Introduction
The school offers a limited supply of devices that are available to hire if a family is unable to purchase their own personal device.
This should be used as a second-best option and the best outcome for student success remains to have their own device purchased as part of our BYOD scheme.
You can find more information about our BYOD scheme and browse our portals on the Park Ridge State High School website.
Hire options
We have two hire options for students, depending on their situation:
- Standard Hire
- Suitable in most cases
- 350 per year (Option to pay $175 per Semester with the first payment required to be paid before picking-up the device) Its highly recommended you start a payment plan.
- 30-Day Complimentary Hire
- Short term device hire
- A 'safety net' if a student's device is damaged and being repaired (this is not for newly enrolled students as we are a BYOD school and it is expected that you will have a device from the first day)
- After the 30-day period you will automatically be invoiced $175 and transferred to Standard Hire (there is no grace period or extension options)
Day loan / 'hot swap' device
Day loan hire is slightly different from our main options and is available as a safety net if a student forgets their device, or it becomes flat.
Students can borrow a device for the day from the IT Help Desk . While the student has the device, they are responsible for any damage to the device and must return the device to the IT Help Desk at the end of the school day.
Students can use this service at no cost, however high-level repeated use of this system (10+ per term) may result in a daily charge ($5) to cover the cost of the device and the IT Help Desk staff required to borrow the device at the start and end of each day, if the device is returned damaged an invoice will be sent to the
parent/guardian to cover the cost of repairs. Repair cost is according to the following sliding scale; First incident $50, Second incident $100, Third incident $150. Parents should consider a standard loan in this situation.
The device is not to leave school grounds and late fees ($5) may be charged for each additional day the student borrows the device.
IT Help Desk staff reserve the right to refuse a loan device for any reason.
Standard Hire
Hiring a device
Families who wish to participate in the hire scheme for will need pay an initial $175 when collecting their device and sign a Laptop Hire Agreement with the school before the student can receive the laptop.
It highly recommended that you start a payment plan.
Students will receive:
| Item | Cost to replace |
Laptop | $1,295*
|
| Charger | $42
|
| Case | $34
|
*Due to significant increases in costs, the replacement cost for devices purchased in 2026 or later may be higher than in previous years. We encourage all users to handle their devices with care to minimise the risk of damage or loss.
For further details regarding replacement costs or device care guidelines, please contact I.T. Support at
itsupport@parkridgeshs.eq.edu.au.
Damage to the device will cost $50 in the first instance then an additional $50 thereafter (2nd time $100, 3rd time $150, after the 3rd time if damage occurs again Park Ridge SHS may terminate the hire contract and offer no further hire/loans)
At the start of a new school year.
Devices are available for collection in the week prior to school returning. Please see the school website's home page and/or Facebook page in January for IT Help Desk operating hours.
Hire devices
$350 / year ($175/ Semester upfront payment)
- Reserve your device in advance online
- Student must have no outstanding school fees
- First payment due before the device is picked up and final payment due term 3
- Pro-rata if starting hire through the year
- Full year hire only, no refunds for early return
Park Ridge State High School may choose not to approve a hire application at its sole discretion.
Returning hire devices
All equipment must be returned if you are leaving the School early.
Laptops are hired for the entire school year. No refunds available for early return of equipment. Families will be contacted in Term 4 ahead of the required return of hire devices, usually in the final two weeks of school for the student's year level.
All accessories must be returned at the same time, or they will be charged for at the rates above.
Complimentary 30-day hire devices
Park Ridge State High School has a small number of devices available for students to use if their personal device becomes damaged and needs to be sent away for repair.
These laptops are not covered for accidental damage. The safe care and return of the device, charger and case is the responsibility of the student and parent/carer.
Any damage will be charged for and must be paid before the student can borrow a device again.
Extending after 30 days
If the device is not returned within the complimentary 30-day hire period, the device will be converted to the Standard Hire and incur a $175 upfront payment charged every semester
Parents/carers will be invoiced.
Should the parent/carer fall behind in the payment of their hire fees, the hire device will be collected by the school and no further devices will be loaned until any outstanding invoices have been paid.
The school reserves the right to withdraw or reject a complimentary 30-day hire at its sole discretion.
Wilful Damage
Effective from 1 January 2027, any instance of wilful damage to devices issued by Park Ridge SHS will result in the full cost of repairs being charged to the parent or guardian of the student responsible.
Wilful damage is defined as any deliberate action that causes harm to the device, rendering it partially or fully inoperable or diminishing its functionality or appearance. Examples of wilful damage include, but are not limited to:
- The removal or destruction of keyboard keys.
- Tampering with or damaging the webcam or other hardware components.
- Engraving, scratching, or defacing the device in any way.
- Intentional exposure of the device to liquids or other substances that cause damage.
- Any other deliberate act that results in physical or functional damage to the device.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the importance of proper care and responsible use of school-issued devices with their children. This policy is intended to ensure that all students have access to functional and well-maintained equipment to support their learning.
For further information or clarification regarding this policy, please contact I.T. Support at
itsupport@parkridgeshs.eq.edu.au.
Device Care Guidelines
The following guidelines have been developed to ensure the proper care and maintenance of devices hired from Park Ridge SHS. These measures are designed to protect the devices from damage and ensure they remain in good working condition for all users.
General Care
- Use the Protective Case: Always keep the device in the provided protective case when not in use. The case is designed to minimise the risk of damage from accidental drops, impacts, or scratches.
- Handle with Care: Always carry the device with two hands and avoid holding it by the screen or edges. Do not place heavy objects on top of the device, as this may cause damage to the screen or internal components. Avoid placing the device on unstable surfaces where it could fall.
- Keep Away from Liquids: Do not expose the device to liquids, including water, beverages, or cleaning solutions. Avoid using the device near food or drinks to prevent spills.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Do not expose the device to extreme heat or cold, such as leaving it in a car or direct sunlight for extended periods. Store the device in a cool, dry place when not in use.
- Clean with Care: Use a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to clean the screen and exterior of the device. Avoid using abrasive materials, harsh chemicals, or excessive moisture when cleaning.
Usage Guidelines
- Authorised Use Only: Devices are to be used solely for educational purposes and in accordance with Park Ridge SHS policies. Do not allow unauthorised individuals to use the device.
- Charging the Device: Use only the charger provided with the device. Charge the device on a stable surface and avoid overcharging.
- Software and Applications: Do not install unauthorised software or applications on the device. Report any issues with software or performance to the I.T. Help Desk.
- Internet Use: Use the device to access the internet responsibly and in accordance with the Park Ridge SHS Acceptable Use Policy. Avoid accessing inappropriate or unauthorised websites.
Damage Prevention
- Avoid Physical Damage: Do not attempt to remove or tamper with any components of the device, including keys, screens, or cameras. Do not engrave, scratch, or deface the device or its case in any way.
- Report Issues Promptly: If the device is damaged, malfunctions, or is lost, report it immediately to the I.T. Help Desk. Do not attempt to repair the device yourself.
- Transporting the Device: Always transport the device in its protective case. When carrying the device in a bag, ensure it is placed securely and not at risk of being crushed or damaged by other items.
Responsibilities
- Student Responsibilities: Students are responsible for the care and appropriate use of the device while it is in their possession. Students must ensure the device is returned in good working condition at the end of the hire period.
- Parent/Guardian Responsibilities: Parents/guardians are responsible for covering the cost of repairs or replacement. Parents/guardians are encouraged to discuss these guidelines with their child and reinforce the importance of proper device care.
Consequences of Damage or Loss
- Any wilful damage to the device, including but not limited to removing keys, tampering with the webcam, or defacing the device, will result in the full cost of repairs being charged to the parent/guardian.
- In the event of loss or irreparable damage, the parent/guardian will be responsible for the full replacement cost of the device.
By following these guidelines, students and parents/guardians can help ensure the longevity and functionality of the hired devices, supporting a positive and productive learning experience for all.
For any questions or concerns regarding these guidelines, please contact I.T. Support at
itsupport@parkridgeshs.eq.edu.au.