Glenbrook School is a BYOD School (Bring Your Own Device)

Glenbrook School Digital Devices 2026

At Glenbrook School we want to ensure that digital learning supports, rather than replaces, the foundations that help our tamariki flourish. Our direction for 2026 has been shaped by careful reflection on what is best for our learners, the expertise of our kaiako, and the expectations of the refreshed curriculum.

We also recognise that children develop at different stages. In the early years, aakonga need rich opportunities to grow their oral language, fine motor skills, and social confidence. As they progress through the school, they are increasingly ready to use digital tools in more independent and purposeful ways. By introducing devices from Year 3 onwards, we can ensure digital learning is age-appropriate and meaningful.

A clear, consistent system helps all students feel confident and supported. It allows us to maintain the strong foundations of literacy, numeracy, language, and social development that are central to who we are as a school, while also preparing our learners for the growing digital demands of the world around them.

Digital Device Expectations for 2026
Years 0–2
Our youngest learners will not be using personal digital devices at school from 2026 unless needed for a specific online intervention or assessment.

This decision reflects our strong focus on the foundations of learning, including:

• Fine and gross motor skill development
• Oral language and early literacy
• Play-based and hands-on learning
• Social interaction and collaboration

These early years are crucial for building the competencies that underpin later success with digital learning.

Years 3–8
From 2026, all students in Years 3–8 will be required to have their own digital device for learning.

Recommended Device and Accessories

• Chromebook (This is most compatible with school systems, reliable, securely filtered, and cost-effective). We are a google docs school. 
• A hard-cover protective case
• Headphones (Clearly named)

Important notes

• Devices will no longer be shared or supplied in classrooms.
  Unfortunately, significant damage to school-owned devices this year means this model is no longer sustainable.
• Devices will be used daily as part of our structured literacy, mathematics, inquiry, collaborative learning programmes, and assessment.

Device Hire Option
For whaanau who prefer not to purchase a device outright, Glenbrook School will offer a limited number of hire devices.

• The device will remain at school. 
• It will be allocated solely to that child (not shared)
• Parents/caregivers are responsible for any damage, repairs, or replacement costs
• A termly hire fee of $40 per term payable in advance will apply.

This option recognises that families have differing needs while ensuring every child can participate equitably in digital learning. Please complete the attached form if you wish to hire a device for your child in 2026. 

Why These Changes?
We are committed to ensuring:

• A consistent and reliable digital learning environment
• Responsibility and care for personal equipment
• Greater protection of school property
• Stronger alignment with our teaching programmes and curriculum expectations

These decisions support high-quality learning for all aakonga, and allow teachers to plan effectively without device availability issues.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the hire option, please contact the school office. We will also send a follow-up information sheet outlining costs and setup requirements.

Ngaa mihi nui,
Ms Lysandra Stuart
Tumuaki

2026 BYOD Agreement

Purpose of BYOD at Glenbrook School

At Glenbrook School, digital technologies are used to enhance learning, foster creativity, promote collaboration, and build digital citizenship. Our approach aligns with Netsafe guidelines, N4L security recommendations, and the Ministry of Education’s direction for safe, effective, and equitable digital learning.

This agreement sets out clear expectations for students, staff, and whaanau to ensure that BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is safe, responsible, and purposeful.

Expectations for Students & Whaanau

Bringing a Device to School

By allowing my child to bring a device to school, I understand that:

• Devices must arrive at school fully charged each day.
• All personal devices remain the responsibility of the student and their whaanau, including insurance.
• Teachers will provide a locked cupboard for storage during break times.
  If my child chooses not to use this facility, the school is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage.
• Devices are for learning purposes only, and only the device owner may use it.
• Devices may only be used under direct teacher supervision.
  

Device Requirements (N4L Best Practice)

All BYOD devices must:

• Have up-to-date operating systems, security updates, and antivirus protection.
• Have a passcode, PIN, or password enabled.
• Be able to connect to the school’s wireless network and Google Suite.
• Have sufficient storage and a compatible operating system to support school learning programmes.
• Not contain any VPNs, proxies, hotspot apps, or tools that bypass filtering.
• Not contain games, messaging platforms, or apps rated 13+/18+
  
  The school retains the right to refuse a device that is unsafe, unsuitable, or unable to comply with network requirements.

Safe and Responsible Use

General Use

Students agree to:

• Use devices only when permitted by the teacher.
• Close the device and place it face down when not in use.
• Use only school-approved platforms, including Google Workspace.
• Use cloud-based tools for schoolwork and file storage.
• Never use the device in bus lines, on the bus, in the toilets, or in unsupervised areas.

Online Conduct

Students must:

• Uphold Glenbrook School values of Mana, Manaakitanga, Ako, and Whakawhanaungatanga online.
• Follow the Digital Citizenship Agreement, including Netsafe and school expectations.
• Report inappropriate content or behaviour immediately to a teacher or trusted adult.
• Not engage in bullying, harassment, or harmful communication (Harmful Digital Communications Act 2015).
• Not access or attempt to access inappropriate, restricted, or harmful websites.

Images, Videos and Recording

Students must not:

• Take photos, videos, or audio recordings at school without teacher permission.
• Post, share, or transmit images of any student or staff member without permission from both the person and the teacher.
• Use the camera inappropriately, including during break times.

Use of AI Tools

AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Grammarly, translation tools, or similar) may be used only under teacher direction.

Students must not:

• Use AI to complete assessments, assignments, or tasks without explicit teacher approval.
• Use AI to generate harmful, misleading, or inappropriate content.
• Use AI tools that require personal data unless approved by the school.
• Present AI-generated content as their own original work.
  
  Students must:
• Use AI to support learning, not replace critical thinking.
• Cite AI assistance when instructed.
  
  Misuse of AI tools may lead to restricted access or disciplinary action.

Prohibited Devices and Apps

The following are not permitted at Glenbrook School:

• Mobile phones
• Smartwatches or any device capable of messaging, calling, data transfer, location sharing, or recording
• Social media apps (e.g., Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat)
• Anonymous chat platforms
• Games or entertainment apps
• VPNs, proxies, or apps that bypass safety systems.

School Access to Devices

To ensure a safe and secure environment, the school may:

• Inspect a device if there is reasonable suspicion of a breach of safety or policy.
• Disconnect or block devices that compromise the network.
• Require a device to be taken home if viruses, security risks, or inappropriate apps are discovered.
  
  The school will not access personal files or apps unless required for safety, wellbeing, or serious misconduct investigation.

School Responsibilities

Glenbrook School agrees to:

• Provide safe, filtered internet access through N4L.
• Provide a locked storage space for devices during break times.
• Teach digital citizenship, online safety, and responsible digital behaviour using Netsafe resources.
• Provide learning opportunities that use digital devices purposefully.
• Respect student privacy and follow the Privacy Act 2020.
• Notify parents/whānau of concerns relating to digital behaviour or device misuse.
• Review this BYOD Agreement annually to align with Netsafe, N4L, and MoE updates.

Whaanau Responsibilities

Parents/caregivers agree to:

• Ensure the device is safe, secure, charged, and in good working order.
• Monitor installed apps and ensure all are suitable for school use.
• Ensure their child understands and follows this agreement.
• Support safe digital practices at home, noting that N4L filtering applies only at school.
• Provide required accessories: Hard-shell protective case / Named headphones
  
  Appendices Further Guidance for Whaanau: Netsafe Schools Framework – www.netsafe.org.nz / N4L Safety & Security – www.n4l.co.nz / Ministry of Education Digital Technologies – www.education.govt.nz