Internet Policy
The full text of ISO’s Network & Internet Acceptable Use Policy is available in the front office. Any questions should be directed to the Director or Technology Coordinator.
The Network & Internet Acceptable Use Policy aims to:
- allow all users to access and use the Internet, including e-mail and world-wide-web servers for educational purposes (lesson preparation, individual research, project work, and communication between teachers, students and parents) consistent with the school’s mission;
- provide a mechanism by which staff and students are protected from sites, information, and individuals which would undermine the principles and aims of the school;
- provide rules which are consistent with school policy and rules pertaining to behavior and communication; and
- provide rules which are consistent with acceptable procedures commonly used on the Internet, including those associated with ”netiquette”.
The Acceptable Use Policy: Teachers & Staff
- Users shall not disclose their password or login name to anyone other than the persons responsible for running and maintaining the system.
- Users shall not give the personal addresses, telephone numbers or fax numbers of any adult or any students at the school.
- Users shall obtain written permission from parents before using full names of students or close up facial photographs on an Internet accessible world-wide-web server. This applies as well to any named work done by students related to their education at ISO.
- Users shall not illegally use any copyrighted material that is downloaded or uploaded from the Internet. Users shall always seek to obtain permission from the owner before using any material from the Internet when possible.
- Under no circumstances should users view, upload or download any material that is likely to be unsuitable for students. This applies to any material of a violent, dangerous, racist, or inappropriate sexual content.
- Users shall thoroughly check, in their entirety, any web sites to be visited in a lesson by the students. These sites should be vetted regularly to check for unsuitable alterations. If at all unsure, the site should not be used.
- Users shall always respect the privacy of files of other users. Users shall not enter the file areas of other staff without their express permission.
- Users shall be polite. The use of swearing or abusive behavior (such as slander, bullying, threats, etc) is not allowed. Do not state anything that could be interpreted as libel.
- Users shall arrange for suitable monitoring of the students in their class by an adult.
- Users shall ensure that all students have followed the correct procedures:
- Before starting the session students should be aware of exactly what is expected and which sites they are visiting;
- During each session, students should be monitored closely and allowed to visit only the sites identified by the teacher; and
- On completion of the session students should shut down the system correctly.
- Users shall use the computer network service resources and bandwidth efficiently to maximize shared use with others.
- Users shall be responsible for taking precautions against computer viruses on their own equipment and the school’s equipment.
- Users shall not attempt to sell any goods or services that could be construed as a commercial enterprise.
- Illegal activity is prohibited.
- Using programs to infiltrate a computing system (hacking) and/or damage the software components is prohibited.
- Users should immediately report any incident that seriously breaches the Acceptable Use Policy, to the IT Coordinator or the Director.
- All software or program installation on school computers must be performed by the IT Department.
The Acceptable Use Policy: Students
- Illegal activity is prohibited such as:
- Pirating;
- Using programs to infiltrate a computing system (hacking) and/or damaging the software components is prohibited.
- Courteous and responsible behavior is expected:
- Under no circumstances should students view, upload or download any material that is likely to be unsuitable for students or schools. This applies to any material of a violent, dangerous, racist, or inappropriate sexual content.
- Students shall always respect the privacy of files of other users. They should not enter the file areas of other students or staff without obtaining permission from them first.
- Students shall be polite and appreciate that other users might have different views from their own. The use of swearing or abusive behavior (such as slander, bullying, threats, etc.) is not allowed. Students shall not state anything that could be interpreted as libel or slanderous.
- Students shall use the computer network service resources and bandwidth efficiently to maximize shared use with others.
- Users should be conscious of security:
- Students shall not disclose their school network or email password or login name they have been given to anyone.
- Students shall not give the personal addresses, telephone numbers or fax numbers of any person.
- If students wish to use names or photographs of other students or staff members, the teacher responsible for them will obtain written permission from parent(s)/guardian(s) or staff members.
- Students shall be responsible for taking precautions against computer viruses on their own equipment and the school’s equipment.
- User should comply with school objectives:
- Students shall only access those programs, sites, software, etc they have been given permission to use by the teacher.
- Students shall not access the Internet without being monitored by an adult.
- The work/activity on the Internet shall be directly related to lessons planned by the teacher.
- Private use of the Internet by students in school is strictly forbidden. This includes, but is not limited to personal email (non ISO email); music, audio or video streaming or downloading; Chat Rooms; Facebook, MySpace and other similar types of websites; online games; etc.
- Students shall not attempt to sell any goods or services that could be construed as a commercial enterprise.
- Failure to comply with these rules will result in one or more of the following:
- A letter to the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) informing them of the incident.
- The student’s Internet privileges may be temporarily or permanently revoked.
- Further disciplinary action may be taken in accordance with the school discipline policy.
Parent/Student Information and Permission Form
ISO is pleased to offer student access to Internet, including e-mail and world-wide-web servers, for educational purposes. Access to the Internet will enable students to explore thousands of libraries, databases, museums, and other repositories of information, to take part in distance learning activities, consult with experts, and exchange personal communication with other Internet users around the world. Families should be aware that some material accessible via the Internet might contain items that are illegal, defamatory, inaccurate, or potentially offensive. While the purposes of the school are to use Internet resources for constructive educational goals, the school cannot always monitor and control the content of Internet sources of information, and students may at times access inappropriate materials. The school will strive to provide students with the understanding and skills needed to use the Internet in an appropriate manner. We believe that the benefits to students from access to the Internet in the form of information resources and opportunities for collaboration exceed the disadvantages. But ultimately, parents and guardians of minors are responsible for setting and conveying the standards that their students should follow when using media and information sources. Therefore, we support and respect each family's right to decide whether or not to apply for access. To gain access to the Internet, all students must obtain written parental permission as verified by parent/guardian signature(s) on the form below. Should a parent/guardian prefer that a student not have Internet access, use of the computers is still possible for more traditional purposes, such as word processing.
Internet use is a privilege, not a right. This privilege may be revoked if abused. Students are responsible for appropriate behavior on the school's computer network just as they are in a classroom or on the school grounds; general school rules for behavior and communications apply. The student is personally responsible for his/her actions in accessing and utilizing the school's computer resources. Access may be denied or further disciplinary action taken because of inappropriate use.
Privacy -- Network storage areas should be treated like school lockers. All communications and information accessible via the network should be considered private property; student freedom of speech and access to information will be honored. However, network administrators may review communications to maintain system integrity and to ensure that students are using the system responsibly.
Illegal copying -- Students should never download or install any commercial software, shareware, or freeware onto network drives or disks, unless they have written permission from the Technology Coordinator. Nor should students copy other people's work or intrude into other people's files.
Inappropriate materials or language -- No profane, abusive or impolite language should be used to communicate nor should materials be accessed which are not in line with the rules of school behavior. The students are advised never to access, view, keep, or send anything that they would not want their parents or teachers to see. Should students encounter such material by accident, they should report it their teacher immediately.

