Stella Maris Shellharbour
A Catholic Parish Primary School
Stella Maris recognises that emerging information technologies have changed the nature of accessing information. The internet, multimedia and computer resources provide students with high interest and exciting challenges that are used as effective tools by the teachers to enrich the curriculum and provide for the wide ranging needs of our students.
At Stella Maris, Information, Communication and Learning Technologies (ICLT) are used in the classroom as a support tool that enhances teaching and learning in all curriculum areas. All students have equal access to the computers in their classroom.
View our Student Responsible Use of Technology Agreement, which each student and parent/carer is asked to sign at the commencement of each year.
Students in Years 4-6 will be using school-managed iPads to support their learning.
iPads are purchased through the school at a discounted rate, which will be paid off through school fees. AppleCare+ is included with the purchase, and the school will assist with repair arrangements in the event of accidental damage. Alternatively, parents have the option to provide a pre-owned iPad that will be wiped and incorporated into the school-managed program. This includes using an iPad of a sibling who is graduating Year 6.
Students will bring their iPad to and from school daily, fostering a sense of responsibility. Every student will receive a school-managed Apple ID along with a 200GB Education iCloud account, facilitating seamless access to educational resources and collaborative tools. The school will also supply and manage all apps, ensuring that the iPad serves as a dedicated learning tool without access to social media or messaging apps. The filtering measures applied at school will also extend to home usage, promoting a safe and controlled digital environment. Furthermore, iPad apps will be disabled between 8pm and 8am (including school holidays and weekends) to support healthy sleeping habits. At the end of Year 6, the iPad will be restored to factory settings.
Read more about our 1:1 iPad program, including setup tips and parent information
To succeed and thrive in our fast-changing world, students need to have a strong foundation in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). STEM develops key skills in problem-solving and critical thinking by integrating science, technology, engineering and mathematics through authentic learning experiences. We promote the development of 21st century learning skills by increasing STEM engagement and participation within classrooms and weekly lunchtime activities in our STEM Makerspace. Students partake in a variety of problem-solving activities, including coding, programming and robotics.
Oliver is our school’s Library Management System. It is fully web-based, so the whole school community can access library resources including eBooks and Audiobooks. Simple, clear search options like dynamic picture searches help young students find books and other resources that appeal to them. They can also choose from a huge selection of background graphics and avatars to personalise their library experience.
Oliver means students and staff can also manage their loans and reservations — anywhere, anytime.
Digital citizenship is a priority at Stella Maris, with all students participating in learning experiences that focus on being responsible and ethical users of technology.
Teachers use a range of resources developed by the Catholic Education Diocese of Wollongong, the Office of the eSafety Commissioner and other online safety organisations, to assist in the ongoing education of our students in being safe and responsible digital citizens.
The CEDoW Digital Citizenship Program Site provides a program of resources for our students on digital citizenship.