Computer Acceptable Use Policy

Belief Statement

Canadian Academy (CA) maintains a strong commitment to preparing students to use information and communication technology (ICT) in a positive and productive manner. The school encourages the ethical use of ICT to support curriculum and productivity both inside and outside the classroom.

Responsibility of Users

Users are responsible for their actions while using ICT in the school or accessing network systems from remote locations. There will be consequences for any violations to the AUP.

Users will:

1. Be ethical, and legal in all actions, adhering to the rules and policies of Canadian Academy.
   
   • Do not carry out illegal activities, including downloading or sharing pirated music, videos and software by any method, including the use of file sharing programs.
   • Do not copy or share school owned software.
   • Sending, viewing, or storing material that is obscene, violent, discriminatory, or inflammatory is not allowed.
   • Do not plagiarize content or attempt to pass off other's intellectual property as your own. When quoting or reposting other people's work make sure full permissions are obtained when appropriate, and proper citations are given.
2. When using social networking sites, email or instant messaging, students must consider the impact on themselves and on other members of the community and be mindful of school rules and core values.
   
   • Always use appropriate language; never send or post abusive, disrespectful, inflammatory, or discriminatory messages that create a hostile atmosphere for any member of our community. Such postings undermine the atmosphere of trust that is one of the core values of the school and will be treated seriously as a breach of school policies.
   • Students should be aware that when their social networking sites identify them as CA students, they need to be mindful that they are representing the school. They should not post anything compromising that would then be publicly linked to the school.
   • Students should be aware that many college admissions offices and future employers will look at applicants’ social networking sites if available. Be aware of the future repercussions of your postings.
3. Maintain the privacy of every community member's personal data
   
   • Respect the privacy of others and do not access CA community member's accounts or files.
   • Attempting to hack into the school network, obtain passwords, or to access, open, print, or modify any community member's work will be treated as theft.
   • Do not share your own or others' addresses, phone numbers, passwords or other personal information over the Internet to people or websites you are not sure of.
   • Be yourself; do not misrepresent yourself or pretend to be someone else; never attempt to speak officially for Canadian Academy unless authorized to do so.
   • Never repost or resend someone else's communication without prior consent.
4. Be careful and respectful when using CA technology resources.
   • Changing settings or attempting to modify CA computers (apart from your personal laptop), monitors and other equipment, including installing software, is not allowed.
   • Activity that impairs the network performance and services is not allowed - if requested to stop an activity for this reason students must comply.
   • Return all technology equipment to the correct location, and in good condition.
   • Only print what is necessary for school work.

CA ICT Departmental Rights and Responsibilities

1. Internet site addresses accessed, including web sites and email, are retained in electronic logs. ICT staff do not track individuals inside our network, but evidence of unacceptable activities found in school logs will be investigated.
2. ICT staff have the right to access, open, examine and/or delete electronic files that violate this Acceptable Use Policy on school owned computers (not including those rented or leased from the school by families under the Laptop Usage Agreement), and remote or local school servers without the users consent.
3. CA staff do not have the rights to search personal computers, without the consent of the principal and parents. This includes computers rented or leased from the school by families under the Laptop Usage Agreement.
4. Canadian Academy is not responsible for any loss of data.