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What is BYOD?
What is BYOD?
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) is the practice that allows individuals to use their personal electronic devices, such as laptops or tablets for education. We recognize that technology and choices about technology are personal, and BYOD provides the freedom to make technology choices that suit you and all your circumstances.
Recommended Devices
Recommended Devices
At Santa Sophia, we understand the importance of technology in enhancing learning. Students are required to bring their own devices* to support their learning experience. Our systems are compatible with a range of operating systems, including ChromeOS, Windows, and macOS.
Whilst Apple was originally the preferred device in 2021, we have since introduced the Google Chromebook as an alternative because it provides a simple, secure, and distraction-free platform that integrates seamlessly with Google Workspace for Education. Chromebooks enable students to access all their learning tools through the cloud, promote responsible use, and are cost-effective and durable, making them an excellent choice for a consistent and focused learning environment.
Please ensure your child’s device is available for use at school each day.
* K-3 students are not required to bring a device
*Year 4 (Optional) BYOD Chromebook model will be introduced in 2026
*updated September, 2025
Apple Macbook Air/Neo/Pro
Apple Macbook Air/Neo/Pro
The Apple Macbook Neo is an excellent budget option for families looking to purchase a premium, reliable device for their child. With its lightweight design, long battery life, and seamless performance for everyday school tasks, it provides students with a dependable device that is easy to use both at school and at home. Its durable build quality and integration with the Apple ecosystem also make it a practical long-term investment for learning, communication, and productivity. If your child requires a more capable model suitable for coding, video editing, or photo editing, the MacBook Air or MacBook Pro would be more suitable options.
Google Chromebook
Google Chromebook
ChromeOS is an excellent choice, as it is designed for cloud-based activities like Google Docs and Canvas. Chromebooks, especially 2-in-1 models, are both affordable and versatile, offering the convenience of a convertible laptop or a detachable tablet. Keep in mind that ChromeOS devices may not have the performance needed for creative subjects, for which we recommend Windows or macOS devices.
It is required to obtain a Chromebook Management License (CML) in order to use a ChromeOS device on our network.
When purchasing a ChromeOS device from CompNow or ASI, a CML will be included in the purchase.
Separate purchase from other retailers such as JBHIFI will require a separate CML purchase from one of our preferred suppliers.
This license costs $61.
Windows Laptops
Windows Laptops
Windows devices offer a versatile and cost-effective solution that spans a wide range of educational needs. The Windows operating system is well-suited for both cloud-based activities and more resource-intensive creative tasks, making it an excellent choice for students from grades 5 to 12.
Hardware & Software Specifications
Hardware & Software Specifications
Type of Device
Windows based Laptop.
Apple Macbook Laptop.
Google ChromeOS based Laptop.
Form Factor
Laptop or convertible (2-in-1 laptops)
Physical Dimensions
Minimum screen size 9.7 inches.
Operating System
For Windows Laptop's: Supports Microsoft Windows 11* or newer. S Edition is NOT supported.
For Apple MacBook's: Supports macOS 26 (Tahoe)* or newer.
For Chromebooks: Supports the latest ChromeOS version* and updates until 2028 onwards.
*Devices may run an older version of the operating system (e.g Windows 10, macOS 11 Big Sur) however they must be able to update to the latest versions in the future. Un-official hardware or software modifications to bypass hardware compatibility requirements to run un-supported operating systems are not recommended and is not supported.
Wireless Connectivity
Supports Wi-Fi 5, Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 on the 5 GHz wireless frequency band. If a device supports ONLY 2.4 GHz band and not both 5 GHz and 2.4 GHz, then the device will not be supported on the school wireless network.
Sometimes referred to as 802.11ac, 802.11ax and 802.11be.
WPA 2 Enterprise Security.
Most laptops purchased between 2015-present support the wireless connectivity requirements above.
Battery Life
Advertised battery life of at least 6 hours or more.
Storage
Recommended 256 GB or more of internal solid state (SSD) storage.
RAM/Memory
Recommended 8 GB or more of RAM.
Considerations
A device with a weight around 1.2 kg. Students will be carrying it to different classrooms throughout the day.
A ridged or well-padded laptop sleeve or cover.
Accidental loss and damage insurance.
Additional power supply.
CSPD BYOD Vendor Partnership
CSPD BYOD Vendor Partnership
The Catholic Schools Paramatta Diocese (CSPD) and Santa Sophia Catholic College have partnered with CompNow and ASI solutions to streamline Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) purchases.
The college recommends that BYOD purchases to be made from CompNow or ASI via their parent portal. Through parents are free to use any other vendor.
All devices purchased with CompNow come with a 3-Year On-Site Care Plan which covers mechanical or electrical faults. A link to CompNow's Warranty guide is linked here.
CompNow
If you are having issues searching for Santa Sophia in the drop-down menu when selecting a Campus, please note that it is ordered by suburb.
You can search in this field and by typing "Gables" with the drop-down menu open, Santa Sophia will be selected.
ASI Solutions
ASI Portal To order to gain access to the portal you must use the Activation code below to register an account:
647-863-295
Device Insurance
Device Insurance
Santa Sophia is not liable for any damage to BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) devices that occur on site.
Insurance Recommendation: It is strongly recommended to secure insurance for your BYOD device.
AppleCare: Must be purchased within 30 days of your initial device purchase.
CompNow Protect: Available for devices purchased from CompNow.
Alternative option iBroker: For devices without insurance but still within one year of purchase, please visit www.ibroker.net.au for options.
Software Available to Students
Software Available to Students
The following paid software is available to students free of charge. The software can be accessed with their school provided account.
Google Workspace for Education
Microsoft Office 365
Adobe Creative Cloud
Canva
Please ensure the web browser Google Chrome is installed before use of device at school as this is CSPD's preferred browser.
Loan Devices
Loan Devices
In the event of the child's BYOD device being damaged, the school can provide a temporary loan device (macOS or ChromeOS) for the duration of the repair process.
If there are complications with the repair process requiring the school to loan a device out longer or you have any questions regarding this process, please contact the school's ICT department.
Device Enrollment
Device Enrollment
All BYOD devices accessing the network must be registered into our device management system. Please read the enrollment page for instructions.
Please note that some anti-virus software can interfere with our network and may be required to be disabled.
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