Brief
Corinda State School delays one‑to‑one iPad programme amid cost concerns
The school will shift to shared devices for a year while families consider buying laptops for later years.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Corinda State School in south‑west Brisbane has postponed its planned one‑to‑one iPad programme for years 4 to 6, the school announced in a newsletter on October 12, 2026.
Principal Carmel Herbert said the decision follows a vote by parents and school leaders last year and cites “a recent escalation in the price of laptops, along with increased cost‑of‑living expenses”. Instead of each student receiving an iPad, the school will provide school‑owned devices shared between two students for the coming year, after which families are expected to purchase laptops for years 5 and 6.
Parent Doireann McPhee welcomed the postponement, noting the cost of an iPad was a concern and that the two‑to‑one arrangement reduced screen time at home. She added that the change helped set clearer boundaries for her older child. Another parent, Chloe Lowe, referenced a similar shared‑device model at Rainworth State School, where students start using devices in year 3 and move to a one‑to‑one laptop programme from year 5.
Herbert’s June‑year‑ago newsletter estimated that families could save up to $600 over a child’s 13‑year schooling under the shared‑device model. The Queensland Education Department said schools manage their own device programmes, with the department providing assistance “as required”.
Key facts
- Corinda State School delayed its one‑to‑one iPad programme for years 4‑6. (smh.com.au)
- The school will use shared devices for a year before families buy laptops for years 5‑6. (smh.com.au)
- Principal Carmel Herbert cited rising laptop prices and cost‑of‑living pressures as reasons. (smh.com.au)
- Parent Doireann McPhee said the two‑to‑one model reduced screen time at home. (smh.com.au)
- A June newsletter estimated families could save up to $600 over 13 years under the shared model. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Queensland classroom technology: Corinda State School rethinks one-to-one iPad program”
