Scoil San Treasa

Scoil San Treasa: Acceptable Use Policy

Statement
The aim of this Acceptable Use Policy is to ensure that all pupils will benefit from learning opportunities offered by the school’s Internet resources in a safe and effective manner. Internet use and access is considered a valuable school resource. If the Acceptable Use Policy is not adhered to this resource may be withdrawn and appropriate sanctions imposed. It is envisaged that the school and Board of Management will review this policy annually. This policy was drawn up following consultation with teachers, parents and the Board of Management, as part of the school’s policy to promote the safe use of Internet for children. Parents are encouraged to read the document and to adopt a similar policy for Internet use at home.

School’s Strategy
As part of Scoil San Treasa’s IT programme, pupils will be offered limited, supervised access to the Internet. They will have the opportunity to access suitable websites and search for information related to their studies and may exchange email with other schools. In common with other media (books, magazines, television and video), some material on the Internet is inaccurate and unsuitable. However in Scoil San Treasa we believe that the educational benefits of enabling the pupils supervised access greatly outweighs any disadvantages. 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:

· Pupils will use the Internet for educational purposes only.

· Pupils using the Internet will always be supervised by teachers.

· Pupils will never disclose any personal information about themselves or others.

· Filtering software and/or equivalent systems will be used in order to minimise the risk of exposure to inappropriate material.

· The school will regularly monitor pupils Internet usage.

· Virus protection software is used and is updated daily.

· Teachers will be particularly vigilant when pupils are undertaking their own research.

· Uploading and downloading of non-approved software will not be permitted.

· Pupils will observe good ‘netiquette’ at all times and will not undertake any actions that will bring themselves or the school into disrepute.

· The use of personal floppy disks, CD ROMs, Memory Keys in school requires a teacher’s permission.

Email

· Pupils may send email as part of a planned lesson but will not be given individual email accounts. They will use a pre approved email account.

· Incoming mail to students will be opened by a teacher and not regarded as private.

· Pupils will never disclose or publicise personal information.

School Website

· Pupils will be given the opportunity to publish work on the school website.

· Digital photographs of individual pupils will not be published on the school website. Photographs will focus on groups rather than individuals.

· Personal pupil’s information (name, address etc) will be omitted from the school web pages.

· Pupils will continue to own copyright on any work published.

Sanctions
Misuse of the Internet may result in disciplinary action including verbal / written warnings and in some cases withdrawal of resources.

Staff
The Internet is available for Staff personal and professional use. Personal use of the Internet should not occur during class time.

Legislation
Attention of the staff and parents is drawn to the following legislation:

· Data Protection Act (Amendment) 2003

· Child Trafficking and Pornography Act 1998

· Interception Act 1993

· Video Recordings Act 1989

· The Data protection Act 1988.

Thank you for taking the time to read this document. If you have any concerns regarding your child’s use of the Internet in school please contact the Principal.