Digital Learning and iPad Programs
St Paul’s Lutheran Primary School is committed to equipping students with the knowledge, skills and dispositions required to navigate their futures confidently, safely and responsibly.
Digital technology has been purposefully integrated into teaching and learning at St Paul’s since the introduction of our one-to-one iPad program in 2010. iPads are used as learning tools to strengthen creativity, communication, collaboration, research, accessibility, feedback and the development of digital capability.
Teachers continue to select the most appropriate tools for each learning experience. Digital learning is balanced with explicit teaching, handwriting, printed texts, practical activities, discussion, physical activity, the arts, outdoor learning and collaborative experiences.
Transitioning to School-Owned iPads
From the beginning of the 2027 school year, St Paul’s will begin transitioning from its current parent-supplied Bring Your Own Device—or BYOD—program to a 1:1 School-Owned iPad Program.
This transition will be introduced progressively over three years. During 2027 and 2028, the School-Owned iPad Program and the existing BYOD program will operate concurrently. The program applying to a student will depend on the student’s year level and cohort. By 2029, all students from Year 1 to Year 6 will participate in the School-Owned iPad Program.
Which Program Applies to My Child?
| School year | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | Year 5 | Year 6 |
| 2027 | School-owned | BYOD | BYOD | School-owned | BYOD | BYOD |
| 2028 | School-owned | School-owned | BYOD | School-owned | School-owned | BYOD |
| 2029 | School-owned | School-owned | School-owned | School-owned | School-owned | School-owned |
A technology Levy (as reflected in the Fee Schedule) will apply only to students in the year levels included in the School-Owned iPad Program. Further information about the levy, device care, accessories, repairs, privacy and family responsibilities is available in the School-Owned iPad Program Frequently Asked Questions Document.
From 2029
All students from Year 1 to Year 6 will participate in the School-Owned iPad Program. Families will no longer be required to purchase or provide an iPad for use at school.
How the School-Owned iPad Program Works
New school-owned iPads will be introduced to the incoming Year 1 and Year 4 cohorts each year.
Students who receive an iPad in Year 1 will ordinarily continue using that device through Years 2 and 3. Students who receive an iPad in Year 4 will ordinarily continue using that device through Years 5 and 6.
Under the School-Owned iPad Program:
- each participating student will be allocated a school-managed iPad;
- the iPad and school-supplied accessories will remain the property of St Paul’s;
- devices will remain at school and will be stored and charged securely on campus;
- the school will manage device configuration, approved applications, software updates, security settings, maintenance and technical support;
- participating families will not need to purchase or provide a personal iPad for school use; and
- a personal iPad cannot be used instead of the allocated school-owned device.
The consistent use of school-managed devices will provide a more equitable, reliable and secure digital learning environment. It will also allow teachers to plan learning using consistent applications, settings and device capabilities.
A Technology Levy will apply only to students participating in the School-Owned iPad Program. Further information about the levy, device care, accessories, repairs, privacy and family responsibilities is available in the School-Owned iPad Program Frequently Asked Questions.
BYOD Program During the Transition
Families whose children remain in a BYOD cohort must continue to provide and maintain a suitable iPad until that cohort completes its transition.
Students in these year levels who are newly enrolling at St Paul’s will also need to provide a device that meets the school’s BYOD requirements.
Families whose children are entering a School-Owned iPad Program cohort should not purchase an iPad for use at school.
BYOD iPad Purchasing Requirements
A BYOD iPad must:
- be compatible with the latest available iPadOS software updates from Apple;
- have a minimum of 64GB storage for students in Years 1–4;
- have a minimum of 128GB storage for students in Years 5–6;
- be protected by a durable protective case;
- be clearly labelled with the student’s name; and
- have compatible headphones.
Families should check the connection type required by their iPad model before purchasing headphones or other accessories.
Bluetooth headphones and keyboards cannot be used by students during NAPLAN testing. Students participating in NAPLAN must have accessories that meet the school’s testing requirements.
Prep Students
Prep students are not included in the 1:1 School-Owned iPad Program and are not required to bring a personal iPad to school.
Prep teachers may use shared school technology where it is developmentally appropriate and supports a clear educational purpose.
Responsible and Purposeful Technology Use
All students are expected to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly. Digital devices are educational tools and are used under teacher direction for approved learning purposes.
The school’s behaviour, cyber-safety, digital wellbeing and acceptable-use expectations apply to students using either a BYOD or school-owned device.
Questions?
Families requiring assistance are encouraged to read our FAQ document carefully and then contact the school to speak with our friendly IT team if they have any further questions.
Phone: 07 5495 5899
