Clontubrid
Internet Acceptable Use Policy
Introduction
The aim of this Internet Acceptable Use Policy is to ensure that pupils of Scoil Naomh Fiachra will benefit from the learning opportunities offered by the school's Internet resources in a safe an effective manner. Internet use and access is considered a school resource and privilege. Therefore, if the school Internet Acceptable Use Policy is not adhered to this privilege will be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions outlined in the Internet Acceptable Use Policy will be imposed.
It is envisaged that school and parent representatives will revise the Internet Acceptable Use Policy annually.
Parents will be given a copy of this Acceptable Use Policy, an Internet Access Permission Form (Appendix II), and a letter explaining this form (Appendix I). They will be asked to sign the Internet Access Permission Form annually.
Before signing, the Internet Acceptable Use Policy should be read carefully to indicate that the content is accepted and understood.
This form is in three parts.
This version of the Internet Acceptable Use Policy was created in December 2002.
School's strategy
The school will employ a number of strategies in order to maximise learning opportunities and reduce risks associated with the Internet.
These strategies are as follows.
World Wide Web
Internet Chat
School Website
Data Protection Act
The Data Protection Act 1998 was passed to deal with privacy issues arising from the increasing amount of personal information contained on computers. In accordance with the Act, the school will only publish pupil information that is relevant to the context of the web page.
Parents will be informed about pupil information on the school website.
Sanctions
Misuse of the Internet may result in disciplinary action, including written warnings, withdrawal of access privileges, and, in extreme cases, suspension or expulsion.
The school also reserves the right to report any illegal activities to the appropriate authorities.
This policy was sanctioned by the Board of Management in December 2002.
Appendix I
Scoil Naomh Fiachra
Clontubrid,
Freshford,
Co. Kilkenny.
Dear Parent,
Re: Internet Permission Form
As part of the Information Technology programme at Scoil Naomh Fiachra we offer pupils supervised access to the Internet. Before being allowed to use the Internet, all pupils must obtain parental permission and both they and you, must sign and return the enclosed form as evidence of your approval and their acceptance of the school rules on this matter.
The Internet is a global computer network that offers a wealth of resources. Pupils can use the Internet to locate material to meet their educational needs, to ask questions and consult with experts and communicate with others. As information on the Internet appears, disappears and changes, it is not always possible to predict or control what pupils may locate or use. They might encounter information that is inaccurate, controversial, and potentially harmful.
The Internet will be used to further educational goals and objectives, but pupils may find ways, accidentally or intentionally, to access undesirable materials as well. We believe that the benefits to pupils from access to the Internet, in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration, exceed any disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and guardians are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their children should follow when using media and information sources. To that end, the school supports and respects each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access.
During school, teachers will guide pupils toward appropriate materials. Outside of school, families bear the same responsibility for such guidance as they exercise with information sources such as television, telephones, magazines and other potentially offensive media. The school has a website accessible by any Internet user around the world. The website contains information and pictures of school activities as well as projects, artwork and writing of some pupils. This work is presented in an educational context. The website address is http://homepage.eircom.net/~clontubrid .
The school also contributes to the website of the Control Technology Empowering Minds Project, together with the twelve other schools on the project. The website address is http://empoweringminds.mle.ie/ .
We would be grateful if you could read the enclosed Internet Acceptable Use Policy and then complete the permission form, which follows.
Yours sincerely,
___________________ (Principal).
Appendix II
Scoil Naomh Fiachra
Clontubrid
Internet Access Permission Form
Please complete and return this form to the principal.
Name of Pupil: ______________________
Class: ______________________
Pupil (Second – Sixth Class)
I agree to comply with the school Acceptable Use Policy on the use of the Internet. I will use the network in a responsible way and observe all the restrictions explained to me by the school.
Pupil Signature: ______________________
Date: ______________________
Parent (re: Second – Sixth Class Pupils)
As the parent or legal guardian of the above pupil, I have read the Acceptable Use Policy and grant permission for my son/daughter to access the Internet. I understand that Internet access is designed for educational purposes. I also understand that the school cannot be held responsible if pupils access unsuitable websites, but that every reasonable precaution has been taken by the school to provide for online safety.
Signature of Parent/Guardian: ______________________
Date: ______________________
School Website (re: All Classes)
I understand that, if the school considers it appropriate, my child’s schoolwork may be chosen for inclusion on our school's website or on the Empowering Minds (Control Technology Project) Website. I understand and accept the terms of the Acceptable Use Policy relating to publishing children’s work on the school website. Please sign to confirm that you are aware of this.
Signature of Parent/Guardian: ______________________
Date: ______________________
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