Educators across Australia and the World have recognised that we need to adopt ICT as a valued tool in education; however, we also need to teach young people how to use these tools effectively and safely. At Geraldton Christian College we endeavour to educate students in wise and discerning use of ICT, with our focus being on building respectful digital citizens.
The College requires students to bring their own device to school in the secondary year levels (Years 7-12). This page provides information on the use of devices at the College by students, and expectations for them.
We hope you will find the following information useful.
School Owned Devices
We are pleased to announce an important update to the Secondary “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) program, which will commence in 2025. The College will introduce a new initiative, whereby each Secondary student will be issued with a school-owned MacBook Air laptop.
This decision comes after two years of careful consideration and planning, with the goal being to elevate academic performance across our College while enhancing student safety and assistance with focus during class. The MacBook Air is recognised as a leading tool in educational settings, and we are confident that this change will provide equitable access to technology for all students.
Each device will be equipped with standardised applications which will help teachers better plan and teach. It will include monitoring tools, allowing teachers to maintain classroom focus, and wellbeing applications designed to safeguard students from bullying and other online risks. By providing your child with a device, pre-loaded with College software, we will simplify the initial set-up process and eliminate the challenges and financial burdens that parents currently face. The devices will be covered by warranty and any insurance issues become more straightforward when dealing with school-provided devices.
To summarise: From 2025 the BYOD program will cease. Your child/ren will receive a MacBook Air laptop which will be used at the College and taken home for homework purposes. They will not be allowed to bring in their own device from next year. We understand that it might be frustrating if you have recently invested in a personal device for your child/ren’s education, but please rest assured that this transition is the best solution for reasons indicated above. Costs for this initiative will be covered by the College and more information will be released in due course.
We appreciate your understanding during this transitional period, and we are confident that this model will have a positive impact our students’ learning experiences.
If you have questions, please email helpdesk@gcc.wa.edu.au.
Information Technology Contract
Geraldton Christian College provides various means for students to use technology for their education. The Information Technology Contract, signed by both students and parents/guardians, seeks to establish a clear understanding of the purpose of technology and the limits of its use as an educational tool. The contract applies to all devices used at the College.
All Information Technology used during school-based activities at the College should relate to the course/s of study undertaken by students and the work requirements of those courses.
New students to Geraldton Christian College should complete the Information Technology Contract and return it to Student Services, on or before their first day at the College, in order to activate their personal user account.
Existing students are not required to sign a new contract each year but continue to be bound by its requirements.
The College can only restrict websites that your child accesses while at the College campus, but not the apps on their device, nor their activities at home. The College recommends that parents/guardians have full access to student devices and regularly monitor them.
Cyber Safety
Parents/Guardians have primary responsibility for monitoring and restricting the use of and content on their child’s device. The College filters web content, which reduces the likelihood of students encountering offensive or distasteful content online, but this only applies whilst students are connected to the College internet, not when students use their device at home.
It is important for parents/guardians to realise that they should actively participate in helping their children set boundaries around technology.
This means establishing:
- time restraints;
- location limitations (i.e. ensuring children use their device in a public space, rather than alone in their bedroom etc.),
- restrictions on social media, and
- transparency of passwords and parental access
Understanding Restrictions (Parental Controls / Family Options)
Whether you have a Windows or Apple device, current operating systems enable parents to enable or disable a number of features and applications, allowing you a measure of control over your child’s device use.
Information on how to use Parental Controls / Family Options can be found at the links below:
Information for Apple Devices
Information for Windows Devices
Some of the topics covered include:
- Setting screen time limits for your children by scheduling when and how long they can be on their device
- Sent content and privacy restrictions;
- Preventing explicit content and content ratings;
- Preventing iTunes & App Store or Microsoft Store purchases;
- Restricting voice activated web searches;
- Allowing changes to privacy settings;
- Allowing built-in apps and features;
- Restricting the Game Centre
- Allowing changes to other settings and features
Help Desk
We have an IT Help Desk at the College which is located in the Library. IT support is available to assist students with technical queries or difficulties with their devices. Parents/Guardians may also contact the Help Desk if they need assistance.
The IT Help Desk is open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 4.00pm.