Information Technology Update – February 2, 2018

January 31, 2018

1:1 ICT Devices College wide in 2018

It was wonderful to see all the boys return from holidays refreshed and enthusiastic to start a new year of academic studies. And this is a very significant year for the College in ICT as it is the first year all students across the College will be using a 1:1 ICT device in the classroom as outlined in the College eLearning strategy. The Junior and Middle School iPad program, which formed the first part of the College eLearning strategy, continues to run in Years 7, 8 and 9. 2018 sees the completion of the second phase of the College eLearning strategy with the fulfilment of the Senior School 1:1 program. This program was phased in over 3 years and we now see all Year 10, 11 and 12 students using a Windows tablet notebook. The 2018 Year 10 students were issued with their device at the Year 10 Notebook Boot Camp on Thursday 1st February. At the Boot Camp, all Year 10 students were instructed on how to setup and use the notebook effectively and to understand the most useful features of the device. The students were also made aware of their obligations to use the device responsibly and how to best care for the device by spending time examining the -‘Protocols For Using My ICT Device Responsibly For Learning’, which forms part of the Handbook and Agreement. Digital Citizenship and Cyber Safety was also covered in detail at the Boot Camp with clear guidelines, advice and expectations explained to the boys. The HP Elitebook x360 will be used by the 2018 Year 10 students for 3 years and at the end of Year 12 and after all annual notebook fees have been paid, ownership of the notebook will transfer to the student.

Can you see your son’s diary? – App4 Parent Login

App4 is the official College diary and is used by teachers and students across the different year levels. You are able to access your son’s diary online to see homework and information from his teachers in a couple few ways:

To login to view your son’s diary you will need to create a password or access code. Instructions on how to do this and other instruction manuals on App4 can be found on the ICT Devices Parent Support website here: http://ipads.stpats.vic.edu.au/app4.html

Please note, the Parent or Student ID is your son’s 5 character St Patrick’s Student ID. The school identifier is -‘stpats’:

App4 Parent Login:

  • Parent or Student ID: Your son’s St Patrick’s 5 character student ID #####

  • School Identifier: stpats

  • Password or Access Code: password

If you have any problems accessing your son’s diary please don’t hesitate to contact me on mholland@stpats.vic.edu.au

2018 Parent iPad/Notebook Handbook and Agreement

Each year, the College revises and updates the Parent iPad/Notebook Handbook and Agreement. It is an expectation of the College that each student reads through the Handbook and Agreement with their parents so that they have a clear understanding on the following:

  • Information on the device

  • Consequences of Improper Use

  • Using the device

  • Caring for the device

  • Digital Safety and Citizenship

  • Dealing with inappropriate communications or abuse online

  • Insurance and Security

  • Responsible ICT Usage

  • Protocols for using my ICT device responsibly for learning

It is important that parents take the time to read through the Handbook and Agreement with their son and discuss the expectations and guidelines listed in the document. All students will be given a hard copy of a -‘Sign-off’ sheet that will need to be signed by both parents and student that will indicate an agreement to abide by the terms and conditions specified in this Agreement. This completed sheet will need to be returned to your son’s Pastoral Care teacher by Friday 9th February.

You can view a copy of the 2018 Parent iPad/Notebook Handbook and Agreement on the College website at https://www.stpats.vic.edu.au/en/students-parents-staff/curriculum/ipads-and-notebooks/

Mark Holland

Director of ICT