Castlemaine North Primary School

CASTLEMAINE NORTH PRIMARY SCHOOL eSMART POLICY RATIONALE At Castlemaine North Primary School (CNPS), Information Communication and Technology (ICT) is a tool for learning and thinking. It is used to get students working together and motivating them to extend their thinking beyond the classroom. We use technology to develop ideas and share these with our school community in order to grow as learners. Technology enhances the teaching and learning experience by helping create an engaging and differentiated program. Teachers at CNPS are constantly seeking and applying skills that develop students who embrace technology as an efficient learning tool. It is important for students to be responsible and safe when working in the online environment or using technology. Students must be cyber-ready and cyber-safe, to prevent exposure to cyberbullying or unacceptable behaviour that may occur. AIMS 1. At CNPS we aim to deliver a whole school approach to the safe and innovative use of ICT. 2. We aim to ensure its students are protected from bullying and cyberbullying both while at school and when in their home environment. 3. We endeavour to establish an eSmart culture which is in keeping with the values of the school of thoughtfulness, courage, passion and wonder.

The eSmart Policy should be read in conjunction with the following policy documents: - ICT Acceptable Use Policy - Computers and Mobile Device Policy - Bullying and Harassment Policy

IMPLEMENTATION Implementation: 1. All staff members are to be familiar with the above policy documents. Staff are to familiarise themselves at the beginning of each school year with each policy document and carry out the necessary requirements within their classroom and as part of their daily duties while at school. 2. At the beginning of each school year, and at any other time as needed, teachers are to create an ICT user agreement in the form of an iPromise agreement outlining the protocols needed for safe and responsible digital technologies use. This will included a co-created agreement on the both the safe handling of equipment together with the penalties imposed if incorrect use occurs. 3. Throughout each school year, students will receive explicit education of an eSmart curriculum in relation to: Staying safe online, How to deal with conflict, bullying, cyber-bullying and harassment. As well as building confidence, resilience, persistence, getting along and organisational skills. 4. CNPS is committed to educating not only its students but also its wider community. As such, information relating to the eSmart Curriculum will be produced and distributed through school newsletters and the school website. Information sessions which may include guest speakers, will be made available to the wider school community at times which will be advertised through the normal channels of communications. 5. All students will annually sign an Acceptable Use Agreement. CNPS will have two forms of the Acceptable Use Agreement, one for use with the Prep - Year 4 students and one which will be appropriate for the Year 5-6 students. 6. All staff members are responsible to ensuring that students adhere to the Acceptable Use Agreement. Any breaches of this agreement will be documented, and appropriate consequences as set out in the agreement will be given. 7. The use of computers and mobile devices are a part of everyday learning whilst at CNPS. Students are expected to adhere to the Computers and Mobile Devices Policy document while using these devices at school. 8. In line with the Bullying and Harassment Policy, all students and staff are responsible for reporting any form of bullying (including cyber-bullying) or harassment to either a teacher or the school Principal.

EVALUATION

This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s three-year review cycle.

This policy was reviewed ratified by School Council August 2016

(Principal) (President of School Council)

Date: 2016 Review Cycle Date: 2019