Family Handbook 2017-18

limited  to,  sites  such as Facebook, Twi er,  LinkedIn, Flickr,  Instagram, YouTube, Picasa and  MySpace. 

Faculty and  staff may use  social media as  instruc onal  tools and  for professional development.  Within  this  framework,  social media may  serve a  range of purposes,  from helping  students and  parents/guardians access assignments and  resources  related  to  classroom  studies  to  connec ng  with  classrooms  in other  communi es and  countries.  Ra onale  The use of  social media  is  regulated  for all employees of Havergal College because  social media  is  not private, and  its  improper use  can  leave  the  school and employees open  to  charges of  unethical and/or  illegal  conduct. Consequently,  the use of  social media by employees  is permi ed  to  facilitate  learning.  Faculty and  staff may use  social media  in ways  that are  consistent with  the mission,  vision and  values of Havergal, and  that  comply with  the Ontario College of Teachers’ professional advisory on  the use of electronic  communica ons and  social media. Faculty and  staff are governed by  the  school’s Agreement – Acceptable Use of Technology  in all online  spaces and are expected  to  conduct  themselves professionally,  respec ully and  responsibly. Faculty/staff are  to know and  respect proper professional boundaries with  students, par cularly when  students  ini ate  electronic  interac on.  Faculty must maintain a  sense of professionalism at all  mes—in  their personal and professional  lives. Faculty and  staff are  individuals with private  lives; however, off‐duty  conduct ma ers and  the  sound  judgment and due  care extends  to  the use of  social media. The Supreme Court of  Canada has  ruled  that  teachers’ off‐duty  conduct, even when not  related  to  students,  is  relevant  to  their  suitability  to  teach. Ac vi es  that are  improper, unethical,  illegal or  that  cause undue  discomfort  for  students, employees, parents or other members of  the Havergal  community  should  be avoided  in both physical  space and online. 

Scope  This policy applies  to all employees of Havergal.  It applies  to all  forms of  social media and  electronic  communica on,  including  so ware applica ons, email and websites. 

Last Updated Aug. 18, 2017  Havergal College Family Handbook 2017–18

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