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Computer Use and Network Policy

Usage of the Internet

Students at St. Martin have access to the Internet through the school's compuer network.  The Internet is a rich and powerful resource that provides instant access to information on a myriad of topics and issues from around the world.  It also allows instant communication via email and the publication of material on websites that can be accessed throughout the world. 

However, a word of caution needs to be made about its use and misuse.

Along with the freedom to roam cyberspace in the quest for all kinds of information is a real potential for intentional or inadvertent access to undesirable content and inappropriate material as well as the unauthorized posting of material on websites.

Students are reminded that whether in school or out of school they should exercise good judgement when 'downloading' or 'posting' any material on the web.  They need to be mindful of the rights or others, in particular, the right to privacy.  The posting or publishing of any material on the web that invades the privacy and/or destroys the good name of St. Martin staff and students will be deemed 'conduct injurious to the moral tone of the school' and will be dealt with accordingly.

Usage of Computer Resources

Computer resources for student use at St. Martin are intended solely for academic purposes as well as co-curricular activities that are directly supervised by teachers.  Any other usage is strictly prohibited and will be treated as a serious offence.

Conditions

Students who use any of the school's computer resources must abide by the following conditions:

• students may use a computer resource only under the direct supervision of a teacher;
• students will use only software assigned for their use by a teacher;
• operation system and network software are strictly OFF LIMITS to all students.  Any access to this software will be considered an intrustion into the network.  Network instrusion which is similar to breaking and entering into a private office is a serious offence and will be dealt with by Administration;
• computer accounts assigned to individual students are non-transferable and are to be used only for teacher-directed purposes;
• with the exception of normal wear and tear, any damage to computer resources by a student will be reported to Administration.  The student will be subject to appropriate consequences and expected to make restitution.

Unauthorized Usage

All occurences of unauthorized usage of computer resources will be reported to Administration.  Consequences will be consistent with the severity of the offence and may include suspension or expulsion.

The following are examples of unauthorized usages:

• accessing system/network software;
• using someone else's computer account (ie. user ID);
• copying licensed software;
• tampering with computer hardware and network cables/equipment;
• interfering with the operation of the school's computer network.

Legal Issues

Certain activities mentioned above contravene the Criminal Code of Canada and will be reported to the police.  Excerpts from the Criminal Code are linked below.

• Unauthorized Use of Computer - Section 342.1
• Mischief - Section 430.[387]