Western Canada’s wireless network allows student and guest users to log in up to three personal devices at once. In order to access the school computers, and the school wireless network, students must agree to follow the Acceptable Use Policy (AUP).

Although not a complete list, the following is a good summary of the network guidelines, which students must follow:

1. No gaming whatsoever unless for educational purposes under supervision and with consent of a teacher.
2. Students must not download and/or install programs or other applications on school computers.
3. Students are not to tamper with either hardware or computer settings.
4. Students are allowed to use personal memory storage devices, but they must ensure that they are free of illegal content and/or viruses. Students are to keep their passwords secure and personal. No student is to log in and allow another access to their account, nor shall another student use an account that is not theirs.
5. Any attempt to engage in hacking, cracking, password stealing, accessing secure network areas or other actions which compromise the school or CBE network is a serious matter, and will result in severe consequences.
6. Students are not to visit websites that are of an inappropriate nature for school use.
7. Students must exercise discretion when posting personal information, pictures, videos or commentary about themselves and are not to post information about other CBE students and staff.

Failure to abide by the AUP may result in the following disciplinary action:

• Withdrawal of account privileges
• Suspension of account for a period of time
• Referral to school administration and possible school suspension

Use of Social Media

Each user of Social Media shall:

• Use ethical and respectful behaviour when conversing or posting material;
• Not disclose or post confidential, personal or sensitive information pertaining to the CBE, themselves or other persons, including but not limited to family members, teachers, students or friends;
• Respect intellectual property rights of others and fair use of content;
• Ensure postings and/or communications are professional, in good taste, made in a positive tone, exercise good judgment, and do not reflect negatively on the CBE, its students, teachers, staff, Trustees or other stakeholders.

- CBE Administrative Regulation 1067

Technology Centre

Western’s Technology Centre is where students and teachers may take advantage of some of the latest technology available to schools. Many computers are designated for students to use at any time, while the largest sections of the lab are reserved for classes.

The integration, infusion and innovation of technology in schoolwork and classroom practice are encouraged in the lab.

Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) for Network Information Resources

Statement of Purpose

Western Canada High School aims to help each student become a competent, productive and self-directed young adult through the pursuit of learning. Our school provides an excellent learning and information resource via our internet access, networked computers and L.A.W.N. (Learner Access Wireless Network). However, in order to effectively and safely use these resources, students and parents must be aware of a few facts and rules. In signing the reverse side of this form, the student agrees to abide by and follow these guidelines at all times.

L.A.W.N. Internet Filtering and Caution

Western Canada is a school of excellence and has a rich academic tradition. In order to facilitate maximal learning, we are a CBE Level 3 school which means that we have the least restrictive internet filtering possible. Students are able to research with very limited restrictions and can therefore reach some questionable content. At the high school level, students are expected to be responsible, exercise personal due diligence, and ensure that the following guidelines are upheld:

• Students are not to actively seek out and visit inappropriate websites. These include websites that contain pornographic, hateful, racist, criminal, or any activity deemed inappropriate by WCHS staff. Should a student accidentally encounter such a website, they are to leave that site immediately and inform the teacher.
• Students must recognise that the internet is a huge source of misinformation as well as information. Students researching information should be careful to consider the source of such information, using reliable non commercial sites, as well as getting multiple sources to verify information.

Gaming

• Computer gaming is not permitted at WCHS. Gaming can and does compromise network memory, internet speed and represents the loss availability of computer access for another student who might need one. Therefore, students are NOT ALLOWED to game using school computers unless that gaming is connected to curricular content and expressly allowed by a teacher for an educational purpose.

Social Networking and Communication

While currently social networking websites are not strictly disallowed, their use is not condoned. If a student is on a social networking website, the following guidelines must be followed:

• Students must ensure that privacy settings are maximized to avoid unwanted solicitations or viewing by others whose motives may be questionable.
• Posting of specific personal information is not allowed.
• Students will not post personal information about other people, including family members, fellow students, teacher or friends.
• Internet predators exist who misrepresent their age, sex or personality in order to meet children and young adults. Students should under no circumstances meet with an internet acquaintance without parent or guardian permission, and with adequate supervision.
• Students will not engage in cyber bullying, which is defined as the “use of communication technologies to support deliberate and hostile behaviour by an individual or group that is intended to harm others." This may include sending hateful or insulting remarks to others, posting unwanted pictures for others to see on the internet, sending threats or even as simple as continuing to send e-mail to someone who has requested no further contact. Cyber-bullying is a criminal act and will be dealt with accordingly.

Network Monitoring

Students and parents should be aware that electronic logs are kept. They record who, when and what occurs on the CBE network and CBE devices. All CBE network accounts are subject to reasonable search. Users of the CBE network are not anonymous. Moreover, many WCHS computers have monitoring software enabled that allows teachers to view a student’s activities.

Other Expectations

• Students are not to use WCHS computers to post, send or download inappropriate material.
• In general, students must understand that all rules of expected conduct, appropriate language, fair and respectful comments, and responsible behaviour of a CBE student apply also to their conduct in using CBE computers and the school network. I understand that consequences for breaking those rules may result in the limitation or withdrawal of the privilege of having access to the CBE network and of having Internet access.
• The CBE and staff of Western Canada High School are not responsible for any loss of damages associated with its network, including losses associated with interruptions in service or loss of data.

Consequences

If a student fails to comply with the Acceptable Use Policy, school disciplinary action may result and will follow the normal course of fair and accountable administrative process. Some forms of school-based responses to students for failure to use the supported network appropriately may include:

• Use of Internet only with direct supervision
• Suspension of network and Internet privileges.
• Cancellation of network and Internet privileges.
• Expulsion from school.
• Legal action.