Bring Your Own Device 

BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) @ St. Mary’s School

As part of supporting our students’ learning in an increasingly digital world, it's important that they can confidently access key platforms such as Seesaw, Hapara, and Google Drive.

We are giving you early notice that BYOD is highly recommended for students who will be in Year 4 in 2026.

By providing this information well in advance, we hope to give families time to plan and help ensure a smooth transition for students.


Why BYOD?

Having their own device gives students:

  • More frequent opportunities to use technology to enhance learning
  • Personalised and individualised learning experiences
  • Smoother transitions to Intermediate and High School
  • The ability to work at their own pace using tools that suit their learning style
  • Opportunities to explore and select digital tools that support their learning
  • A simple way to record, share, and reflect on their progress
  • Skills to develop into responsible and ethical digital citizens

Safety and Responsibility

  • All student devices are protected by our school internet filter (N4L), which blocks inappropriate content
  • Students are taught how to be safe and responsible digital citizens

Please note: There is increasingly limited access to aging school devices. BYOD ensures reliable, daily access to a working device.


Device Setup and Management - Some considerations

We appreciate your support in setting your child up for success. To help things run smoothly:

  • You’re welcome to set up a monitored home account (e.g. using apps like Family Link)
  • Be aware that some parental control apps can block access to school tools or prevent login, if these could be removed that would be helpful.
  • Your child will be issued a school Google account at the start of the year, linked to their teacher and essential platforms like Seesaw and possibly Hapara (a teaching and learning platform used at our school)
  • If a device is locked to a single user or requires a parent code to add new users, this can delay school setup. Thank you for helping make this process smooth for our team.

Our school policies state: 

“Students in years 4–8 may bring their own device to school to enhance their learning, provided that the following conditions are met:

  • The student and their parent/caregiver read and sign the school BYOD agreement and comply with the expectations and responsibilities set out in the agreement. Students are also expected to comply with our digital technology use agreements.
  • The device is suitable for the purpose. It needs to be wifi capable, have a screen size no less than 7", and come to school fully charged.
  • Parents/Caregivers record the serial number of the device, and are responsible for its insurance and maintenance.”

Recommended Devices

We recommend a Chromebook, as it works seamlessly with our school systems.  A laptop is also suitable.

Please visit the St. Mary’s School website for answers to commonly asked questions about BYOD.  Go to the St Mary’s Catholic School website, select the ‘Information’ tab, then click on ‘Our Learning’. There, you’ll find a section titled BYOD with helpful information.

Or, simply click this link to go straight to the page.