we were looking into changes to our Technology Plan for 2019.  I am pleased to share with you that in 2019, after much consultation and sourcing the best product to accommodate the educational needs of our students, we will be transitioning from BYO iPad to BYO Surface Go (Microsoft tablet) for all students in Year 4 at the start of the program progressing into Year 5 & 6 by 2021.

Harvey Norman, Toowoomba, will be supporting the school and parents with Microsoft and Apple.

For 2019, Year 4 students will be required to purchase the following:

• Microsoft Surface Go
• Microsoft extended warranty with Accidental Damage Protection (3 years)
• Microsoft Surface Pen
• Microsoft Keyboard Cover
• Designated STM Case

Any students in Year 1, 2 and 3, if they require a new iPad will be required to purchase

• Apple iPad
• Designated STM Case
• AppleCare+ cannot be purchased from Harvey Norman as set down by Apple, though if leasing, the program takes care of this and AppleCare+ is not necessary. If parents choose not to lease, they can purchase AppleCare+ from Apple's website.

The school will issue the appropriate letter to Year 4 parents and caregivers with instructions to take the letter to Harvey Norman Toowoomba to purchase the right bundle for St Saviour's Primary School. Parents and caregivers will have the choice of how to pay for the device, dependent on Harvey Norman's payment and finance options. At this point in time, it is Harvey Norman's recommendation that the school does not proceed with an online purchase portal, given that the store is local and easily accessible for families. Harvey Norman wishes to give the families the best personal customer service without 'up-selling' anything during the purchase exercise.

Basic support of the Microsoft Surface Go will be the responsibility of our designated TCSO IS technician (Brad Rhode), with support limited to the basic functionality of the device and required software (Windows OS, Microsoft Office, supported Internet browsers (Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge and Google Chrome) and any other software stipulated by curriculum needs. It will be the family's responsibility to engage Harvey Norman for any hardware faults (as deemed by the school's technician) and breakages.

Basic support of the Apple iPad will be the responsibility of the designated TCSO IS technician (Brad Rohde), with support limited to the basic functionality of the device and required software including any other software stipulated by curriculum needs. It will be the family's responsibility to engage Harvey Norman Toowoomba or e-Storm Service Centre Toowoomba for any hardware faults (as deemed by the school's technician) and breakages.

From 2019, all devices will be managed by Microsoft Intune, part of TCSO Information Services' ongoing deployment of Office 365 and Azure Active Directory. iPads will no longer be managed by the existing MDM platform, Casper, but will instead also be managed from within Intune. Management of the devices will allow TCSO IS to ensure that all settings on the devices are kept up to date and also allow the devices to function correctly both on and off the TCS wide area network and local network at the school.

Here is a list of software that will be included on the Microsoft Surface Go devices:

• Microsoft Windows 10
• Microsoft Office 365 Professional Plus
• Company Portal (download portal for applications from TCS)
• Adobe Reader (PDF reader)
• Audacity (audio editor)
• Photos (photo and video editor)
• Paint .net (graphics and photo editor)
• Java (application extensions for certain applications and websites)
• Microsoft Silverlight (application extensions for certain applications and websites)
• Microsoft OneDrive (cloud file storage)
• Google Chrome (Internet browser)
• FlashForge FlashPrint (3D manipulation and printing software)
• Microsoft's Defender AntiVirus will be teamed with Advanced Threat Protection as part of TCSO's Intune deployment to help protect the device and school network from malicious threats. No extra antivirus software will be required; Harvey Norman has been instructed not to 'up-sell' anything when families are purchasing their designated package.

This aligns strongly with our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Lighthouse Project as well as the demands of the curriculum and workplace that our students will enter in the near future.  Each student having a device means they can access information at any point in time, as well as use the tools of learning/software 24/7.  Through our Canvas Learning Management System (LMS) which will roll out in 2019, our students will have access to key information and resources at any time they have a connection to the internet.  Resources from the class that day can be uploaded so students can engage in revision to master their learning.  It also enables students to submit their assessment items on line.

We have scrupulously selected the best, and most reliable device, Surface Go tablet, that can perform to a high standard for all software needs of the school.  We have ensured that there are excellent standards of service, warranty and accident insurance that come with the device. 

The Surface Go program will come at a cost for each student as they enter Year 4.  For those creating their budget for next year, the total cost is $1228.84 or a payment plan over 2 or 3 years is available.

Some FAQs regarding the program

• Can I bring another device? No.  All devices will be the same, this is largely due to software licensing agreements, management of devices, security and online safety of students.
• Can I take the device home on weekdays, weekends and holidays? Of course – that’s the whole idea!
• What if I don’t have good internet at home?  The device can still be useful as a stand-alone tool, though is most effective when connected.  Documents can simply be saved to the device storage so they can be accessed offline.
• What happens if my device fails?  We will have spares on site and will be working with the students regarding how and where they store their information so that in case of failure they can still access everything they need. All devices will have the same software required for school.
• Can I put whatever I like on my device?  They are owned by parents and managed as such, so it is wise to ensure that there is no content that is against the values and expectations of the school.
• Does this mean I don’t need books? No. Text books will still be needed, although our new versions will include online resources to support your learning as well. You will also need to write notes and work on paper, but also have the option of doing this digitally if that is what works for you.

Now that we are completely satisfied with this plan, a Parent Information Session has been scheduled for Monday, November 19^th, 5:15p.m. to 6:00p.m. in the computer room (beside the library) to explain to parents the process of the transition to a tablet device.

At this meeting TCSO personnel will be present along with a representative from Harvey Norman to help parents with any questions.  

We understand Harvey Norman is having a BYOD expo on November 16 and 17.  Whilst you are obviously welcome to attend this event, the parent information night at SSPS will be specifically designed around the Surface Pro, with a Microsoft representative on hand to answer all of your questions. The correct bundle will also only be available for purchase with the letter from the school and will not be available at the expo.

Early in the school year of 2019, students in Year 4, will attend a 1 day ‘boot camp’ that will cover how the device will be used to support learning; review of being cybersafe; being a responsible digital citizen and rules associated with the use of the device at school.

In summary, the following software devices are required for students:

• Prep 2019 students are not required to have their own iPad. A bank of iPads (purchased by the school) will be used in Prep classes.
• Years 1, 2, 3, 5 & 6 will continue to BYO iPad for 2019.
• Year 4 students will be asked to purchase a Surface Go for 2019 to take them through to Year 6 and beyond.
• Classroom teachers will receive professional development over the course of this term and early next year to ensure best use of the device.

The Surface Go is only one aspect of a complex process of moving to digitisation which supports learning.  The other aspects include: teacher and student training, software and licensing, classroom technology (projectors/interactive screens etc), infrastructure, technical support, Canvas LMS, and most importantly the pedagogy of teachers and engagement of students.  All of this is not able to simply be flicked on like a switch and we know that it will take time to make this as effective as it can be.  We look forward to starting this adventure and further developing our students to be ready for the workplace into which they will enter, and allow them access to support and resources whenever they need it most.

St Saviour’s Primary School has always been at the forefront of the use of technologies to support student learning and we look forward to continuing this in the years to come. 

Regards,

Ms Madonna Sleba | Principal