What is possible?

Access to e-mail and the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, museums, and other repositories of information and to exchange personal communication with other Internet users around the world. Families should be aware that some material accessible via the Internet may contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive. While the purposes of the school are to use Internet resources for constructive educational goals, students may find ways to access other materials. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration exceed the disadvantages. The acceptable use guidelines outlined below are designed to promote responsible use at our school.

What is expected?

Students are responsible for appropriate behaviour on the school's computer network just as they are in a classroom or in the school yard. Communications on the network are often public in nature. General school rules for behaviour and communications apply. It is expected that users will comply with school standards and the specific rules set forth below. The use of the network is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked if abused. The user is personally responsible for his/her actions in accessing and utilizing the school's computer resources. Students are advised never to access, keep, or send anything that they would not want their parents or teachers to see.

Students will be taught to use their time on computers responsibly. The following are guidelines to follow to prevent the loss of network privileges at Happy Valley School.

• use a computer to harm other people or their work

• damage a computer or the network in any way

• interfere with the operation of the network by installing illegal software, shareware, or freeware

• view, send, or display offensive messages or pictures

• post personal contact information about themselves or other people The school or class e-mail address should be the only contact information posted.

• always observe copyright law

• keep their password private

• conserve limited resources such as disk space or printing capacity

• stay out of other people’s folders, work, or files

• notify an adult immediately, if by accident, they encounter materials

• which violate the rules of appropriate use

• BE PREPARED to be held accountable for their actions and for the loss of privileges if the rules of appropriate use are violated

Please return the permission form and user agreement to the class teacher as soon as possible.

My child may use e-mail, the Internet and the curriculum computer networks while at school, according to the rules outlined.

Parent Name:

Parent Signature:

DATE:

Having read this agreement, if you still have concerns about your child accessing the Internet or e-mail please contact the class teacher or Principals to discuss the matter.

For Primary Students (Year 3 - 7) Only :

As a user of the school computer network, I agree to comply with the above stated rules and to use the network in a constructive manner.

Student Name:

Student Signature:

2003 Year Level: