In 2020 digital devices will be
compulsory for all Year 9 -13 students. Year 7 and 8 students will be permitted to bring their device to school - however, this is optional.
Below is a list of specifications for purchasing a device. If your daughter currently has a laptop or a tablet PC with a keyboard, then there is no reason to purchase a new one.
Mobile phones are not digital devices. They are not to be used, seen, or heard during school hours from 8:30am - 3:10pm.
The following specifications are recommended:
- Laptop (or Tablet PC with keyboard).
- No Apple tablets, Android tablets, or Chromebooks.
- Operating System – either Windows 10 (preferable Windows 10S) or Mac OSX.
- Microsoft Office is available as a free download for enrolled students with a Marist Office 365 account.
- Wireless
- Battery Life – No charging facilities are provided by the school, so the device should have a battery life of at least 6 hours.
- Weight – Since students may have to carry their device plus other resources around from class to class, their device should weigh less than 1.5kg.
- RAM memory – Minimum 4GB (juniors) and 8GB (seniors).
- Hard disk drive – Laptops should have at least 64GB storage (juniors) and 128GB (seniors). Newer devices usually feature a solid-state drive (SSD), which is faster, lighter and less demanding on battery life than the motorised versions.
- Robustness – Device should be strong enough to survive a fall onto a hard surface. A padded protective sleeve or padded school bag is essential.
- Anti-virus software – For Windows or Mac devices, anti-virus and anti-spyware software are recommended to protect the data on the device and to prevent the device from being used to spread malware. Modern operating systems do have some antivirus software included.
- Insurance – The school cannot accept responsibility for any device that is lost or stolen. Accidental damage insurance is usually available from suppliers.
- Warranty – Check this with the supplier. A minimum warranty of 1-year is standard, but this can be extended for a price.
- On-site support – No facilities are available for repairing damaged devices. This needs to be covered by the supplier. Account issues can be solved by the school contractor (PCMedia). Assistance with day-to-day troubleshooting will be offered, where possible, by staff and trained students.
- Local suppliers include JB Hi-Fi, Noel Leeming, PB Technologies, Warehouse Stationary, etc.
Misuse of digital technology (as in accordance with our Cyber Citizenship Agreement, signed by all Marist College students regarding the responsible use of digital technology) will result in the item being stored in the school office for parents to collect.
Marist College takes no responsibility for confiscated, lost or damaged Mobile Phones or Digital Devices.