Fundraising for Technology
PAC fundraising provides resources and opportunities that benefit Osler students and families. Technology is one of several areas we support, along with community events, student programs, classroom resources and other school needs.
In our PAC General Meeting on October 9, 2026, PAC approved the purchase of 12 iPads for the 2026-2027 school year, so that students can continue to have technology for learning.
Summary
PAC funding: 12 new iPads this school year, currently listed at $585.45 each
Why iPads: They are more affordable and more durable than the laptops available through the VSB purchasing system
Long-term goal: Osler staff and administration has requested at least 60 working iPads for student use
Annual review: Osler's technology needs will be reviewed at the start of every year to decide how much PAC can contribute
Why do iPads need to be replaced at Osler?
Each one of Osler's classroom iPads is locked and collected by the VSB district after 5 years of use, so students no longer can use it after this point. By the end of the 2027 school year, 26 iPads will have surpassed the 5 year mark, leaving Osler with only 41 iPads remaining. As a result, PAC needs to plan for replacements over time.
The school's goal is to have at least 60 iPads:
A set of 30 iPads to be shared by intermediate divisions (full set can be reserved by an specific division for their whole class to use)
Remaining 30 iPads divided across primary divisions (~5 for each division)
How are iPads purchased, and why iPads over laptops?
All school technology purchases must be made through the VSB procurement system. iPads were listed at $585.45 each on Oct 8, 2026 (price subject to change), so 12 iPads cost $7,025.40, before any additional costs.
The available laptop options on the VSB procurement system were reviewed, and they cost considerably more, starting at $820 each. Laptops also have more moving parts, such as hinges, keyboards and ports, which tend to wear out with daily use. iPads are durable, portable and suitable for many types of classroom activities, which makes them a practical way to expand student access to technology within the available funding.
How are iPads used in the classroom?
Technology does not replace teaching, reading, writing or hands-on learning. The curriculum can be taught without technology, but digital tools can enhance learning when they are used with a clear purpose.
iPads can support students in several ways:
Literacy and communication: Listening to books, creating stories, publishing written work, and using tools that support language learning.
Research and inquiry: Finding information, preparing presentations, and developing critical-thinking and media-literacy skills.
Accessibility and personalized learning: Using speech-to-text, text-to-speech, translation, and other tools that help students access learning in the way that works best for them.
Creativity and collaboration: Exploring coding, photography, filmmaking, and music, as well as working together on projects and documenting their learning.
Teachers decide when and how to use these tools, based on their students' needs and learning goals. For more details on teacher usage, please review Ms. Cranston's Principal's Report from our PAC General Meeting on October 9, 2026
Who pays for classroom technology?
Technology like iPads and projectors are not provided by VSB because the curriculum is designed to be accessible without technology, and students can meet their learning goals without it. However, PAC and Osler staff are aligned that technology can enhance learning when it is used with purpose, and we want our children to have the opportunity to build digital skills and use modern tools that support their learning.
Since technology is not part of the VSB's core funding, the school cannot easily cover these costs on its own. The school is exploring what it can contribute from its own budget, although these funds are limited and must cover many other priorities.
At our PAC General Meetings, we will continue to discuss and prioritize funding requests from the school, including technology (iPads, classroom projectors), learning materials (gym equipment, library books) and other resources to support student learning. All families are welcome to join these conversations.
How to contribute towards classroom technology
Take part in fundraising events & campaigns. See What's Coming Up
Make a cash donation via SchoolCashOnline, and receive a official donation receipt for income tax purposes. Follow These Instructions
Send an eTransfer to oslerpac@gmail.com and receive a thank you letter (we cannot send tax receipts, if you'd like one please donate via SchoolCash Online). Please include your child's name and where you would like the donation to go towards in the optional notes/personal message section (eg. "Technology Fund")