Laptop Handbook

Yes. Learners with a 1-to-1 purchase agreement are expected to take the laptop to and from college each day. This will enable them to fully utilise it at home and at the college. It is expected that laptops will be charged overnight, ready for a full day’s use at the college. Parents are asked to ensure that the laptop is used responsibly and cared for appropriately in the home environment. Devices must be transported within their protective cases inside the learner's bag to and from college.

The laptop is an important component of your child’s day to day learning and must be brought to college each day fully charged. Device chargers must not be used on college grounds. Onsite charging options are available in exceptional circumstances (as determined by college staff).

The move to laptops is an intentional step forward as the college grows and aligns with senior year demands, such as SACE. Each laptop will be protected under a care pack that includes accidental damage protection and faster turnaround times on repairs, minimising downtime. This device will offer a balance of performance and portability suitable for educational use.

Questions regarding the laptop program can be directed initially to Aldinga Payinthi College on 08 7505 6100. Your inquiry will be responded to as quickly as possible.

Alternatively, please email dl.1914.ictadmin@schools.sa.edu.au

If a learner leaves the college prior to the end of the laptop program agreement, families will be required to pay the remaining balance or return the laptop in good working condition. 

Repairs can be arranged by the college's ICT team as the laptop belongs to the college for the duration of the agreement.

For learners entering the program in 2025, the total costs are as follows: 

• Year 7 total cost $1230 over 3 years. 

• Year 8 & 9 total cost $1390 over 4 years. 

• Year 10 total cost $1230 over 3 years. 

• Year 11 total cost $1230 over 2 years. 

Please refer to your child/s specific laptop agreement for a further breakdown of these costs.  

These devices are covered for 4 years. The laptop price is the same for all devices, but the coverage length varies due to unique situation with transitioning all secondary years in 2025. Ordinarily with the expected life of a modern laptop being 3 years, this would mean learners would require 2 laptops across 6 years (if starting in year 7).

Yes. Once the final payment is made the laptop is owned by the learner/family. The laptop will only be released from our management system once full payment is complete.

You can opt to pay the yearly payments upfront if you’d like to, but the final remaining cost associated with the device is paid at the end of the agreement.

To meet software licensing agreements and arrange for any repairs that are required the college needs to maintain ownership of the laptop whilst it is in use.

Absolutely. We can accommodate a payment plan that works for your family. Simply discuss a plan that suits you with our finance team. 

You can call the college or email dl.1914.finance@schools.sa.edu.au 

Yes. You will need to complete a 1-to-1 Laptop agreement that will be sent to you digitally via EdSmart (email). Alternatively, a paper version can be provided if there are any difficulties with completing the digital form.

Laptops will be issued to learners at drop-in sessions or during the rollout once the year begins, or throughout the year for new enrolments. Learners will be supported in logging in and can continue setting up their laptop by following our laptop setup guide. 

The program includes an insurance for accidental damage. If accidental damage is caused to the laptop there is an excess payment of $50 for the repair on the first instance. Further instances will result in increased excesses in increments of $50. The college will initiate and manage any repair/maintenance processes.

If a learner is without a laptop because of repair/maintenance, a loan device for use during college hours will be issued upon the family completing the College’s Loan Device Agreement noting that the college’s supply of loan devices can be limited depending on demand.

Parents will have the option to either keep the device or return it when their child leaves the college. Depending on the condition of the device and the amount paid at that time, there may be a partial refund. The specifics of this would be negotiated at the time of departure.

The college maintains a no BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy, ensuring that all learners have access to the same high-quality tools, managed infrastructure, and consistent software, which aligns with our educational values.

An option exists to complete an agreement to access a Loan Laptop which will be charged with a hire fee rather than an ownership option. There would be no access to the device outside of college hours, as it would need to be collected and returned to the library each day. We suggest contacting the college to discuss.

We strongly recommend new devices are purchased every 3-4 years, but it depends on the condition the device is in and whether it is still suitable for learning. Ordinarily with the expected life of a modern laptop being 3 years, this would mean learners would require 2 laptops across 6 years (if starting in year 7). In situations where buying a new laptop is not feasible, please contact the college to discuss options.