If you have a question please check here before you contact us.
Why doesn't the school supply laptops anymore?
Since 2009 the DER-NSW program has successfully delivered over 250,000 laptops to year 9 students, installed wireless access points in over 21,000 learning spaces, provided professional learning experiences to teachers and leaders across the state, developed more than 250 online resources and supported schools with 560 school based Technology Support Officers. 2013 saw the final rollout of 63,500 laptops. Please note that this funding from the Australian Government's DER National Partnership finished at the end of 2013. Students who have already received laptops or alternate technology under this program (i.e. years 11 and 12 2013) will continue to use them under the terms of the Laptop User Charter while remaining at a government school, with transfer of ownership on final completion of year 12.
The DER-NSW one to one laptop program has led to enhanced access to computers and the internet for students, teachers and students' families, plus the movement of teaching practice towards the skills of the 21st century, greater access for students to global information resources and tools and improved motivation and engagement of students. (Source: The 2010-2012 evaluation of DER-NSW by the University of Wollongong)
The NSW DEC can no longer provided one-to-one access to devices without the Australian Government funding
What year groups will be participating in the BYOD Program?
All students will be able to participate in the BYOD program. All year 7 students are required to begin the school year with a device.
Do we have to purchase one of the recommended devices?
Providing that your selected device meets the specification checklist found within the Killara High School BYOD Policy you are welcome to purchase any device of your choice from any vendor. Devices must support 5Ghz dual band wireless, 802.11 a/b/g/n or 802.11ac. Please ensure your device supports both ‘a' and 'n' frequencies.
I already have a laptop and/or tablet at home - Can I bring this to school?
As long as it meets the device specifications with particular reference to the wireless connectivity specification. Devices must support 5Ghz dual band wireless, 802.11 a/b/g/n or 802.11ac. Ensure it supports both ‘a' and 'n' frequencies.
I own a device that doesn't meet the wireless connectivity specification - Can I bring this to school?
If you own, or have purchased a device that has difficulty identifying & connecting to our wireless network, you may need to consider purchasing a compatible wireless USB adaptor. Devices must support 5Ghz dual band wireless, 802.11 a/b/g/n or 802.11ac. Make sure it supports both ‘a' and 'n' frequencies.
The wireless networks at all DOE schools operate on the 802.11n 5GHz standard. This means that some laptops with 2.4GHz wireless adapters are not able to connect to the school's wireless network. A good solution is to use a small USB wireless adapter. Please label adaptors with the student's name to reduce loss.The following tested and widely available adaptor (available from Officeworks) is recommended: D-Link Wireless N600 Dual Band USB Adaptor Model: DWA-160
What will be provided by the school?
A member of the school staff, the BYOD Technical Support Officer, is available to answer questions and to give assistance.
Internet access on the device will be filtered at school and students will be prohibited from connecting to other networks while at school.
Killara High School does not manage, support, own or warranty the device - it's your device.
Can the device be charged at school?
Most learning spaces do not have the capacity to charge devices. Students should make sure their devices are fully charged every day. It is recommended that devices should last 5 hours without being charged.
Will there be a place at school for devices to be stored when they are not being used?
When students are not in class their devices should be stored in their bags in a safe place. They should not leave their bags unattended at any time. They should also not leave their bags in places where they can be easily damaged. Lockers are also available to hire. Please see the front office for more information on hiring lockers for a term.
Will I be able to put my own apps or programs onto my device, other than the ones the school has asked for?
Yes. Parents and students are allowed to install their own apps and programs on their devices. These are at the discretion of parents and students.
Do students still have to bring exercise books to school?
Yes. A device is another tool for learning just like all other equipment. Students will still be required to bring exercise books and writing materials in addition to their device.
Do students bring their devices to school every day?
Yes. The device is part of a student's equipment set for learning. Students will be expected to bring their device fully charged to school everyday.
How will the school monitor potential misuse of the device?
Internet access on the device will be filtered at school and students will be prohibited from connecting to other networks while at school. Students shall comply with departmental and school policies concerning the use of BYODs at school and while connected to the DEC network including the Online Communication Services-Acceptable Usage for School Students.
Where the school has reasonable grounds to suspect that a device contains data which breaches the BYOD Agreement, they may confiscate the device for the purpose of confirming the existence of the material. Depending on the nature of the material involved, further action may be taken including referral to the police. School disciplinary action may also be appropriate.
Will the school supply technical Support?
A member of the school staff, the BYOD Technical Support Officer, is available to answer questions and to give assistance connecting to the WiFi, but not technical support or repairs
The school has a section on how to keep your device running smoothly section.
I am worried about protection of my child's device?
It is recommended that students buy a compatible protection bag for the device.
Students are solely responsible for repair and maintenance of their own device. It is not the school's responsibility.
Warranties: Students should understand the limitations of the manufacturer's warranty on their BYO devices, both in duration and in coverage. Under Australian consumer legislation, warranties usually last for one year, during which any manufacturing defects will be repaired or the device will be replaced (as per the specific terms and conditions of the manufacturer).
Extended Warranties: At the time of purchase, students may also purchase an optional extended warranty (past the standard warranty period) from the supplier/manufacturer of their device, during which any manufacturing defects that may occur will also be repaired.
A member of the school staff, the BYOD Technical Support Officer, is available to answer questions and to give assistance.
Killara High school does not manage, support, own or warranty the device - it's your device.
I am worried about the security of my child's device?
In cases of malicious damage or theft of another student's device, existing school processes for damage to schools or another student's property apply.
Consider specific accidental damage insurance for the device, home contents insurance, or you can purchase an Accidental Damage Protection plan for your device.
You may also consider using a device locator service. These services include the "Find my iPad" service built in to Apple iOS devices, "Prey" for Windows or "LoJack for Laptops".
Internet access on the device will be filtered at school and students will be prohibited from connecting to other networks while at school.
Do you recommend extended warranty options at the time of purchase?
Purchasing extended warranty and/or replacement plans are solely the responsibility of the parent/student. As students will be expected to bring a device to school each day, this may become a worthwhile expense to protect your investment. Killara High School will not accept any liability for damage or for the cost of repairs for any device brought to school.
Will my device be covered by insurance?
Insurance remains the responsibility of parents/caregivers & students. Insurance will not be provided by the school and it is advisable to consider adding this device to an existing home and contents insurance policy.
I am worried about the weight of the device?
The weight of a personal device should be considered if your child has to travel long distances to school, however this would be comparable to a bag containing text books and work books.
I am concerned about the cost of the device?
The purchase of a device is a major decision and a significant expense. A good quality device may last from Year 7 to Year 9/10 and viewed over four years the expense is considerably less. Killara High School has taken strides to integrate device use into many aspects of teaching and learning. Your investment allows the school to maximise learning outcomes for all students.
We are committed to our obligations as a public education institution to deliver the same learning outcomes to all our students no matter their families' financial means.
We have developed an Equity Policy to operate alongside our BYOD Policy. The Equity Policy outlines a number of strategies the school may take, in consultation with you, to augment access to information and communication technologies. Hire-to-use.
consider specific accidental damage insurance for the device, home contents insurance, or you can purchase an Accidental Damage Protection plan for your device.
Where can I get advice on a device that best suits my child's needs?
This one-page guide highlights the specifications that are required for a device to work within the DEC network, and other key features that will ensure that the BYOD experience will be successful. It is strongly suggested that students use this checklist to assess their own device's suitability or future purchases. More information can be found on the recommended devices tab link of the right hand side.
What can we do to maintain devices?
The school has a section on how to keep your device running smoothly section.
How will the devices be used at Killara High School?
Students will be encouraged to use the device during lessons, all KLAs have implemented lessons that use a variety of mediums such as Google Classroom or Class OneNote.