Student Technology
Bring Your Own Device Requirements
Technology is used across classrooms, co-curricular activities and wider learning at Marist College Canberra.
Junior School students (Years 4–6) are provided with devices at school. Senior School students (Years 7–12) are required to bring their own laptop that meets the College's minimum specifications.
Laptop Requirements
Minimum Requirements (Must Have)
Your son’s laptop must:
- Weigh less than 2.0 kg
- Have 5GHz Wi-Fi (Dual Band / 802.11abgn — the “a” indicates 5GHz capability)
- Have a powerful processor (Intel i5 or equivalent)
- Have at least 8GB RAM (16GB preferred)
- Have at least 128GB storage (256GB+ recommended)
- Be in good working order
- Be running a current version of Windows or macOS:
- Windows 11
- macOS 15 (Sequoia) or macOS 26 (Tahoe)
- Be carried in a padded satchel
Recommended
We recommend that the laptop:
- Has a screen size between 13–14 inches
(Minimum 10", maximum 15.9") - Includes accidental damage / theft insurance
- Has a transparent screen protector, especially for touchscreens
Not Suitable
The following devices must not be used:
- Windows versions older than Windows 10 (1909)
- macOS versions older than macOS 10.14 (Mojave)
- Chromebooks
- Tablets without a full hardware keyboard
- Heavy “gaming” laptops
- Devices running VPN services that bypass College filtering
- Devices with built-in mobile/cellular network connectivity
Software and Services Provided by the College
Every student receives:
- A College email address starting with their Student ID
(e.g. 12345@student.mcc.act.edu.au) - Access to the College Portal and Learning Management System
- Google G-Suite for Education
- Microsoft Office 365 (including installable Office apps)
- Access to several Adobe Creative Cloud applications
Additional software, such as advanced multimedia tools and antivirus programs, may be available at reduced cost.
Specialist software requiring higher processing power or restricted licensing may be accessed via College lab equipment or the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure.
Device Care and Student Responsibilities
Students are responsible for:
- The appropriate use of their device
- Security and safe storage
- Care and maintenance of the device
- Using a padded satchel when moving between classes
The College:
- Accepts no responsibility for damage or theft
- Is unable to provide technical support or a student’s laptop beyond assistance with connection to our Wi-Fi network
Frequently Asked Questions
Do students have to bring in a laptop or tablet?
Years 4–6:
No. Devices are provided and students are not encouraged to bring their own.
Years 7–12:
Yes. A laptop is compulsory.
What will the devices be used for in the classroom?
Usage varies by lesson, subject and teacher. Devices may be used for:
- Research using Australian digital resources
- Assignments: presentations, videos, digital posters, artwork
- Science data analysis and graphing
- Working with productivity tools
Students must still bring paper and pens to every class.
Not all lessons are ICT-based and device use is at the teacher’s discretion.
Will the internet be controlled?
Yes. The College uses:
- Internet filtering
- Network monitoring
- Student ICT Use Agreement requirements
Filtering safeguards are not foolproof, so supervision and digital citizenship education are also essential.
What about touch-screen or stylus-enabled devices?
These features are optional and not required.
What about device security?
Devices must be locked in the student’s locker with a secure lock when not in use.
The College accepts no liability for theft or damage.
Do we need to buy a new laptop?
Not necessarily.
An existing device may be used if it meets the specifications and is less than three years old.
What if the device is broken at school or on the bus?
- The College accepts no liability for damage or theft.
- Students should use a padded satchel when carrying their device.
- The College will not arbitrate disputes involving damage or repair costs.
What about textbooks?
Where permitted under copyright, textbooks are provided digitally on student devices.
What training will my son receive?
Students receive ongoing training in:
- The Learning Management System
- Google and Microsoft tools
- Digital Citizenship
- Cyber safety
- Cyberbullying
- Work Health & Safety in digital contexts
Since 1968, Marist Canberra has been a part of and had its footprints on the land of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples. As a College, we acknowledge the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which we stand. We pay our respects to them and for their care of the land. May we walk gently and respectfully upon the land. We are, as Marists, an inclusive and welcoming community. We acknowledge that all are created in the image of our loving God and called to live our lives glorifying the Lord. People of all faiths, gender, sexualities, and cultures are therefore welcome and respected equally in the Marist Catholic community.