Ahead of the official rollout, students were able to log into their new computers last Thursday to install software and ensure their computers were in full working order.

“It’s a giant leap forward for all schools,” Deputy Principal Rob Scotton said.

“It’s a great opportunity and there are some excellent programs on them.

“Most importantly, it’s going to engage the students in their learning,” Mr Scotton said.

Mr Scotton said technology has been found to interest the students and “once they are engaged they are learning. Their imagination is engaged by technology and they learn,” Mr Scotton said.

The rollout has also seen the creation of a new position at the school for technical support officer Jason Hargraves.

Mr Hargraves has been overseeing the rollout and will act as a support person for the students with the new laptops.

Mr Hargraves said each laptop was loaded with Microsoft Office and Adobe software, including Photoshop and Dreamweaver.

The laptops weigh less than one kilogram and come with a battery, charger and protective case.

The laptops will be kept by the students, provided they attend a NSW public school.

If the students leave the state, or move to a private school, the laptops will then be returned.

“Behaviour is a big one,” Mr Hargraves said of the student’s responsibilities with their new laptops.

“They need to bring the laptop charged to school everyday and look after it.”

Thursday night’s parent and student night saw each parent and student sign a charter and learn about their ownership requirements and the school’s responsibilities.

“The students are not able to disable the blocks [on the laptops],” Mr Hargraves said.

At the end of each school year, the computers will be rolled out to year nine students and eventually all students in years 10, 11 and 12 will own a laptop.