Family Handbook 2018-19

Faculty and staff may use social media as instructional 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 connecting  with classrooms in other communities and countries. 

Rationale  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 permitted 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 communications 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, respectfully and responsibly. Faculty/staff are to know and  respect proper professional boundaries with students, particularly when students initiate electronic  interaction.  Faculty must maintain a sense of professionalism at all times—in their personal and professional  lives. Faculty and staff are individuals with private lives; however, off‑duty conduct matters 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. Activities 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  communication, including software applications, email and websites. 

Last Updated August 17, 2018 Havergal College Family Handbook 2018–19

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