Phones & Digital Devices
At Aquinas College, digital tools play an important role in supporting learning, communication, and organisation. These platforms help ensure that families are kept informed and that students have consistent access to their learning.
Google Workspace for Education
Google Workspace is our learning platform. Students use Google Classroom, Google Drive, Docs, Sheets, and Slides to access class materials, complete assignments, and collaborate on projects.
Phone Policy
Aquinas follows Government legislation requiring phones to be off and away during the school day (from 8:40 am – 3:15 pm). This includes break times, lunchtimes, and off-site school activities. Devices must be switched off and kept in bags unless a student is granted one of the exemptions outlined in our phone policy. This also applies to smart-enabled wearables such as smart watches.
BYOD
Aquinas College runs a blended learning programme that offers opportunities to use devices where appropriate, while maintaining the skill of writing. We view the use of these devices as a means of supporting student-centred learning, but not as a replacement for student-teacher and student-student interaction.
All students are expected to have a device that connects to the internet through wifi. (Smartphones are not an option as we have strict rules around cellphone use.) We do not dictate the specific device students purchase; however, we suggest these minimum specifications:
- Wireless network capability
- Screen size of 12 inches or larger
- Good battery life (at least eight hours for tablets and four hours for laptops)
- Ideally, an external keyboard
- Productivity Software (word processing, presentation and spreadsheet tools)
Please note that students do not need to purchase the Microsoft 365 Office suite. It is provided by the school for installation on any device students use.
Expectations
- Students are expected to bring devices to school fully charged. If a student does not have a device, we have a number available for in-class use. These are issued by the Library.
- Students agree to use the internet responsibly while at school. All internet content is filtered to ensure only suitable content can be viewed. Students must have completed the Cyber Agreement.
- Aquinas accepts no liability for the loss of or damage to a student’s personal digital device. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure their devices are kept safe when not in use.