To prepare your child’s MacBook for the 2025 school year, please follow this step-by-step guide to install and set up the required applications. These tools are essential for your child’s learning at Hillsmeade Primary School.

Step 1: Ensure macOS is Updated

  1. Click the Apple Menu in the top-left corner and select System Settings.
  2. Go to General > Software Update.
  3. If an update is available, click Update Now and follow the on-screen instructions.

Step 2: Install the Required Applications

Below is a list of required applications with links for installation.

Microsoft 365 Apps

  1. Microsoft Teams
    Download Microsoft Teams
    Login required: Microsoft 365 student account.
  2. Microsoft Word
  3. Microsoft Excel
  4. Microsoft PowerPoint
  5. Microsoft OneDrive
  6. Microsoft Outlook
    Download Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, and Outlook are all included in this suite.) Login required: Microsoft 365 student account.  If students have lost these details or forgotten their password, this year’s teacher will give them a copy when they return.

Additional Applications

  1. Canva Canva is web-based, but you can also download the desktop version.
    Access Canva
  2. Khan Academy
    Khan Academy is primarily web-based. To install, use the Chrome browser or access the web app directly:
    Visit Khan Academy
  3. iMovie
    Pre-installed on macOS devices. If not, download it from the Mac App Store:
    Download iMovie
  4. Minecraft Education
    Download Minecraft Education
    Login required: Microsoft 365 student account.
  5. Sketchbook
    Download Sketchbook
  6. NAP Locked Down Browser (For Year 5 students)
    Download the NAPLAN Locked Down Browser specifically for Mac:
    Download NAP Browser

Step 3: Log In to Microsoft 365 Applications

  1. Open any Microsoft application (e.g., Teams or Word).
  2. Enter your child’s Microsoft 365 student account details.  If students have lost these details or forgotten their password, this year’s teacher will give them a copy when they return.
  3. Follow the prompts to complete the setup.

Step 4: Organise Applications

  1. Add all installed apps to the Dock for easy access:
    • Drag app icons from the Applications folder to the Dock.
  2. Create a “School Apps” folder in the Finder to keep files organised.

Step 5: Use Web-Based Apps

Some applications, like Canva and Khan Academy, work well in a browser.

Additional Tips for Parents

  1. Charge Daily: Ensure the MacBook is fully charged each school day.
  2. Check System Requirements: Confirm the MacBook meets the BYOD program requirements.
  3. Install Antivirus Software: Protect the device with reliable antivirus software.
  4. Support Links:

If you encounter any issues during the setup, please contact Mr Singh at hardev.singh@education.vic.gov.au or refer to the app-specific help guides linked above.