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ICT LEVY: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Here are the answers to some frequently questions. We hope they are of assistance. There are also more details on our website: https://www.svacs.wa.edu.au/learning/information-technology/

1. Why was the ICT Levy introduced at SVACS?

  • In 2018, the ICT Committee listened to feedback from staff, parents and students, while investigating options for the 1:1 Technology Program. The School Council ratified the decision to introduce an ICT Levy which was then included in the School Fees and Charges.

  • With the development of the curriculum content by our teaching staff over the last several years of the 1:1 Tablet PC program, it was necessary to improve device specifications for the implementation of the next phase of technology integration.
  • The ICT Levy creates equality amongst students and ensures that all student devices are covered by an extended Warranty and Accidental Damage Protection.
  • We recognised that the increase in cost brought about by the necessity to improve the hardware may place undue pressure on families. As such, we decided to remove the burden of upfront costs associated with a more expensive BYOD Program, and instead move to an annual ICT Levy to access technology provided by the school.

2. Do I have to pay an ICT Levy for a school computer?

  • Yes, the ICT Levy is compulsory for all students from Years 4-12.

  •  Without a tablet computer, there is a significant educational impact. Students cannot complete the evolving learning programs that are embedded into the curriculum.

3. How much is this going to cost?

  • The annual cost of the ICT Levy for 2022 is $400.

  • We hope to keep this cost as low as possible into the future. 

  • The school is a non-profit organisation and does everything it can to keep costs as low as possible for parents, including seeking the most competitive prices each year.

4. What does the ICT Levy Cover?

The ICT Levy covers more than just the device, it crucially incorporates:

  • 3 year warranty
  • Accidental Damage Protection (ADP)
  • Software licensing
  • Improved hardware specifications (compared to previous ASUS devices)
  • A protective carry case

5. What are the advantages of the tablet being covered by a 3-year Warranty and ADP?

  • If there is a hardware failure (i.e. no damage), it can be repaired under warranty by the manufacturer during the 3-year lifespan of the device. 
  • The $50 damage excess for the ADP will cover the device if there is an incident where it is accidentally:
    • Damaged with a cracked screen
    • Damaged with cracked casing
    • Damaged with mainboard issues

  • Our new supplier and manufacturer will be providing a more efficient warranty and repair service than previous suppliers.

  • The answers listed above ensure that every student has a working computer in class, rather than trying to operate with faulty or damaged technology. This allows the school to concentrate on prioritising students and their curriculum outcomes in the Teaching and Learning Program.

6. Can we purchase the device at the end of the 3 years?

  • No, the devices must be returned to the school. If your child will still be a student at the school in the following year, they will be issued with a device.

  • The device is on ‘hire’ to the student and remains school property.

  • To minimise the financial obligation placed on families, the bulk purchase of devices includes a return of property to the school.

7. What are the expectations for my child to take care of the Tablet PC?

  • SVACS teaches integrity as a core value for our students to uphold. We expect that students at the school treat property (whether that is personal property or the property of another member of the community) with the utmost care and respect. 
  • It is a requirement that the Tablet PC is:
    • Always treated with care and respect
    • Carried in the supplied bag when travelling from school/home or moving between classes
    • Not deliberately nor intentionally damaged, graffitied, vandalised or marked in any way

8. Is the device my child is allocated covered by extended Warranty & Accidental Damage Protection?

  • Yes. It is a requirement that students come to school with an undamaged, working stylus-enabled device. To ensure that each student is covered for warranty and damage issues on their school-allocated device, the school has added these support services.

  • It is compulsory to have damaged devices repaired – there is an excess of $50 which is payable to the school’s Business Office for each damage repair that is required.

9. I have seen the device advertised for less than the cost of the ICT Levy. Why is the cost of the ICT Levy higher?

  • The device you are referring to may not be the exact same device that the school is supplying. Despite it looking similar, it may not have stylus support or other crucial functions.
  • The ICT Levy covers more than just the device, it crucially incorporates:
    • 3 year warranty
    • Accidental Damage Protection (ADP)
    • Software licensing
    • Improved hardware specifications
    • A protective carry case

10. Will all students be affected by the ICT Levy in 2021?

  • Yes, the ICT Levy is compulsory for all students from Years 4-12.