St. Spyridon College Policy on Acceptable Use Of
Information & Communication Technology Services and Equipment

St. Spyridon College provides computer resources including access to Local Area Networks (LAN) and Internet resources only to support its primary objective which is to enhance teaching and learning in a supportive school environment. The use of computers and the Internet resources within the school affords you the opportunity to interact with information sources and with others with a high degree of autonomy. Whenever you do something on the network, it can be traced to you.

The use of such facilities is subject to the following provision:
As a user you will:

A. Respect others’ rights to freedom from harassment and intimidation

Allow others to work uninterrupted.

  1. Clearly communications using Information Technology.
  2. Use the computer facilities in such a way that you do not disrupt the use of the facilities
    for other users, for example, annoying other users with electronic messages, tampering
    with either hardware or software setting.
  3. Refrain from using inappropriate language.
  4. Not use obscene, profane, lewd, vulgar, rude, inflammatory, threatening or disrespectful
    language.
  5. Not engage in personal attacks, including derogatory, prejudicial or discriminatory
    attacks.
  6. Not harass another person or group of persons or collude in such behaviour by others.
    Harassment is persistently acting in a manner that distresses or annoys another person. If
    you are told by a person to stop sending them messages, you must stop.
  7. Not knowingly or recklessly post false or defamatory information about a person or
    organization.
  8. Not post chain letters or engage in ‘spamming’. Spamming is sending an annoying or unnecessary message to a large number of people

B. Use on-line resources for purposes that are legal and generally acceptable for school education

This means that:

  1. Advertising, selling or purchasing any illegal items using Information Technology is strictly prohibited.
  2. Soliciting, responding to or discussing any illegal actions with Information Technology is strictly prohibited.
  3. Creating/sending/accessing inappropriate/offensive files/emails websites is strictly prohibited.
  4. Retrieving, viewing or sharing of any sexually or violently explicitly, offensive or obscene material via any means is strictly prohibited.
  5. Informing your teacher if you have unknowingly accessed inappropriate material.
  6. Subscribing only to authorized and approved discussion lists or news groups.
  7. Using only email facilities provided and not personal web-based email.
  8. Downloading and/or installing files is unacceptable (programs, audio/video files, plug ins or other software) without direct authorization.

C. Respect and adhere to the privacy laws concerning copyright and other intellectual property rights

Students will:

  1. Get permission before copying files from another user. Copying files or passwords belonging to another user without their express permission may constitute plagiarism and/or theft.
  2. Understand that electronic communication is not guaranteed to be private. All email should be considered a public document. System Administrators do have access to all mail sent and received. Messages relating to or in support of inappropriate activities may be reported to the authorities.
  3. Understand that copying of software, information, graphics, or other data files may violate copyright laws without warning and be subject to prosecution from agencies to enforce such copyrights.

D. Follow security restrictions for all systems and information

This means that you:

  1. Always keep your passwords secret. It is a good idea to change your password frequently.
  2. Understand that if you share your password and someone else uses your account, even without your permission, you will be held responsible for their actions.
  3. Respect all security provisions on the system.
  4. Do no attempt to gain access or to disrupt the servers at St. Spyridon College.
  5. Reasonably protect computers and software from viruses, both on disk and through the internet.

E. Use and share computer resources courteously and efficiently

This means that you:

  1. Understand and accept that there are restrictions on computing resources including storage space, printing and internet access.
  2. Use computer facilities without purposefully damaging, altering or disabling them and report any problems/damage to your teacher or Curriculum Leader.

F. Respect the privacy and integrity of electronic documents

This means that you:

  1. Do not reveal home telephone numbers or addresses through on-line communication or send anonymous or falsely addressed email.
  2. Understand that network managers may need to view, delete or recover the contents of files and Principalies to diagnose or correct problems, or investigate breaches of this policy.  Your class teachers also have access to read files created by you.
  3. Understand that local systems administrators and staff at your outside service provider can find out what information you have accessed from the Internet and sent/received via email.

G. Understand that External &/or Remote Access is prohibited

This means that you:

  1. Do not attempt to access any networks or computers outside of St. Spyridon College’s network other than through the web browser. This includes 3rd party and any remote administration software (PCAW, VNC.)
  2. Do not attempt to access any external network through dial-up, VPN, unsecured network, or any other access. (T/Services, RDC, VPN Client software, Dial-up apps)
  3. Do not attempt to load and or install any applications on the PC’s without the supervising teachers direct permission.

H. Respect the IT Network and follow sensible usage

This means that you:

  1. Do not attempt to gain access or to disrupt the servers at St. Spyridon College. The servers are securely configured, have extensive logging and any such attempts will have disciplinary action.

St. Spyridon College reserves the right to monitor any and/or all use of school computer resources, including use of school provided email from outside of school.

All electronic files on the St. Spyridon network are the property of the College and users should presume they will be held accountable for every file and/or message issued from their accounts.

St. Spyridon College provides all students with a limited capacity of internet access and printing. Students are responsible for the cost of these facilities above what is provided.

Violations of this Acceptable Use Policy may result in immediate suspension of your ICT privileges and may result in further disciplinary action. Any questions about this Acceptable Use Policy should be brought to the attention of the Head of College.

For any enquiries relating to this policy you may contact the Head of College
on 61 2 9311 3340 or email admin@stspyridon.nsw.edu.au