Frequently asked questions

Will the device purchased from LWT be configured by the company and ready for our child to use?

No, the device provider will deliver it to your chosen address. You are encouraged to turn it
on upon receipt and complete the initial setup. New students will be connected to school services during the first week of term 1.

Will there be an option to pay upfront or in instalments?

Families may pay upfront via debit or credit card. LWT offers several payment options, including lay-by and Latitude Financial Services payment plans. Please visit the portal for more information.

What if I do not wish to use the LWT portal?

That is acceptable, but you need to be aware of the school's requirements. The computer must have a battery that can last an entire school day without recharging. Weight is also a consideration, as your child will be carrying it throughout the day for 40 weeks a year. Additionally, avoid ‘gaming’ laptops, as they are larger and heavier, with poor battery life due to their power consumption and additional lighting.

Please avoid Windows S-Mode, as the school does not support it.

Assistance with Windows S-Mode

If you have inadvertently purchased a computer with Windows S-Mode, you can remove S-Mode by following the steps provided here https://tinyurl.com/Remove-S-Mode

Software requirements

You do not need to purchase any additional software. Mount Barker High School provides all necessary software for students throughout their time at school. This includes licenses for Office 365 (Word, PowerPoint, etc.), Adobe Creative Cloud (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.), Fusion 360, and any other specialised applications that may be required. There is no need for you to purchase these.

Anti-Virus software

There is no need to purchase an antivirus software subscription such as Norton or McAfee. Microsoft includes its own anti-malware software, Windows Defender, by default in Windows. This is generally sufficient for most uses. However, if you desire additional protection, we recommend MalwareBytes, which can be easily found through a quick web search.

Parental controls

We advise against using Microsoft Family or other parental control software, as they can be overly restrictive. Instead, consider creating an administrator account that only you have access to, and a standard user account for your child. Instructions for creating these accounts can be found through a quick web search for 'admin account creation' and 'standard account creation'. Please inform the school's ICT team of the administration password so that we can install software or perform any necessary troubleshooting. You can do this via email at dl.0783.ictadmin@schools.sa.edu.au.

VPN software policy

The use of VPN software is prohibited as it can be used to bypass the school's filtering system, which breaches our duty of care and the ICT agreement signed by both you and your child. Additionally, free VPN software often contains malware that can harvest your data and passwords, allowing bad actors to gain access to your computer.

How long will the students be able to use the same device?

It is anticipated that the device will be suitable for school use for at least 3 years. Depending on the subjects your child chooses in senior school, a higher-specification device may be required. 

Will our child be able to access personal email accounts?

Students are provided with a school email account, which they can access both at school and at home. Private email accounts may be blocked by the Department for Education when at school, depending on filtering settings.

Will our child be able to access the internet wirelessly outside the school with a device purchased from LWT?

Yes, students will be able to search for and connect to other wireless networks if access is permitted. This includes home internet connections.

Can a device purchased from LWT be used by us/our child to download other software, music, movies, etc.?

Yes, the device belongs to you and not the school. However, these downloads may be lost if the device needs to be reformatting to fix errors. You must ensure that any downloads do not infringe copyright. Good backup practices are also recommended.

Will our child be able to print while at school?

Yes, students with a device will have access to the school network and its printers. Students may also print from any school-owned device.

What happens if my child’s device purchased from LWT needs repair?

The devices come with a 3-year warranty. The ICT help desk will assess the device. The school's ICT support will manage minor faults. The manufacturer is responsible for all major faults, and the school will manage this process.

What happens if the device is damaged due to an accident, being dropped, or being lost?

You own the computer, not the school. The warranty does not cover accidental damage or loss. We strongly recommend that parents have insurance for the device, either through an existing policy that covers the device at home and school, or by taking out insurance at the time of purchase with LWT.

Additional ICT tips for students and parents

• Restarting your computer can resolve many issues. We recommend restarting your computer weekly, preferably on Friday after school, so it is ready for use on Monday.

• Ensure your computer is fully charged at the start of each school day. Charge the laptop overnight and verify that it is plugged in and the power point is turned on before leaving it for the night.

• Daymap is the school's learner management system used for assigning tasks, tracking attendance, and communicating with families. It is essential to know how to access and use it. 

• Your password is personal and must be kept private and secure. This school password will remain the same throughout your time at school, so please ensure that no one else knows it.

• Always supervise your child when they are using a computer. Have them use it in an open area with the screen facing you so you can monitor their activity.

• Everyone needs to understand the basics of online safety. We recommend reviewing the Australian Signals Directorate’s cybersecurity guide. https://www.cyber.gov.au/learn-basics