In September 2005, Pius XII joined five other Sudbury Catholic District School Board elementary schools in the exciting new "Learning with Laptops" program. Last year, fifteen wireless laptops were used by students in grades JK to 6 to greatly enhance their skills and provide them with the latest in mobile technology. This year we are excited to offer every Grade 7 & 8 student their own laptop to use at home and at school for the 2006/2007 school year.

The Apple iBook is the best-selling laptop computer in education. Created with students in mind, the iBook features integrated wireless networking and a durable design. Students and teachers have access to essential productivity and digital learning applications, including AppleWorks, Safari, and iLife, Apple's award-winning suite of digital media learning tools.

Training hours purchased from Apple Canada support classroom teachers in the implementation of this technology to improve student learning. During the 2005-2006 school year, the focus of the program will be on writing in grades 4 and 5. Teachers and students receive inservice sessions and ongoing classroom support from Apple personnel and a Special Assignment teacher linked to the project.

Thousands of students in more than 400 schools across Canada and the United States are using Apple learning solutions to reinforce the fundamentals and develop 21st century learning skills. They and their teachers have learned to use technology as the foundation of learning, research, collaboration, communication, and creative self-expression. Pius XII school is extremely pleased to be part of this exciting and innovative program.