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2026 BYOD Apple Program – Parent Information
2026 BYOD Apple Program – Parent Information
From the start of the 2026 school year, all students in Years 3–12 will be required to bring their own Apple device as part of learning at Heritage Christian School.
This page contains everything families need to prepare for the transition.
Heritage Christian School is introducing a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Apple Program from January 2026, ensuring students have reliable, high-quality devices that support and enhance learning.
Transition Program (Current Students & New 2026 Families)
Transition Program (Current Students & New 2026 Families)
To support families in this change all current students and all students already enrolled to begin in January 2026 are automatically included in the three-year Transition Program unless a family chooses to opt out as they can provide their own device that meets the minimum requirements.
Under this program, the school supplies each student with an Apple device, and families pay it off gradually over three years as part of their annual school fee invoice.
Devices supplied
Devices supplied
Years 3–4:
iPad A16 (latest generation)
Protective case
Apple Pencil
Keyboard
Years 5–12:
MacBook Air 13" (M4 / 16GB Unified Memory / 256GB SSD)
Protective case
Costs & Ownership
Costs & Ownership
Device payments are spread over three years:
iPad (Years 3–4): $320 per year (total $960)
MacBook (Years 5–12): $620 per year (total $1,860)
Devices remain the property of the school during the payment period.
After the third and final payment, ownership transfers to the family.
Repair coverage (included)
Repair coverage (included)
$65 per iPad repair event
$150 per MacBook repair event
When do we collect the device?
When do we collect the device?
Devices will be ready for collection from our IT Department in January 2026.
An email will be sent to all families with further information and the option to book a time with our IT department.
Supplying Your Own Apple Device (Opt-Out Option)
Supplying Your Own Apple Device (Opt-Out Option)
Families may choose to use their own Apple device that meets the school’s minimum specifications.
To opt out of the 3 year transition plan, complete the form by 28 November 2025:
👉 Opt-Out Form – I want to supply my own device
Minimum Device Specifications
Minimum Device Specifications
iPads (Years 3–6)
iPads (Years 3–6)
Must support iPadOS 26. Suitable models include:
iPad Pro (M4)
iPad Pro 12.9" (3rd gen+)
iPad Pro 11" (1st gen+)
iPad Air (M2 or 3rd gen+)
iPad (8th gen+)
iPad mini (A17 Pro or 5th gen+)
Not NAPLAN compatible: iPad Mini 1–5
Accessories: protective case (max 23 cm width), headphones.
MacBooks (Years 7–12)
MacBooks (Years 7–12)
Minimum specs:
M2 processor or higher
8GB RAM
256GB storage
Latest macOS
Recommended: M3 processor
Recommended accessories: protective case; USB-C to USB adapter for applicable models.
Software Requirements
Software Requirements
All devices must have:
The latest operating system installed
The school will supply software required for learning.
School-supplied devices will be preconfigured by our IT team
Device Use at School
Device Use at School
Years 3–6 (Junior School)
Devices stay at school
Stored securely in classrooms
Charged on-site
Years 7–12 (Senior School)
Devices go home daily
Required for homework, assessment, and study
2026 BYOD Apple Program – FAQ
2026 BYOD Apple Program – FAQ
Why is Heritage using Apple devices?
Why is Heritage using Apple devices?
Heritage aligns with CEM, which standardises Apple devices across all CEM schools. This provides:
Reliable, robust devices
Reduced downtime and smoother support
Consistent learning platforms
Seamless integration with school systems
Will this mean more screen time?
Will this mean more screen time?
No. Technology at Heritage always serves learning — it does not drive it.
Teachers determine when and how devices are used.
The shift to BYOD will not increase screen time; it simply ensures students have reliable devices that support learning.
When will students use their device?
When will students use their device?
Years 3–6: Devices stay at school, stored and charged securely.
Years 7–12: Devices go home daily for homework and assessment.
What device will my child receive (Transition Program)?
What device will my child receive (Transition Program)?
New 2026 students are already included in the three-year program.
Years 3–4: iPad A16 + case + Apple Pencil + keyboard
Years 5–12: MacBook Air 13" (M4/16GB/256GB) + protective case
How much does the device cost?
How much does the device cost?
Billed annually with school fees over three years:
iPad: $320/year (total $960)
MacBook: $620/year (total $1,860)
Ownership transfers after the final payment.
When and how do we collect the device?
When and how do we collect the device?
Devices will be ready for collection from the IT Department in January 2026.
Families will receive dates, times, and instructions closer to the start of school.
Can we use our own Apple device?
Can we use our own Apple device?
Yes. Families may opt out of the Transition Program if they have, or plan to purchase, a device that meets minimum specifications.
Opt-out deadline: 28 November 2025.
👉 Opt-out form link
What if my child leaves before the three years are finished?
What if my child leaves before the three years are finished?
Families may:
Pay the remaining balance (plus GST) to keep the device, or
Return the device in good condition (repair fees may apply)
What software is required?
What software is required?
All devices must:
Have the latest OS
Include required school apps (published soon)
School-supplied devices will be preconfigured.
What happens if the device is damaged?
What happens if the device is damaged?
Repairs are covered under the protection program:
$65 per repair (iPad)
$150 per repair (MacBook)
Who do I contact if I have further questions?
Who do I contact if I have further questions?
Junior School:
Head of School - Mrs Elizabeth Killick: elizabethkillick@heritage.nsw.edu.au
Senior School:
Deputy Principal - Mr Dougal Parsons: dougalparsons@heritage.nsw.edu.au
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