Which computing devices does the school give to students?
For students of Grade 1-5, the school provides an iPad and iPad Bumpcase.
For students of Grade 6-8, the school provides an iPad and iPad Keyboard Case.
For students of Grade 9-12, the school provides a MacBook and MacBook Sleeve.
IS IT MANDATORY FOR STUDENTs TO GET SCHOOL-ISSUED COMPUTING DEVICES OR CAN THEY USE PERSONAL DEVICES IN SCHOOL?
As per school policy, it is mandatory for students enrolled in the GIIS SMART Campus to use a school-issued Apple device. Students are not allowed to use their personal devices in school. This is to ensure that students have a uniform learning experience at the campus.
A 90-day period is provided to enable a student to receive their official school device. During this interim period, students can continue to use their personal devices within the campus.
Apple enables the school to remotely manage all devices and distribution of apps. This helps safe use of devices in a secure environment, as well as easy deployment and management of apps, and monitoring of devices by teachers in the classroom. It also simplifies the process of providing technical support and replacement of devices.
What is the need for iPads/Macbooks in classroom learning?
You need iPads to support the learning apps in the classrooms for students to have interactive sessions.
Is this supported under any curriculum/academic board?
Yes. With changing times and the need for access to information, students will benefit from having these devices during classroom learning.
Are students going to spend considerable time on iPads/Macbooks?
The students will be required to use the devices only when the interactive apps are required to be used or they have been asked by the teacher to review specific information required for the subject period.
Will the child’s health be affected by using these iPads?
No. The devices conform to stringent safety standards as prescribed by the respective regulatory authorities.
WILL THE STUDENTS BE ISSUED with OFFICIAL APPLE ID OR DO THE STUDENTS USE THEIR OWN PERSONAL APPLE IDs?
Yes. When the school issues the Apple device, it will generate a managed Apple ID for every device. Every student receives a device which is preset with the official school Apple ID for the specific student, which cannot be changed by the student. This managed Apple ID is strictly to be used for school-issued devices only and students should not use these AppleIDs on personally owned Apple devices.
Click on the button below to read about the managed Apple IDs.
IS THE STUDENT ABLE TO DOWNLOAD ANY APPS ON THESE SCHOOL ISSUED DEVICES?
The school’s IT policy shall prevent students from downloading any apps they wish to, and the distribution of apps is strictly through the school device management systems. Only their teacher will determine which apps are to be downloaded for the classroom purpose and such apps will be automatically updated in these computing devices.
Will GIIS provide replacement batteries for iPad Keyboard Case?
No. Charging of the iPad Keyboard Case and/or any battery replacements shall NOT be the responsibility of GIIS.
What is the warranty for accessories?
The iPad Keyboard Case provided to you by the school has a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase of item. The printed barcode serial number sticker on the iPad Keyboard Case must not be peeled away. Any damage to the barcode serial number sticker shall void the warranty of the item. If your iPad Keyboard Case encounters problems, you may approach SSC for repair. The iPad Bumpcase and Macbook Sleeve shall come with no warranty but if you encounter any faults in the first 7 days, you may approach the sales counter for a replacement.
Can I purchase these items separately outside the bundle?
Please be informed that the following items will now be available in the school bookshop for direct purchase:
1. iPad Bumpcase (part of Bundle 3 for Grade 1-5)
2. iPad Keyboard Case (part of Bundle 2 for Grade 6-8)
3. Macbook Sleeve (part of Bundle 1 for Grade 9-12)
How do I connect to school Wi-Fi?
The school wi-fi is called “CAMPUS CONNECT”.
To log on to the wireless connection, go to your phone Settings > Wi-Fi, and make sure Wi-Fi is turned on. Then find “CAMPUS CONNECT” in that list and tap on it. You will be prompted to enter your MyGIIS username and password. Please type them in. Once your credentials are authenticated, your device will be logged on to the system.
Will Microsoft office tools like powerpoint, which students may need for presentations, be pre-loaded?
The students can use G-Suite free of charge with the student email id provided.
WILL students GET A NEW APPLE DEVICE or AN EXISTING ONE?
Students - regardless of the time they join - will be issued with a Apple device from school stock. If device is out of stock, the school will order a new device from Apple. The lead time to order a new device is 2-3 weeks.
IS THE SCHOOL CHARGING FOR THESE COMPUTING DEVICES?
The school has made arrangements with Apple Inc to procure the iPads at a discounted rate, (see table below for student prices) and includes AppleCare, a very comprehensive technical support and replacement policy, valid for the next 3 years.
In order for the students to receive these official school iPads or MacBooks, parents are required to pay a refundable deposit equal to the amount chargeable by Apple company.
This refundable deposit will be returned to the parent at the time of relocating out of the school and upon returning the iPad/Macbook in a working condition.
CAN I AVOID ORDERING THE APPLE DEVICE NOW OR CAN I ORDER IT LATER?
The school is procuring the Apple devices in bulk. Thus it would be beneficial for the parents to take advantage of the special prices under this scheme at this point in time.
CAN I OPT OUT OF THE SCHEME?
As we have said earlier, the SMART Campus wishes to give a uniform experience to all students. Thus each student is expected to receive a school issued device.
When will iPads be upgraded for students? Who pays for the apps?
The school will upgrade devices from time to time if it becomes absolutely necessary to support the apps. The school will provide and pay for all the apps used by the students.
WILL THE DEPOSIT RATES BE SAME IN FUTURE?
The deposit is strictly linked to the price Apple charges which may vary in future. Apple has given bulk prices now and same shall be subject to change in future.
HOW DO I PAY THE DEPOSIT TO THE SCHOOL?
Parents are required to submit a consent form to the class teacher for the school to issue the Apple Device.
Parents can make the deposit payment either by cheque (submitted with the consent form) or indicate if they would like the school to debit the amount via the school fees GIRO deductions.
Upon receiving the consent forms and cheques, the school shall generate an e-receipt and email it to them.
Where parents have permitted the school to debit the amount via GIRO, the school shall raise the e-invoice and process the deposit collection via GIRO at the next cycle. The exact date of the GIRO collection will be mentioned on the e-invoice.
The school does not charge any fee for usage of Apple Device and is charging a deposit to secure the return of the device. (Please refer to the table indicating the deposit applicable for the respective grades and eligibility for refund).
PLEASE NOTE: THIS SCHEME IS NOT IN FORCE AS OF APRIL 1, 2022
What are the payment options for the deposit?
Payment options:
GIRO Standing Instruction
Cheque in the name of "Global Indian International School Pte Ltd"
Paynow using QR Code (available when paying in the campus over the counter)
Credit / Debit Card (Via Stripe) (available when paying via myGIIS)
How do i get the refund of the deposit?
Once the student returns the Apple Device to the Student Service Center in working condition, the deposit for the Apple Device will be refunded.
Deposit on device accessories like the BumpCase and Macbook Sleeve is not refundable as they are consumables. Student can retain the accessories.
Deposit on AppleCare is applicable for three years from issuance of Device, and will be refundable based on the period of usage. For instance, If a student has used the device for less than a year, he/she is eligible for refund for the remaining period of two years.
Important note: Students who paid the deposit for an Apple Device before March 30, 2019 are eligible for a full refund.
If a student takes Bundle 3 now, what will happen if next year s/he goes to class 6?
Does s/he has to deposit again full amount for Bundle 2?
If yes, is it expected that the deposit amount for Bundle 3 will be refunded in full, subject to iPad being in working condition?
The student can opt to continue with the same device as he/she previously used. If the student decides to opt for a new device, he/she can claim a refund upon returning the old device and pay a fresh deposit applicable at that time (As per Apple pricing applicable at the time) for the new one.
Applecare policy is valid for 3 years.
Is there any warranty period? Is Applecare policy is activated post warranty period?
If not, after 3 years, whether the device will be replaced or we need to buy extended AppleCare.
All Apple devices come with standard warranty which has basic benefits. However, Applecare offers added benefits to the user and runs beyond the standard 1-year limited warranty period
WILL THE STUDENTS BE ALLOWED TO BRING THEIR DEVICES HOME?
Students of Grade 6-12 will be able to bring home the iPads/MacBooks every day after school.
Students of Grade 1-5 will be required to retain the iPads in the classroom on all school working weekdays and would be allowed to take them home on weekends or during school vacation periods.
CAN THE STUDENT BRING THEIR OWN PERSONAL COMPUTING DEVICES AND USE IN THE CLASSROOM?
The school IT policy has been updated for the SMART Campus. It prohibits a student from using personal devices such as iPads and laptops in campus. This is to keep the entire school environment safe and secure and to allow easy management of devices and apps download on the student devices.
This IT policy applies to the use of any devices by students and includes all forms of tablets and laptops, regardless of whether they are connected to the school's WI-FI network or not.
WHY IS SCHOOL NOT ALLOWING PERSONAL DEVICES WHICH STUDENTS ALREADY HAVE ?
The personal devices cannot be managed through central Apple Device management tools, as these devices are not in name of GIIS, in the Apple company database. Only a device that is issued by Apple in name of the GIIS, and later issued to students, can be managed. All the device info is passed on from Apple factory to Apple company and then to GIIS.
What will be the exact refund amount when my child moves to higher grade / leave school?
The deposit amount includes the cost of the device and GST. The amount equal to the cost of the device shall be refunded to the parent.
Do we ultimately own it, if deposit is not refunded?
The ownership of the device remains with the school. The school shall refund the deposit paid by the parent.
DO WE GET TO KEEP THE DEVICE?
All school owned devices must be returned back to the school and cannot be retained by the parent after the student leaves the school.
students who use public transport have an additional responsibility to take the iPad back with them home and bring it to school everyday. DOES Your policy cover the loss of equipment?
Students have to take responsibility of the devices. If any devices are misplaced or lost, the security deposit for that device will be forfeited. Parents will have to pay for an additional deposit for the new device.
IS THERE ANY HELPLINE WITHIN CAMPUS TO REPORT ANY HARDWARE SOFTWARE ISSUES WITH MY COMPUTING DEVICE?
The campus-based Student Service Centre (SSC) (located next to Gandhi centre) will respond to all the hardware / software issues and requests for repairs or replacement of a device. The SSC will be providing L1 support to the students and determine if the faulty device needs to be sent to Apple for further repairs.
The school has signed a comprehensive AppleCare programme in which Apple provides free repair and maintenance for faulty devices. When the device is under repair a spare device will be provided to the student subject to availability.
In the event of accidental or intentional damages, Apple may charge for such repairs, the same shall have to be paid by the parent.
IS THERE ANY APPLE HELPLINE TO REPORT HARDWARE OR SOFTWARE ISSUES WITH MY COMPUTING DEVICE?
Apple has set up a dedicated Apple GIIS Hotline 800 186 1015 (Singapore Toll-Free) for technical support issues, exclusively for GIIS students. This hotline can be accessed by the GIIS students on a 24x7 basis. GIIS students need to enter the pin code (2927) to identify themselves as GIIS students and further access the support services. This hotline is not open to members of the public.
The student can approach the Apple GIIS Hotline for any issues in relation to the hardware or software support. Under the AppleCare programme, any GIIS student who’s using the school-issued computing device can directly approach this hotline.
On this link, you will be able to locate the various location HelpLines: https://locate.apple.com/findlocations
On this link, you will be able to locate the device and the issue pertaining to the device: https://getsupport.apple.com/?caller=grl&locale=en_SG
DOES THE SCHOOL PROVIDE FOR ANY CHARGING FACILITIES?
For students in Grade 1-5, who have been issued iPads, classrooms will have in-class secure iPad charging cabinets, which can charge up to 40 iPads at a time.
Students in Grade 6-8 who have been issued iPads, and students in Grade 9-12 who have been issued MacBooks, have to use their own chargers to keep their devices charged.
All the classrooms in S block have been equipped with sufficient floor-based power sockets or SOB (Service Outlet Box) to charge their devices. Limited classrooms of the S block will have USB chargers pre-installed on the school desks.
CAN I VISIT ANY APPLE STORE OR AUTHORISED APPLE RETAILER TO REPORT/FIX MY COMPUTING DEVICE?
No.
WHICH OTHER COUNTRy WILL SUPPORT MY DEFECTIVE SCHOOL- ISSUED DEVICE other than singapore?
As mentioned, repair services can be availed from any Apple Authorised Service Provider (AASP) or through any Apple Retail Store (ARS).
DO I GET THE FAULTY DEVICE REPLACED THROUGH SSC OR THROUGH AN AUTHORISED APPLE REPAIR CENTRE?
We strongly recommend that if any school-issued device is faulty and needs a replacement, the student should approach the SSC, who will get the device replaced from Apple. SSC may even give a immediate replacement against the faulty device in case it has sufficient stocks.
DO I HAVE TO INFORM THE SCHOOL OR STUDENT SERVICE CENTRE (SSC) IF THE AUTHORISED APPLE REPAIR CENTRE WERE TO DIRECTLY REPLACE THE DEVICE?
All Apple devices shipped from the Apple factory, are pre-registered with Apple for exclusive GIIS use. That means Apple has all information about the ownership of the device, which in this case is the school.
Now if any Apple centre - whether in Singapore or overseas - were to replace the faulty device, the replacement device ID and other information would be updated by the repair centre in the Apple company central database.
The school device management systems, which are linked to Apple systems directly, would immediately get its device informations updated for that particular student and would know that the XX serial no Apple device has been replaced with YY serial number. The school SSC would know that this student’s device has been replaced.
Thereafter, when the student official Apple ID is used on the replacement device, all the apps which were installed on the previous device will get installed on the new device. Thus there is no need to inform anyone at the school after any device replacement.
DOES APPLECARE PROVIDE REPLACEMENTS FOR LOST IPADS?
In the event any iPad is lost or stolen, AppleCare does not provide any free replacement and the cost of the replacement will be borne by the parent.
The deposit paid by the parent towards the device shall be used to offset the cost of lost device.
To receive a replacement device, parents are required to sign a new consent form and submit it together with a deposit cheque. Subsequently the school shall send an e-invoice and receipt for the deposit and provide a replacement device to the student from its existing stock.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE IPAD HAS WEAR AND TEAR?
In case of wear and tear of the iPads, the parents are liable to pay for the charge.
ARE THE IPADs PROVIDED WITH PROTECTIVE COVERS?
All iPads are provided with iPad covers which have been tested for quality.
IN THE EVENT THE COMPUTING DEVICE IS MISPLACED, IS THERE A WAY TO TRACK THE LOCATION?
In case the device is misplaced, the student should approach the GIIS SSC staff, who will be able to view the location of the missing device, provided the device is not powered off and location services is not disabled. It is therefore advisable that location services be always turned on.
IS THE WARRANTY VOID IF MY DEVICE IS REPAIRED BY AN UNAUTHORISED APPLE VENDOR?
As is the case with all major product and services suppliers, the Apple warranty will be null and void if any unauthorised repair centre were to make changes to the Apple device. If the device is later sent to Apple for any further repairs, then Apple may charge for such repair services and materials, and such charges will have to be paid by the parents.
If the Apple warranty is void, the deposit being held by the school against the device shall be forfeited. Therefore parents are strongly advised to either approach the SSC or any authorised repair centres only, as this would be mostly free for charge, subject to Apple Terms and Conditions. The validity of the Apple warranty is subject to Terms and Conditions of Apple Inc and shall be void if anyone were to jailbreak or open the iPad or MacBooks.
Therefore, the students are requested to always approach the following in order of priority.
24x7 Apple Hotline - for all technical support issues with device
GIIS SMART Campus SSC - for all support or replacements
Apple authorized repair centres - for support