05 Feb 2020
Dear Parents and Carers
This is an update for all Year 7 parents and carers regarding our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program. We are now launching the BYOD program for Year 7 students, with
BYOD Day on Wednesday 12 February 2020.
BYOD Day is a fun technology day for Year 7 students, designed to help train and familiarise them with Google Classroom, cyber safety, and using their Chromebooks. It is important for as many students as possible to have their devices ready for this day.
All students need a suitable computer for their class work throughout the year. Chromebooks are an important learning tool and will be implemented across many lessons and assignments, so it is important that all students have access to a device.
Chromebooks are the recommended device type, but not the only option if you have another suitable device. The essential requirement is capability for wireless network access.
Purchasing a Chromebook
If you have not ordered a Chromebook or arranged a suitable device yet, it is essential that you purchase one as soon as possible.
Chromebooks can be ordered at a discounted price directly through Hewlett Packard. Please go to www.hpshopping.com.au/marsdenbyod to place an order. Currently, the code mars5% gives an additional 5% discount.
We ask that Chromebooks be ordered in the student’s name and sent directly to Marsden, so they can be set up on the school’s network then issued to the student.
If you have already ordered a Chromebook and are waiting for it to arrive, please disregard this advice. Upon arrival, Marsden’s IT team will register the Chromebook in Marsden’s system and issue it to the owner.
If you have purchased an alternative device, please take it to the Technology team so it can be set up on the school’s wireless network.
Having the device ready for the school day
Please ensure that students are bringing their devices to school every day, fully charged. A fully charged Chromebook should last the whole school day. Recharging mobile phones from a Chromebook and other non-school related use will reduce available battery capacity; chargers should be kept on hand, if needed.
Device care and support
We advise all students to take care of their device. To avoid and minimise risk of damage no objects or items should be placed on keyboards, bags should not be treated roughly, and devices should always be carried in a protective case or sleeve. A device should always be in the possession of its owner – never left unattended. Please emphasise these important points with your child, as the school is unable to take responsibility for lost or damaged devices.
We suggest consideration of the optional damage cover. Marsden offers students a free engraving service, on request. There are no warranty issues with this for HP ordered devices, but policies should be checked for other brands.
If support or repairs are required for devices bought through the BYOD program (via the previous link) this can be arranged in-school through Marsden’s Technology team. For devices sourced elsewhere, repairs should be organised with the supplier.
If you have any questions, concerns or difficulties with obtaining a Chromebook or suitable device, please contact the school to discuss options.
Kind regards
Stuart Read
Technology Manager