Important information for all students who are new to the Y5-8 team and will be bringing their own device (BYOD) to school in 2026.

For the 2026 year, we are encouraging our families to provide a personal device for your child to use at school in Years 5-8.

Preferred Device

We recommend the following devices and accessories.

• Chromebooks: Chromebooks only please with at least 32GB storage, as it fits perfectly into our school’s system setup and all of our digital learning tools.

• Headphones: A good pair of headphones is essential and allows the students to focus on their learning. Comfortable over-ear or in-ear headphones work well.

• Protective Cover or Sleeve: To keep the Chromebook safe while travelling to and from school, a protective cover or sleeve is recommended. This will help protect the device from daily wear and tear.

New Device Setup and Support for 2026

If your child is new to the Year 5–8 team in 2026 (for example, a current Year 4 student), please note that our setup ensures students can only access their Halswell School account, not any personal accounts, while at school. This helps us monitor usage and keep students safe online. Please note: if the device is used for personal use it will be wiped to factory settings.

Our IT specialist, Janan from Fresh Solutions, will be available to support families on Thursday, 29 January 2025, between 9am and 4pm.

Please drop your child’s Chromebook at the school office in the morning, clearly labelled with their first and last name. Janan will complete the setup during the day, and you can pick the device up later on.

If you’re unable to attend on the 29th, Janan will also be available on the first Wednesday of Term 1 (4 February). Please note that students will not be able to use their device at school until it has been set up and they have signed a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) agreement.

Why E-Learning Matters

Here’s how e-learning, with a personal device, enhances your child’s learning journey and helps them become confident, engaged, and responsible digital citizens.

• Creativity: E-learning offers access to digital tools that support creativity. Whether your child is working on presentations, exploring digital art, designing 3D prints, or building interactive projects, they’ll have opportunities to express their ideas and think innovatively.

• Critical Thinking: Digital resources encourage students to approach problems from multiple perspectives and develop critical thinking skills. Whether they’re researching, analysing information, or collaborating with classmates, e-learning provides an approach that strengthens their ability to think independently and solve complex problems.

• Information Literacy: In today’s digital world, navigating information responsibly is crucial. E-learning helps students develop skills like identifying credible sources, evaluating information for accuracy, and using online resources safely, skills that will serve them well beyond school.

• Connecting and Caring: E-learning enables students to connect with peers across New Zealand and even around the world. Through collaborative projects and discussions, they’ll practice kotahitanga respect, and empathy, gaining an understanding of the impact of their actions online and learning to treat others with kindness and integrity.

• Balance and Confidence in Technology: E-learning helps students build confidence in using technology thoughtfully. By treating it as a learning tool, they learn how to manage screen time, navigate online environments safely, and develop a healthy, balanced approach to technology.

Why should your child bring their own device?

• Consistency: Your child will always have a device ready for their use. They won’t have to worry about sharing or hoping a device is charged and available, giving them a consistent tool they can rely on daily.

• Independence: A personal device teaches ownership and responsibility. Your child will be responsible for bringing their device home each night, charging it, and taking care of it—valuable life skills that build independence and accountability.

• Learning at Home: With a personal device, your child can seamlessly continue their school work at home, reinforcing classroom learning. This also allows them to share their progress and achievements with you, keeping you involved in their educational journey.

Finally, we receive many questions about BYOD. If you have a question, please feel free to email me or read our FAQ on our school website.

Ngā mihi nui

Tracey Mora

Associate Principal (Years 5-8)