BYODD MacBook Program
Device Requirements
What to buy, which models we support, and how to protect the device once you have it.
All students from Year 5 to Year 12 must have an Apple MacBook capable of running the current version of macOS. At the time of writing, that is macOS 27 Golden Gate.
This single requirement does most of the work. A Mac that can run the current macOS can receive Apple's security updates, which is the baseline standard set by Catholic Education, Diocese of Wollongong (CEDoW) for any device on our network.
Important
Windows laptops, iPads, Chromebooks and Android tablets will not be enrolled into the College's management platform and are not supported by the IT Hub.
Two MacBook models meet the College's requirements. Families may choose whichever suits them best. Both are fully supported.
Option 1: Recommended device
An affordable, lightweight device that comfortably handles everything in a typical school day: Google Workspace, Compass, Canva, research, note taking and most classroom apps.
Option 2: Higher performance
More headroom for demanding work: video editing, music production, design, 3D and software development. The better choice for students heading towards senior creative or technology subjects.
Both models were selected on connectivity, reliability, performance and battery life. Either will serve a student well for the full length of their time at the College. See program pricing for the configurations and prices available through the College's web store.
Upgrades are optional
Families are welcome to choose a different configuration, such as a larger display, more memory or more storage, but the College does not require it. Buying above the minimum is a personal decision, not an expectation.
Most families will be well served by the MacBook Neo. Choose the MacBook Air if the points below sound like your child.
| If your child… | We'd suggest |
|---|---|
| Is starting in Year 5 or Year 7 | MacBook Neo. lighter to carry and does everything needed in the Middle Years |
| Is mainly writing, researching, presenting and collaborating | MacBook Neo |
| Takes Visual Arts, Music, Design & Technology or Media | MacBook Air. more memory makes creative apps noticeably smoother |
| Is heading into the Senior Years (9–12) with technology subjects | MacBook Air |
| Already owns a supported MacBook | Keep using it, but contact the IT Hub first so we can confirm it's compatible |
Thinking long term
A Year 5 student will likely use their MacBook for three to four years before it needs replacing, and a Year 7 student through to around Year 10. Weighing up a slightly higher spend now against an earlier replacement later is worth a few minutes of thought.
Laptops must be carried in a protective case whenever students move between classes. Accidental damage is by far the most common reason a device comes to the IT Hub, and a good case prevents most of it.
The STM Dux Plus hard clamshell case is the recommended case across the whole Diocese, not only at St Francis. It protects the entire device including the corners and edges. Soft cloth, neoprene or sleeve-style covers offer very little protection against a drop and are not recommended.
Looking after the device is the student's responsibility. A sturdy case, a bag with a padded laptop compartment, and the habit of closing the lid before moving will prevent the overwhelming majority of damage we see.
Families can purchase a MacBook from any store or reseller of their choosing. There is no requirement to buy through the College or a particular supplier.
EduCom IT is an Authorised Apple Reseller and Service Provider at Smeaton Grange, and the preferred local Apple provider to Catholic Education, Diocese of Wollongong. They maintain a Technology Portal for each CEDoW secondary school to help families choose a compliant device. You can reach the St Francis store at educomit.com.au/dow by selecting the College crest.
Their proximity is a genuine advantage: EduCom IT collect from and deliver to the College regularly, which makes warranty and AppleCare+ repairs far less disruptive than posting a device away. See the AppleCare+ for Mac page for how servicing works.
These are the BYOD Notebook Program configurations EduCom IT are offering for Term 4, 2026. All four meet the College's requirements, and all carry EduCom IT's portal pricing. Both Air configurations have a 10-core CPU and 16 GB of memory; they differ in graphics cores and storage.
| Model | Chip · memory · storage | Price |
|---|---|---|
| MacBook Neo 13″ | A18 Pro · 8 GB · 256 GB | $899.00 |
| MacBook Neo 13″ | A18 Pro · 8 GB · 512 GB · Touch ID | $1,099.00 |
| MacBook Air 13″ | M5 8‑core GPU · 16 GB · 512 GB | $1,939.00 |
| MacBook Air 13″ | M5 10‑core GPU · 16 GB · 1 TB | $2,389.00 |
The Neo is available in Silver, Citrus, Indigo and Blush; the Air in Silver, Sky Blue, Starlight and Midnight. More notebooks are available in the store than the four listed here, along with a range of compatible accessories, so it is worth browsing the full program before deciding.
About these prices
Prices are correct as at 1 October 2026, include GST, and exclude freight. They are subject to change without notice, and the College has no control over them. Always check the store for the current price before ordering. Terms and conditions apply. E&OE.
Orders, pricing, stock and delivery are handled by EduCom IT directly. The College's IT Hub cannot see your order or advise on pricing, though we can always confirm whether a model meets our requirements.
Download the EduCom IT BYOD Notebook Program flyer, Term 4 2026 (PDF, 1.2 MB)
Buy AppleCare+ at the same time
AppleCare+ can only be added for a limited period after purchase, currently 60 days, but check Apple's site for the current terms. It is much easier to decide once, at the point of sale, than to remember two months later. Read why we strongly recommend it before you buy.
If purchasing the device outright isn't possible, most resellers offer finance and payment plan options. In cases of genuine financial hardship, please contact your child's Year Coordinator or the College Office on (02) 4645 3400. These conversations are confidential and we will work with you.
None of these are required, but families often ask what else is useful.
Please label headphones and cases clearly with your child's name.
Students should arrive each day with a fully charged MacBook, charged at home overnight. That is the expectation, and a modern MacBook will comfortably last a school day from full.
For the days when it doesn't, the College provides charging on site through three PC Locs FUYL 15 Pro towers. Each has fifteen individually locking, individually powered bays, so a student can secure their device in a bay, collect it charged later, and no one else can open it.
Please don't send a charger to school
Loose chargers trailing across classroom floors and walkways are a trip hazard, which is exactly why the charging towers exist. Keep the charger at home, where it's also far less likely to be lost or damaged.
