Hauraki Plains College Information Technology Use:
Hauraki Plains College strives to offer all students’ access to a range of ICT-related resources and courses. The College allows students access to the Internet, as well as to a constantly expanding Intranet system including a specifically designed HPC app.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
From 2025, Year 9 and 10 students will be required to bring their own device to school. The preferred device for students is a Chromebook. Chromebooks offer many advantages in a school environment:
- Chromebooks are generally more affordable than many other laptops and tablets, making them a cost-effective option for students and schools.
- Chromebooks can be managed easily through Google Admin Console, allowing our IT administrators to manage devices, applications, and policies remotely.
- Chromebooks are designed with multiple layers of security, including automatic updates and sandboxing, reducing the risk of malware and viruses.
- Chromebooks have long battery life, allowing students to use them throughout the school day without needing to recharge.
- Chromebooks boot up quickly and perform efficiently for educational tasks.
- Many Chromebooks are now designed to be rugged and durable, making them suitable for the rough handling they might experience in a school environment.
Families can purchase Chromebooks from any retailer. However, we have a commercial relationship with Noel Leeming which may provide preferential pricing and financing options compared to other retailers. Visiting stores in Thames, Pukekohe or at the Base in Hamilton and stating that your child is from Hauraki Plains College will enable families to access these options.
For families who are unable to purchase a Chromebook, we do offer the option of a loan device sourced from older HPC Chromebooks. If you would like anymore information about this please contact:
Hardeep Singh (IT Tech) hardeeps@haurakiplains.school.nz
Jonathan O’Neill (Deputy Principal & ICT) jonathano@haurakiplains.school.nz
Our Cyber-Safe Community
Hauraki Plains College is committed to providing safe and educationally focused digital journeys for our students. To support this, we have partnered with leading online safety provider, Linewize by Qoria. Linewize is a world leader in online safety for schools and communities, supporting over 27,000 schools and more than 22 million students globally. Linewize services help ensure our students use the internet safely and effectively.
Monitor
Allows the school to ensure students use the internet on school IT safely and effectively. Sends senior staff notifications when risk or vulnerable student behaviour is detected (24/7 home & school)
Classwize
Helps teachers guide internet access during lessons, improving focus and reducing digital distractions. (School hours only)
FAQ - For Families / Whanau + Students
What online activity can school staff see for students when using a school account?
Screenshots of risky, harmful or vulnerable behaviour typed by a student on the school account:
- Searches
- Apps & Websites
- Videos watched
Is it possible for the school to see school account activity (websites accessed / searches / typed words where risk is identified) at home for students?
Yes - but only while a student is logged into their school account
Does this work for BYOD devices at school?
Yes - if the school manages these or has set this protection service up.
Can teachers view students' computer screens at home?
Yes - Student screens can only be viewed from home by a teacher in Classwize during learning hours set by the school (9am - 3pm).
What does that mean for other household members?
Please refer to the school's specific student ICT policy/digital agreements. It is good practice, on shared devices, other family members sign out of the school account and use a personal account for their internet use.
What about Privacy and Security?
Our school has chosen to work with Linewize on the basis of their commitment to the highest standards regarding the privacy and security of student data.