Safety first: international research shows that unfiltered or unmanaged device use can result in serious impacts on children, including anxiety, poor sleep, cyberbullying, social isolation, and exposure to harmful content. The BYOD model makes these risks much harder to manage.
Teacher-led learning: at SCEA, our teachers – not screens – lead learning. Students learn best when teachers are front and centre in the classroom, not competing with devices or taking a back seat to technology.
Optimal devices: high-quality Apple devices will be supplied to students that are configured for education only, safeguarded against unsafe apps, social media, games, and other distractions.
Simple and fair: every student in a class uses the same education-ready device with strong protections and full support from our ICT team.
Bottom line: We’re moving from BYOD to SCEA-managed devices so that technology is a safe and reliable learning tool: always teacher-controlled, both at school and at home.
Read the Parent Fact Sheet for details by year group.
A substantial and growing body of international research now points to the very real risks facing young people from unfiltered or unmanaged device use. These risks are not theoretical. Studies consistently link unrestricted access to:
While findings differ across studies, the message is clear: when devices are unsupervised, always on, and focused on entertainment or social media, children’s wellbeing and learning are at risk.
The Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program required families at most SCEA schools to supply their own personal devices from Year 5 or Year 7 onwards. While this gave flexibility, it also created big challenges. Aside from the safety risks associated with BYOD, we have heard directly from parents and teachers about other frustrations including:
As Christian educators, we cannot ignore the evidence that uncontrolled device use can harm students. We have a moral duty to protect children from what is harmful, while also recognising that technology, when used wisely, is a powerful tool for learning and growth.
While we cannot eliminate every digital risk in a rapidly changing online world (including AI tools), we are taking deliberate steps to create the safest and most productive learning environment possible.
Our goal is simple: technology should serve children’s learning and wellbeing, not control their lives or create unhealthy habits.
That is why SCEA is moving to a Managed Device Program where students will use the same high-quality Apple devices, set up for educational purposes only, and fully supported by our ICT team. These education-ready devices will be locked down for learning, free from unsafe apps, and managed consistently at school and at home.
We believe optimal learning is relational and occurs when a teacher is actively front and centre with his or her students, not taking a back seat to devices. The Managed Device Program is designed to support teachers, not replace them. Face-to-face teaching, personal interaction, and strong relationships remain at the heart of SCEA classrooms.
SCEA’s Managed Device Program ensures that all devices are set up for education only and safeguarded against harmful content. In practice, this means fewer distractions, no unsafe apps, and a learning focused environment free from games and social media.
Devices will be configured to be educational tools that can enhance research, creativity, and collaboration, but they will never drive the lesson. Teachers remain firmly in control of when and how technology is used. By locking down devices for learning purposes only, the Program creates what we call a Focused Learning Environment: a safe, distraction-free space where technology is used purposefully. With tools like Apple Classroom, teachers can guide, monitor, and redirect device use in real time, keeping students engaged and lessons productive.
We are phasing in the Managed Device Program over several years, so families don’t have to replace recently purchased devices too soon. Through the Program, families can expect:
At SCEA, we believe technology should help children flourish in learning and life. That means more than teaching digital skills – it’s about shaping character, habits, and wisdom in how devices are used each day. The Managed Device Program is not just about providing technology; it’s about guiding students to use it safely, ethically, and responsibly. Alongside digital literacy, we will explicitly teach digital citizenship, reflecting our vision for education centred on student flourishing and enabling students to practise positive habits whenever they use their devices.
Through the Managed Device Program, teachers can guide student use more closely and intentionally. To shape this guidance, we connect digital citizenship directly to our SCEA Virtues.
Our managed digital environment will create the space for students to practise these Virtues safely in class, building habits they can carry into life – at school, at home, and beyond.
Using technology wisely, even when peers and others may misuse it.
Listening, learning, and showing empathy in our digital interactions.
Recognising technology as a gift to be used for good rather than being misused for endless scrolling, excessive gaming, or social media comparisons.
Treating others with kindness and courtesy online and offline, and always demonstrating positive digital etiquette.
Being truthful and trustworthy in our digital communication and academic works, doing the right thing even when no one is watching.
Setting healthy limits, resisting distractions, and finding balance between screen time, learning, rest, and relationships.
Helping students develop safe, balanced, and healthy digital habits requires parents and schools to work together. We see this as a partnership between parents and schools. By combining consistent expectations at school with supportive guidance at home, we can help our children develop healthy and balanced approaches to technology. Practical tips include:
These simple steps, combined with our Managed Device Program, will create the safest and most productive learning environment possible for your child.
After thorough research and evaluation, SCEA has chosen Apple as the platform for our Managed Device Program. Apple devices offer:
One of the biggest frustrations with BYOD has been the large upfront cost of purchasing devices and the unpredictability of ongoing repairs, replacements, and accessories. SCEA’s new Managed Device Program addresses this by replacing those costs with a simple annual Technology Fee (Primary) or Lease Fee (Secondary), spreading costs over time and removing the large purchase price faced under BYOD. Detailed cost information is outlined below:
For students entering the Program at Year 7 or Year 10, families are required to complete the Parent Agreement for SCEA-Leased Devices in the SCEA Managed Device Program, available through Parent Lounge / Orbit App, under the Events & Payments tab. This Agreement outlines the responsibilities of parents/guardians, students, and SCEA, and provides details about repairs, insurance, ownership, and conditions of use. Parents continue to acknowledge the Student Use of ICT, Internet, Mobile Phones and Social Media Policy signed at enrolment.
Primary students: do not require a Parent Agreement, as iPads remain classroom-based devices that do not go home.
Secondary students: once the Parent Agreement has been completed, your child will be issued their device at the designated start-of-year collection date for their School. Families will receive instructions directly from their School regarding device collection times and rollout arrangements.
After you sign the Agreement, your child’s annual lease fee for the Managed Device Program will be added to your tuition fees and included in your normal school billing cycle.
For students entering the Program in Year 10, we recognise that some families may face genuine financial hardship. Families wishing to access the Transitional Hardship Pathway for 2026 must notify SCEA Head Office by 31 October 2025.
Device type: 11″ iPad A16 128GB storage
Includes keyboard case with trackpad and stylus holder, 3-years of AppleCare+, Apple Pen USB-C (engraved), Apple Classroom software, device management software, security software, technical support, and access to a loan device when a student’s device is not working or under repair.
Payment: Leased through annual device levy.
Return: Device to be returned at the end of Year 9.
Devices will be distributed to students on their school’s designated Orientation Day prior to the start of Term 1, 2027.
Further device and cost information is available here on the Cost to Families PDF.
Device type: 13.6″ MacBook Air M4 16GB RAM 256 GB storage
Includes protective case, 3-years of AppleCare+, Apple Classroom software, device management software, security software, technical support, and access to a loan device when a student’s device is not working or under repair.
Payment: Leased through annual device levy.
Return: Device kept by students after Year 12 (post-Graduation, subject to full payment of school fees).
Devices will be distributed to students on their school’s designated Orientation Day prior to the start of Term 1, 2026.
Further device and cost information is available here on the Cost to Families PDF.
What is the Managed Device Program?
A SCEA program that provides every student with a device configured for learning only. Teachers control when and how devices are used so classrooms stay safe, focused, and productive.
Why is SCEA moving from BYOD?
The BYOD model (introduced from Year 5 or Year 7 in many schools) created high costs, inconsistent devices, and difficulties for teachers and families. The Managed Device Program addresses these issues by providing every student with the same device, configured for educational use only. This improves student safety, ensures equity, and supports stronger teaching and learning outcomes.
How will a SCEA-supplied device enhance security?
Every device will come pre-configured with enterprise-grade protections, including Jamf for device management, Cisco Umbrella for web filtering, Microsoft Defender for threat protection, and Apple Classroom for teacher oversight. Together these tools create a safer, well-managed digital environment by blocking harmful content, reducing distractions, and safeguarding students.
How will the Managed Device Program safeguard our children?
Devices are locked down for school use, reducing distractions such as gaming, scrolling, and social media. Teachers can guide screens in real time, and our IT team monitors device compliance. This structure helps protect students’ wellbeing while still giving them the benefits of quality technology for learning.
How does the Managed Device Program provide consistency and reliability?
Every student in a year group that is participating in the Managed Device Program will have the same device, software, and setup. This reduces classroom interruptions caused by incompatible systems, troubleshooting, or forgotten chargers, and allows teachers to focus on teaching.
Why are the devices Apple and not Windows or Chromebooks?
After research, consultation, and evaluation, SCEA selected Apple because of their durability, integration with education software, and classroom management features (e.g. Apple Classroom). Apple devices are also supported by strong warranty programs and our education partner, Winthrop Australia.
What is meant by a “Focused Learning Environment”?
With managed devices, classrooms are free from the distractions of games, social media, and unfiltered internet browsing. Teachers can use Apple Classroom to monitor and redirect student use, keeping lessons focused and productive.
Will this mean less face-to-face teaching and more “screen time” for my child?
No. Devices are not a substitute for teachers. At SCEA, we believe the most powerful learning happens through personal interaction between students and teachers. Devices will only be used when they genuinely add value, for example, to create, collaborate, research, or practice digital skills. Teachers will continue to lead lessons directly, using technology as an educational tool to strengthen learning, not dominate it.
How will students be using their device during the school day?
Devices will be used as a tool to support learning: for research, writing, collaboration, creativity, and accessing resources. They are not used all day or in every lesson, but at times where they add value to face-to-face teaching.
Will students continue with handwriting?
Yes. Handwriting remains an essential skill, and students will continue to use exercise books and handwritten assessments where appropriate. Devices complement, not replace, traditional methods of learning.
Is 128GB for iPads and 256GB for MacBooks enough storage?
Yes. For school use, 128GB on an iPad and 256GB on a MacBook provide more than enough space for apps, assignments, projects, and media. Students also have access to cloud storage through Microsoft 365 and OneDrive, meaning large files and backups don’t need to be stored on the device itself. In addition, the MacBooks supplied through the program for Years 10 – 12 include 16GB of RAM, ensuring smooth performance even when multiple applications are open, so students can learn, create, and collaborate without slowdowns.
How do I collect my child’s device?
For Secondary / Senior School students, devices will be distributed at the beginning of the school year as part of student induction. Families with a child in a participating year group will receive clear instructions in December, including dates, times, and locations for device collection. Our IT team will assist with setup so that every device is ready for use in the classroom on day one.
Will the device work at home as well as at school?
For Secondary / Senior School students, yes. Students in Years 7 – 12 can use their device at home for study, homework, and projects. Devices remain enrolled as managed devices, so the same safeguards and restrictions apply at home. Primary students will not take iPads home as they will remain classroom devices.
How do students charge their devices?
For Secondary / Senior School students are expected to bring their devices fully charged each day. Battery life on the chosen Apple devices is sufficient for a full school day. Charging facilities at school (other than in the Primary classrooms which have charging stations) will be limited to emergency use.
How regularly will students receive a new device?
From 2026, Year 7 students are issued with an iPad which they use until the end of Year 9, when it is to be return to SCEA in good working condition and replaced with a MacBook for Year 10 – 12. Year 10 students will receive a MacBook which they may permanently keep after their Year 12 graduation (subject to the payment of all schools fees and charges).
What if my child already has a new device?
This option is only available for Secondary / Senior School students. During the transitional period (2026 – 2028), families who meet the requirements of SCEA’s Transitional Hardship Pathway may request to use an existing parent-supplied Apple device instead of joining the lease program.
From 2029 onwards, all students will be required to use a SCEA-provided device through the Managed Device Program.
Our Transitional Hardship Pathway is available to support families in need. For more information, please click here.
Can I buy the same Apple device outside the program and opt-in?
This option is only available for Secondary / Senior School students if your child’s year group is participating in the Managed Device Program, and only during the transitional period (2026–2028) for families facing genuine financial hardship.
From 2029 onwards, all students will be required to use a SCEA-provided device through the Managed Device Program.
Our Transitional Hardship Pathway is available to support families in need. For more information, please click here.
Is a screen protector worth the investment?
For SECA-leased devices, screen protectors are strongly recommended. While all devices come with protective cases, screen protectors provide an extra layer of safety against scratches and drops.
What if my child forgets to bring their device to school or forgets to charge it?
It is an expectation that Secondary / Senior School students arrive at class with their device fully charged and ready to use. SCEA cannot provide loan devices for students who leave their device at home or forget to charge it. Families are encouraged to establish good routines at home so devices are always ready for learning.
Who owns and controls the leased devices?
Under the SCEA-leased device program, all devices remain the property of SCEA, which allows us to manage software, updates, and settings so they are used solely as learning tools. Students in Years 7 – 9 are provided with a SCEA-leased iPad, which must be returned to SCEA at the end of Year 9 or earlier if the student leaves. Students in Years 10 – 12 are provided with a SECA-leased MacBook, which remains SCEA property during the program but will be formally gifted to the student upon successful completion of Year 12, provided all outstanding school fees and charges have been paid.
Can my child install apps from the Apps Store?
No. Students do not have access to the App Store. Only approved educational apps will be installed by SCEA through our device management system.
Can we use third-party accessories?
No. Devices must remain in the protective cases provided, and only approved accessories may be used.
Are SCEA-leased devices covered by warranty?
Yes. All SCEA-leased devices are covered by AppleCare+ for the duration of the lease.
What does AppleCare+ include?
AppleCare+ covers most manufacturer faults and includes reduced service fees for accidental damage.
How will SCEA support my child if their SCEA-leased device needs repair?
Our ICT Team will manage all warranty and repair claims, provide temporary loan or replacement devices where eligible, and ensure classroom learning is not disrupted.
What happens if a SCEA-leased device is damaged and not covered by warranty?
If a SCEA-leased device requires repair, SCEA’s IT Team will provide:
This minimises disruption to learning while the device is repaired.
What happens if the device, pen, or case of a SCEA-leased are damaged or not working?
Devices are covered by AppleCare+ warranty for three years, which includes repairs or replacement for most hardware faults and limited accidental damage incidents. If a device develops a fault, it will be repaired or replaced quickly by SCEA’s IT team and Winthrop Australia. If the device or accessories are damaged and not covered by warranty, the following costs will be added to the school fees:
Repairs for SCEA-leased devices are coordinated under AppleCare+. Standard AppleCare+ service fees apply and are payable by parents/guardians per incident (as outlined in the table below). In addition, damaged or missing accessories will be charged at replacement cost.
Malicious or repeated damage, lost, or stolen devices are the responsibility of families. In these cases, costs may apply in line with program guidelines. Protective cases are included to reduce the risk of breakages.
If my child has a SCEA-leased device, do I have to insure the device?
While AppleCare+ provides cover for accidental damage to SCEA-leased devices such as cracked screens or liquid spills, AppleCare+ does not cover loss or theft.
For SECA-leased devices, we strongly recommend you check whether your home contents policy covers school devices, or consider arranging specific device insurance. Some insurers and banks offer low-cost add-on policies for portable electronics. Please speak with your insurance provider to confirm the best option for your family.
What if covering the cost of a SCEA-leased device in Year 7 or Year 10 is difficult for our family?
At SCEA, we never want financial pressures to prevent a child from learning or feeling included. We recognise that some families may face genuine hardship, and we are committed to working alongside you so that every student has access to a safe and reliable device.
Our Transitional Hardship Pathway is available to support families in need. For more information, please click here.
We’ve seen cheaper devices in stores. Why not just buy one of those?
Retailers sometimes advertise short-term sales or run-out discounts, but these prices are temporary, vary widely, and usually don’t include everything your child needs for school. By contrast, SCEA’s bundles are based on Apple’s best available education pricing, secured through our system-wide buying power, and include much more than just the device:
Retail devices may look similar but often do not include these accessories, protections, or services.
Finally, instead of paying the full cost upfront, SCEA allows parents to spread the cost over a three-year term, making the program both affordable and predictable.
Will the cost change for future students?
Annual fees are based on bulk-negotiated education pricing. While fees may be reviewed annually and may be subject to inflation, they are designed to remain predictable and stable for families.
What happens if my child leaves SCEA?
If a Secondary / Senior School student leaves SCEA before completing the three-year lease cycle, their SCEA-leased device must be returned to SCEA in good working condition. Lease payments already made are non-refundable. This ensures fairness across the program and helps maintain consistency for all families.
Why is there a cost difference between Primary, Years 7–9, and Years 10–12?
The difference reflects the type of device and the bundled support. Primary students use shared iPads that are classroom devices and remain at school, so the cost is lower. Years 7 – 9 students are issued SCEA-leased iPads with additional accessories and 3-years of AppleCare+. Years 10 – 12 students receive higher-specification SCEA-leased MacBooks designed for senior learning, with additional accessories and 3-years of AppleCare+, which they keep after graduation (where all school fees are paid). The costs also include technical support, Apple Classroom software, device management software, and cybersecurity protections across all devices.
What devices will Junior School students use?
For 2026, shared classroom iPads will be provided at a 2:1 student-to-device ratio in Kindergarten to Year 4. Year 5 students will have a SCEA-managed iPad at a 1:1 student-to-device ratio that stays in the classroom. Year 6 will be a parent-supplied Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). From 2027, shared classroom iPads will be provided at a 2:1 student-to-device ratio in Kindergarten to Year 4. Years 5 to 6 will be a SCEA-managed iPad at a 1:1 student-to-device ratio.
Can Junior School students take devices home?
No. iPads remain at school to support classroom learning.
Why are Junior School devices shared rather than 1:1?
Younger students benefit from guided and balanced use of technology. Shared access helps avoid overuse while still supporting digital literacy. Ellenbrook offers 1:1 student-to-device ratio in Years 4 – 6.
Is there an annual cost?
Yes. $65 per year for a SCEA-managed shared iPad at a 3:1 student-to-device ratio, $95 per year for a SCEA-managed shared iPad at a 2:1 student-to-device ratio, and $190 per year for a SCEA-managed iPad at a 1:1 student-to-device ratio. This covers the provision of a shared or exclusive iPad 11-inch 128GB, keyboard track-pad case, Apple Classroom software, device management software, security software, technical support, and access to a loan device (where available) when a student’s device is not working or under repair.
My child is starting mid-year in Year 7–9? What device is required?
2026
2028
What is included in the Year 7 iPad bundle?
Each bundle includes an iPad 11-inch 128GB, keyboard case with trackpad and stylus holder, Apple Pencil USB-C (engraved), AppleCare+ (3 years), Apple Classroom software, device management software, security software, technical support, and access to a loan device (where available) when a student’s device is not working or under repair.
What is the IT Levy for parents in Years 7 – 9?
The annual cost for a SCEA-leased iPad bundle for Year 7 in 2026 is $345.
Why is the keyboard case with trackpad and stylus holder required?
It ensures students have a complete setup for typing, research, and handwriting tasks. The trackpad and stylus holder also make the device more versatile for schoolwork.
Can students bring more than one device to school?
No. To avoid distraction and ensure consistency, only the SCEA-leased device may be used at school.
My child is starting mid-year. What device is required?
New students coming into Year 7 from 2026 will receive a SCEA-leased iPad.
What happens at the end of Year 9?
Students return their iPads to SCEA in good working condition. They receive a MacBook bundle going into Year 10 to assist their upper secondary school learning.
What if my child leaves before Year 10?
The SCEA-leased iPad must be returned to SCEA in good working condition. Lease payments are not refundable.
Can I opt-in to the Managed Device Program outside of the Year 7 entry point?
No. Students must enter at the designated year level.
Will the SCEA-leased device work at home?
Yes. The SCEA-leased device is managed both at school and at home, with safeguards, apps, and filters applied consistently.
My child is starting mid-year in Year 10–12? What device is required?
2026
2027
2028 onwards
What is included in the Year 10 MacBook bundle?
Each bundle includes a MacBook Air M4 (16GB RAM, 256GB SSD), protective case, AppleCare+ (3 years), Apple Classroom software, device management software, security software, technical support, and access to a loan device (where available) when a student’s device is not working or under repair.
What is the IT Levy for parents in Years 10 – 12?
The annual cost for a SCEA-leased MacBook bundle for Year 7 in 2026 is $595.
Can I opt-in to the Managed Device Program outside of the Year 10 entry point?
No. Students must enter at the designated year level.
Is a 256GB hard drive sufficient?
Yes. With cloud storage and school-managed apps, 256GB is more than adequate for student needs across Years 10–12.
What happens at the end of the three-year lease?
Provided all fees are paid, students keep their MacBook after Year 12 graduation.
If my child leaves before Year 12, what happens to their MacBook?
For students in Years 10 – 12, the MacBook is only gifted at graduation when all school fees and charges are paid. If a student leaves SCEA before Year 12, the device must be returned to the school in good working condition.
Can I opt-in outside of the Year 10 entry point?
No. Students must enter at the designated year level.
Please click on the following link to download the How to access Parent Lounge document:
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