1to1 Program and other ICT information

IMPORTANT INFORMATION - Please read carefully

We’ve made some changes to our Apple MacBook 1to1 Program to give families more flexibility. Starting in 2025/26, Grades 2 and 3 will be part of this program. Also, a new optional 1to1 Program with iPads will begin for Prep and Year 1, based on parent feedback. These changes will roll out gradually over a few years.

Both programs give students their own school-managed devices to help them learn independently. Having personal devices means students don’t have to share classroom iPads or MacBooks, and they can keep learning at home. Devices also let students interact with lessons using voice, video, and photos, which can help quieter students express themselves better.

Parents must decide when their child is ready for a device. We ask that you provide a used or new Apple iPad or MacBook for your child, depending on their grade and calendar year requirements. Years 2 and 3 are a transition period where students move from iPads to MacBooks, which offer more features like keyboards, bigger screens, and more storage. By Year 4, students should have their own MacBook, as iPads won’t be allowed from then on.

Whilst parents are best placed to decide when their child is ready to use their own 1to1 device (within our specific school environment), we are asking for your help in supporting the school by looking into having your child’s own USED or new Apple iPad or Apple MacBook (depending on which Year level they’re approaching). Your child will then have independent use of their own digital device and won’t need to share a classroom iPad or MacBook.

Years 2 and 3 are transitional years when students start moving from touch-screen iPads with specific apps to MacBooks. MacBooks have a trackpad, physical keyboard, larger screen, more ports, the ability to install extra apps, better online tools/platforms, and usually more storage. During this time, you should monitor if your child is ready for their own MacBook and plan accordingly. Many families choose to join early, but by Year 4, your child should have their own MacBook (new or used), as personal or school iPads won’t be allowed from Year 4 onward. Participation in the 1to1 Program is optional but preferred. Families should carefully consider what’s best for their budget, child’s needs, and readiness.

Our iPad 1to1 Program

Because many families asked, from 2025 we’ll allow iPads in Prep and Year 1 as part of a new Junior School iPad 1to1 Program (BYOD). This can continue through Year 2 or even Year 3, but from Year 4 students will need a MacBook—either their own or be allocated a shared school owned device.

These changes to the iPad and MacBook 1to1 Programs will be introduced over three years to give younger students more learning options at school and home. Students with their own device won’t need to share.

During 2025, Year 2 families can join the MacBook program anytime over a two year period by bringing their own MacBook (new or used). Year 2 students without a MacBook will continued to share school owned iPads (and use our MacBooks during the second half of Year 2), but only during these transitional two years. New iPads won’t be accepted for Year 2 or 3 this year (2025). Having a personal MacBook before Year 3 helps students get ready for NAPLAN testing and other online programs.

REQUEST ACCESS TO OUR EDUCATION PORTAL AND RECEIVE AN ACCESS CODE:

Please include your name, contact, and childs name within the email:  1to1@seabrook.vic.edu.au 

Conditions of entry for our iPad or MacBook 1to1 Program

Due to relatively new government mandated rules, Seabrook Primary School can no longer offer tax-free device leasing or payments directly. You can still buy a new iPad or MacBook through our Apple-authorized education reseller, but the price now includes GST. Alternatively, you can bring your own new or used Apple device: an iPad (2023 or newer) for Prep and Year 1, or a MacBook (2019 or newer) for Years 2-6. Please ensure the device is in full working order, backed up, and signed out of iCloud before bringing it to school for setup, as it will be erased and reconfigured. The school is not responsible for any data loss or device repairs if the device is not in working order.

iPad’s – Conditions of entry into our iPad 1to1 Program

• ANY iPad (new or used) being brought into the school to be part of our 1to1 Program WILL be factory reset/erased before it can be setup for your child to use. ALL files, apps, and photos currently stored on that iPad will be deleted. You MUST backup any required files, and sign out of the iCloud or Apple ID before sending it in.  This condition is mandatory.
• New iPads need to be a minimum of 64Gb in capacity (and preferably Wi-Fi only)
• Used iPad’s should be at least 64Gb in storage capacity and preferably not be any older than 2 years (2023 model or newer). Especially important if planned for 4 more years use (Prep-3).
• For safety and logistical reasons, iPads MUST come to school fully charged every day, and personal chargers and cords be left at home.
• iPads with a cellular (4G/5G) function will have this feature disabled while it is used within our 1to1 Program. For the security of your child, it will be used through a secured school Wi-Fi network connection only. Therefore, the cellular function may remain disabled even while used at home.
• Some aspects of the iPad will be locked down to ensure students are kept as safe as possible, and/or not fill up the device easily. The same restrictions may also carry over to anyone else using the device, including parents.
• Families are responsible for all home supervision and appropriate handling of the device by their children. Any repairs caused by accidental damage should be followed up ensuring the device is kept in full working order. If your child’s device is covered by AppleCare PLUS (which we highly recommended), then we can help coordinate any Warranty or AppleCare insurance repairs for you.
• Seabrook Primary School maintains the right to manage all aspects of the device while it is being used within our school as a 1to1 device (this condition is mandatory). If this condition can’t be met, then this 1to1 program is NOT available for your child, and a classroom device will be made available as a shared resource.

Other things to consider:

• An iPad cover to suit your chosen model is highly recommended
• To prevent the accidental breakage of headphone jacks inside the iPad earphone port, Bluetooth earphones are considered a much preferred, optional extra
• Although a compatible keyboard may be considered an optional extra for some, it isn’t mandatory. Children are generally adept at using digital keyboards.
• If your child is new to our school, going into either Years 2 or 3, then we would discourage you buying a brand-new iPad for only short time use, unless you have younger children coming up in lower grades. You might consider an older used iPad from home (that can be erased/reset) OR preference the advancement into our MacBook 1to1 Program instead.  Both iPad’s and MacBook’s are accepted within the transitional years of Grade 2 and 3 (from 2027), but consider carefully what device is most affordable to you (long term) if new to our school, and if your child is going into Year 3 knowing a MacBook will be required for use from Years 4-6.

Apple MacBook’s – Conditions of entry into our MacBook 1to1 Program

• ANY Apple MacBook (new or used) being brought into the school to be part of our MacBook 1to1 Program WILL be factory reset/erased before it can be setup for your child to use. ALL files, apps, and photos currently stored on the MacBook will be deleted. You MUST backup any required files, and sign out of the iCloud or Apple ID before sending it in.  Please DO NOT pre-setup the device. This condition is mandatory.
• Used Apple MacBooks are recommended to come with at least 128Gb SSD storage capacity and not less than 8Gb of RAM, preferably no older than 2018. A 2020 Apple "M-Series" MacBook (sometimes called Apple Silicon or M1) may be supported for longer by Apple than an Intel variant of the same age. Anything older, please contact us first.
• For safety and logistical reasons, Apple MacBooks MUST come to school fully charged each day, and chargers left at home.
• Some aspects of the Apple MacBook will be locked down to ensure students are kept as safe as possible.  Many of these restrictions may also affect parental users too.
• Families are responsible for all home supervision and responsible handling of their childs Apple MacBook. Any repairs caused by accidental damage should be followed up, ensuring the device is kept in full working order. If your child’s device is covered by AppleCare PLUS (highly recommended), then we can coordinate any Warranty or AppleCare insurance repairs for you. There are now two AppleCare PLUS plans available for NEW Apple MacBook’s – 3 Year and Annual. Please investigate one of these extended Warranty and Insurance protection plans.
• Seabrook Primary School reserves the right to manage all aspects of any Apple MacBook while it is being used within our school as a MacBook 1to1 device (this condition is mandatory). If this condition can’t be met, then this program is not available for your child, and a classroom device will be made available as a shared resource.

Other things to consider:

• An Apple MacBook cover to suit your chosen model is highly recommended.
• Brand new or near new Apple MacBook’s don’t have to be the top of the line. Entry level MacBook Airs are more than suited for school use. However, we often receive requests for larger capacity or Apple MacBook Pro models be accepted and understand if families are planning long term for its future use, then we will accept these higher end Apple MacBooks. Perhaps consider adding these expensive devices to your Home and Contents Insurance.
• To prevent the accidental breakage of headphone jacks inside the Apple MacBook earphone port, Bluetooth earphones are considered a much preferred optional extra, over corded versions. Please ensure names are clearly printed on these.
• If your child is going to be new to our school, going into Year 2 or 3, then we may discourage you buying a brand-new iPad for only short time use, unless you also have younger children coming up in lower grades. You might consider your childs advancement into our Apple MacBook 1to1 Program instead, or wait until they're in either Year 3 or 4 for entry into the MacBook 1to1 Program. 
  • Year 2 in 2025 - BYO MacBook if your child is ready (no BYO iPad this year), or they use a school device instead
  • Year 3 in 2025 - BYO MacBook only (no BYO iPad's this year), or use a shared classroom Apple MacBook instead
  • Year 2 in 2026 - BYO iPad or Apple MacBook, or use a shared school owned device instead
  • Year 3 in 2026 - BYO MacBook only, or use a shared school owned MacBook
  • Year 2/3 in 2027 - BYO iPad (previously used last year), BYO Apple MacBook, or use a shared school owned device

REQUEST ACCESS TO OUR EDUCATION PORTAL AND RECEIVE AN ACCESS CODE:

Please include your name, contact, and childs name within the email:  1to1@seabrook.vic.edu.au 

Used Apple MacBook Air's in excellent working order, manufactured around 2018 or 2019 are usually priced from $400 and represent the best value for money (if in perfect working order, with a healthy battery).  You don't need a brand-new device to enable your child to participate successfully within our MacBook 1to1 Program.  Apple MacBook's if looked after can perform well in primary and secondary schools for many years, and often get passed down to younger siblings. They're durable, light weight, fast, relatively secure, APP friendly, and perfectly suited to schools.  Many of our current (and exited) students are still using older devices purchased new eight to ten years ago, a couple even longer. Our Year 6 families leaving Seabrook Primary School at the end of the year, sometimes want to on-sell their child's device. If you know of any family leaving, they may be interested in selling their child's device to you (preferably 2019 or newer). If buying used, check that the keys are working/pressing down properly (not feeling crunchy) or loose, that the hinge is tight and the screen doesn't fall backwards if opened upright, and that there is no visible damage to the charger cord or external ports on the side of the device. You should NOT hear a loud fan (whooshing) noise if turned on. If required, the school ICT department may be able to check over any device prior to purchase, but can't necessarily check battery or internal condition (without permission from the seller prior). 

If families are sourcing a Bring Your Own MacBook (BYOM - new or used), then all users of that device MUST backup any files/photos and sign out of iCloud before it is brought in for configuration. Ensure the device does not have any firmware passwords either. Existing files currently saved on any device brought in cannot be retrieved once the device has been setup for school use. BYOM devices can be dropped off at the front office for configuration at any time of the year. Please leave your contact details and your child's name and classroom information with the MacBook being configured. Please be reminded once again, that any device (iPad or MacBook) will be erased, updated, and configured if it comes into the school for student use.  Make a copy of any required files, onto an external location, first.

Any Apple 1to1 MacBook (new or used) will be for your child to have independent use of while at Seabrook Primary School. Some restrictions will be applied to your child's "school configured" device, ensuring that primary aged students are protected as best they can, and that all school and Department "Acceptable Use Policies" are followed. This is mandatory for all 1to1 devices if you are supplying/buying a device (iPad and MacBook). 

When your child leaves the school, you will need to temporarily return your child's iPad or MacBook to Seabrook Primary School for factory resetting, and removal from all our systems.  You cannot factory reset it yourself, as it will probably return back to the Seabrook "locked down" state, with all the restricted school settings when turned back on and connected to the Internet.  When we receive your child's device (if leaving), all school admin passwords and restrictions will be removed, it will be erased/files deleted, and a factory Operating System freshly reinstalled. It will no longer be linked to Seabrook Primary School, but returned to you like how it was originally purchased from Apple (most likely with a newer Operating System installed).

Families are responsible for backing up any required files and photos, online documents, signing out of iCloud/or Apple ID (if signed in), and handing the device to the school for factory resetting and removal from our systems before leaving Seabrook Primary School.  Any device NOT returned before leaving, will need to be returned to the school at your own cost.  We need 1-2 days with the device before your child's last day.

Ongoing file and data backup

It is the responsibility of your child(ren) and yourself to ensure all required documents, files, pictures, Minecraft EDU worlds etc. are backed up regularly.  A portable USB or Hard Drive (for a MacBook) is an option to backup important files onto. The school and staff take no responsibility for any file loss while your child is using an Apple MacBook for school use while at Seabrook Primary School.  Although rare, it is possible that your child may present to the ICT Department with a software issue where files can't be backed up, and the system needs to be restored.  In this rare situation files will be lost, demonstrating the importance of backing up regularly, especially important files or family pictures. This important information is regularly communicated by classroom teachers, online, in our newsletter, and by ICT staff.  Please be clear that you and your child(ren) must take reasonable steps to backup important data and family pictures yourself.  That being said, school devices aren't recommended to store family photos or videos of family events and holidays on.  

Pricing and purchase of EDUcation MacBook's and iPad’s can be done through our Apple Authorised Online Education Portal, however an access code is required before you can log in and submit your order.  An access code is required to prove your child's eligibility.  You can obtain both the EDUcation Portal web link and an access code by contacting the front office, or emailing us directly at: 1to1@seabrook.vic.edu.au 

Of course, purchasing of NEW device can also be done at any authorised Apple retailer.  Sale events can be a good time to source one of these, however please be extremely careful if offered extended insurance or warranty products.  We have heard a number of families who have paid for these questionable third party insurance products, and have had their insurance declined or discontinued (some from overseas insurance agencies), making for a MacBook that could not be repaired or replaced.  A costly experience by those who have had their insurance repair refused because of cheap or dodgy extended insurance products.  The government recently changed the law to ensure that "add on insurance products" can't be sold to you at time of sale, but should only be offered for sale, and sold from four days after the original purchase.  This is for all products, not just Apple computers or iPad's.

If buying an Apple MacBook online through any marketplace, online auction site, or in person at a country market or trash and treasure, please do your research carefully.  A portion of sellers on these platforms will often sell faulty, stolen, or locked devices, tricking you into something that is unusable and expensive.  Look for excellent sales ratings and seller history, know the average price for the model and specifications you're interested in before making contact, and if anything looks or sounds odd, leave it.  Never buy from a online marketplace seller who has a poor seller rating, has had very few sales, provides blurry or limited pictures, or has a profile or sales advert that appears very low on detail.  If the price appears really cheap, and too good to be true, then it probably is, walk away and don't buy it.....

Warranties and Insurance

This information is about factory Warranties and Insurance that may be “offered” when you buy a NEW Apple device.

What is the difference between WARRANTY and INSURANCE?

Factory warranty is where a new device receives free support (repairs/replacement), if in the unfortunate event it may unexpectedly fail. Warranty is for failure of a product, NOT accidental damage caused to the product. A drop or liquid spill is NOT a warranty claim, this is accidental damage.  Base warranties or Consumer Law DO NOT cover you for accidental damage.

Apple products purchased NEW (within Australia) come standard with a one year factory base warranty, however this can be extended and converted to a premium package by purchasing “AppleCare PLUS”.  AppleCare PLUS includes unlimited free support for 3 years (or longer) for an Apple MacBook or 2 years on an Apple iPad, where your new device may stop working or if the battery fails, and also adds insurance for acidental damage (subject to an insurance excess fee for any damage claimed).

Insurance is protection against accidental damage that may happen while using the device. Insurance can come in a few different forms; via your home contents insurance (if you have it), 3rd party - through a retail shop (but caution is advised when accepting some retail extended insurance products), or directly with Apple (or our Education supplier) as AppleCare PLUS. 

AppleCare PLUS (purchased with Apple) is highly recommended if buying brand new, and is our first preference. AppleCare PLUS does NOT normally cover you against theft or loss, ONLY accidental damage and product or battery failures.

The school will try and coordinate any Warranty or AppleCare PLUS claims for you.  Please make contact if required.

AppleCare PLUS, what exactly is it?

AppleCare PLUS is a safe insurance product provided by Apple (the manufacturer of these devices) which allows unlimited claims from within Australia (and many other countries, but not all). For MacBook's it covers for accidental damage or warranty repairs for 3 years (or longer) when buying new from Apple, 2 years for iPad's. However, like with any insurance product, an excess fee is required at time of lodging any accidental damage claim (free for any warranty issue). AppleCare PLUS does NOT cover for loss or theft.

The standard base warranty in Australia (for any new device purchased) is normally one year, and NO protection against accidental damage. Consumer law "may" extend a factory warranty for another one year for general home use, but again, NOT for accidental damage. AppleCare PLUS (if optioned) gives both warranty and accidental damage coverage for up to 3 full years (or longer) on MacBooks, and 2 years for iPads, from the date of purchase.

The most common issue at our school has been from parents spilling their own coffees onto their childs MacBooks while at home, or the occasional screen break/drop. Without AppleCare PLUS a MacBook screen replacement can cost in excess of $750, and liquid spills can be more than the cost of a new device. With the activation of AppleCare PLUS, your insurance excess fee will be reduced to $149 for all external damage, including screen breaks, keyboard damage, or drops. Whereas anything damaged internally (like caused by a liquid spill) will be a $429 maximum (per claim). 

Current fee structures for AppleCare PLUS are detailed below for both iPads and MacBooks.  Prices relevant to the time of publication and may change at any time.

Warranty and AppleCare PLUS summary - iPad's

Warranty and AppleCare PLUS summary - MacBook's

PLEASE ALSO NOTE

Any MacBook's purchased using our Online Education reseller, or brought in as a BYOM device (new or used) will be managed and configured only by the school. Due to software/management licensing requirements, this condition is mandatory. Your child cannot participate within our 1to1 Program if this condition cannot be met.

If your child does not participate in the 1to1 Program, then a shared classroom device will be loaned to your child(ren) for use during school times only. School allocated/shared devices cannot be taken home. School owned devices may need to be shared with up to one other child (1 device between 2 students). 

Any damage caused to a school leased "classroom device" by means of inappropriate behavior or use, may be requested that the childs parent pay for its repair.

It is not compulsory for children to participate in our MacBook 1to1 Program. Families need to assess their own situations and decide if obtaining a device at this time is both affordable and appropriate to your family and child needs. We recommend students try and have their own Apple MacBook (new or used) by the time they're in Year 3 or 4, otherwise a classroom device should be made available to them if they can't. If classroom (school owned/leased) devices are in short supply, then your child may need to share with up to one other child within the class.

Families may choose to opt into the MacBook 1to1 Program at any time. If you choose to purchase a new device at the start of any year, and decide to include AppleCare Plus (which we strongly recommend), then any AppleCare PLUS warranty is with Apple and you, and remains active until the AppleCare PLUS period ends, no matter where the device resides within Australia.

DO YOU HAVE ANY FURTHER QUESTIONS?

Please email us here: 1to1@seabrook.vic.edu.au

VIDEO TOUR - SEE SOME STUDENT LEARNING AND GET A FEEL FOR OUR 1TO1 PROGRAM

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