The Contract You Signed

Howick College's Responsibilities to You and Your Responsibilities to Howick.

Howick has one of the better networks in the country, and in order for us to keep it safe and effective for you to learn, we require that you obey some pretty basic rules. When you signed the contract on your enrollment form, you agreed to give up some of your freedom and privacy (eg, your rights to access some content on the web and/or use a VPN) in exchange for a safe and effective network. 

Read the Contract Below: 

HOWICK COLLEGE USER AGREEMENT OVERVIEW 

Digital technology continues to create opportunities to learn and connect our school community. Howick College believes in using a digital citizenship model to support safe, responsible and ethical use of digital technology and online spaces as it helps our online environment to be a positive place for everyone. 

This agreement outlines Howick College’s role in promoting the use of digital technology and online spaces for learning, and supporting online safety approaches. It also outlines expectations and responsibilities of students as a member of our online community. It will also be used to support discipline processes when necessary. 

HOWICK COLLEGE’S ROLE 

Howick College recognises a student’s right to receive a high-quality education in a safe online and offline environment. 

We will do this by: 

• providing information and support to ensure you are aware of, and able to meet, your responsibilities 

• teaching a curriculum that promotes positive online safety behaviours 

• overseeing students’ use of the school’s/kura digital devices and platforms 

• offering access to the internet and online services that is not unreasonably restricted 

• using filtering software to minimise access to inappropriate online content 

• supporting students who need help dealing with online incidents 

• taking action when a negative online experience occurs between students even if it takes place outside of school hours

• securing the personal information the school collects about you 

• protecting your freedom of expression under New Zealand’s Bill of Rights 

• supporting students when something serious or illegal happens. This might include getting in touch with caregivers, counselours, Netsafe or Police

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 

As a student of Howick College and a member of our community, it is expected that you will positively contribute towards making our school/kura a place that is safe, respectful, and fair online and offline. This means enacting our school values in online spaces, and helping to shape a positive online culture. This is being a ‘digital citizen’. 

As a digital citizen, you will:

• Keep it positive. Always respect others online and communicate in a constructive way. Do not create or publish content that is indecent, threatening or offensive. 

• Protect privacy. Do not disclose sensitive personal information about yourself or another person in any digital communication. This includes sharing passwords, accessing devices or online sites belonging to others without consent and taking screenshots and sharing this content without consent. 

• Act cautiously. Anything you post or do online can influence what people think of you. Likewise, always think carefully about whether the information you see online is true. If you are unsure of something talk to a teacher. 

• Avoid online bullying. Creating or forwarding content that is harmful, inappropriate or hurtful is never okay at any time, and is likely a breach of the law under the Harmful Digital Communications Act. If you are harassing people by sending multiple messages this is also considered online bullying and is unacceptable.

• Be security smart. Keep personal information safe and secure by using strong passwords and not sharing them with others. This includes not accessing devices or online sites belonging to others without consent, nor taking screenshots and on-sharing their personal content without their knowledge and permission.

• Check consent. Before downloading software via the school network or onto devices, seek permission.  Interfering with the school systems, digital technologies, equipment/network or the online security of another person is never okay at any time. Installing software on school devices is not permitted.

• Recognise the work of others. Follow copyright and intellectual property requirements by attributing references, images, text, audio and video appropriately. 

• Respect the rights of others. Only record and share video, photo or audio content if the people in it know it has been taken and have provided their consent. 

• Represent Howick College appropriately. Use of school email addresses and other communication platforms are exclusively for learning and school related activities. All communication online must reflect the school’s values. Similarly, you agree not to use the name Howick College in any way that misrepresents the school, or causes harm to others. 

• Use personal devices sensibly. Keep your device(s) on silent during school hours and only use it outside of class time unless you have been given permission to use it during lessons. 

• Use personal devices appropriately. Access only content and sites that are appropriate for learning and/or in line with our school values. Assure that your device is free of inappropriate or illegal content, even if you are not accessing it during school. You agree not to bypass any school filtering through use of a VPN or other means. 

• Seek help. Sometimes you or someone you know will feel unsafe or come across inappropriate or hurtful online content and behaviours. If this happens talk to a trusted adult about what can be done, or contact Netsafe directly. 

ONLINE INCIDENTS 

Despite the advantages technology offers and people’s best intentions, sometimes there will be challenges and risks within an online community – either accidentally or on purpose. Howick College is committed to supporting you if something goes wrong online. 

Online bullying. Incidents of online bullying or harm will not be tolerated at our school/kura. If you or somebody else is being bullied or harmed online, it’s never okay at any time. This type of harm doesn’t usually just go away. It’s important to keep the evidence of what is happening to you or someone so this can be  investigated. Don’t put yourself at further risk by continuing any contact with the person or people who are bullying online, or creating harmful or hurtful content . It’s very important to let someone at school know what’s happening so you can get the right help and support you need.  You should also consider talking to a trusted adult like your parent, your whānau or guardian for support. 

Report a problem. If you witness or are involved in an online incident, or suspect something unsafe is happening online, you should report it as soon as possible. The two best ways you can do this at school, are to inform your dean, or use the Your Voice website (hcyourvoice.com). Once the school is made aware of a problem through either of these channels, they will assess the problem and work to resolve it.

Online safety support. Netsafe is an online safety organisation that is also available to help. They provide free confidential advice seven days a week for all online safety challenges. They can be contacted on 0508 638723 or online at netsafe.org.nz 

HC Your Voice 

If you would like to report a problem anonymously you can do so using the school’s Your Voice website (www.hcyourvoice.com). Here you can report a problem directly to the school and find links to trusted external organisations and helpful resources.

STUDENT DECLARATION 

I am aware of the expectations, behaviours and values required of me when I use digital technologies at school, any online tools and platforms, and the school’s systems and network. I understand these apply to all devices used at school whether they are owned by school or if it is my personal device. I agree not to use any technology that allows my device to bypass school security or that undermines the school’s ability to carry out its responsibilities to maintain a safe learning environment. 

I understand I have the right to use and experience online environments and digital technologies in positive ways and that others do also. With these rights, come responsibilities. 

I understand and agree to support and uphold the expectations and responsibilities outlined in this agreement.  

I know that if my actions or behaviours do not align with the User Agreement there may be consequences. This may include, amongst other appropriate measures, the loss of access to school technology, including the internet on school owned devices or personally owned devices used at school.