Deputy Principal's Address
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
We have had a few recent incidents where Secondary students used their devices to film classmates or teachers in class without their knowledge. This clearly breaches the appropriate use of IT at St John’s, and I would like to draw your attention to the information below as a timely reminder to all members of our school community.
Responsible IT Use at St John’s: A Shared Commitment to Values and Integrity
At St John’s School, technology is more than just a tool—it’s a gateway to learning, collaboration, and creativity. As we continue to integrate Information and Communication Technology (ICT) into our classrooms and school life, we remain guided by the core beliefs and values that shape our community.
Our IT policy is built on three foundational principles:
Equity of Access
We believe every student deserves equal access to digital resources, regardless of background or circumstance. This commitment ensures that ICT supports inclusive learning and bridges gaps within and between school communities.
Authentic Decision Making
In a world overflowing with information, we teach our students to think critically and make informed choices about the nature and extent of the content they engage with. Whether researching for a project or exploring new ideas, students are encouraged to seek out credible sources and reflect on the relevance and reliability of what they find.
Integrity in Sourcing and Ownership
Respecting intellectual property is a cornerstone of our digital conduct. Students are expected to acknowledge the work of others, avoid plagiarism, and understand the ethical responsibilities that come with creating and sharing content online.
Student Guidelines for Online Conduct
To uphold these values, all students at St John’s are expected to follow clear rules when using school ICT systems:
- No illegal or immoral use: Students must not use the system for any activity that is illegal, unethical, or prohibited by school policy.
- Respectful and courteous behaviour: Online interactions should reflect the same kindness and respect we expect in person.
- Educational focus: The Internet and email are to be used strictly for learning purposes—supporting classwork, research, and school-related communication.
A Culture of Digital Responsibility
By aligning our IT practices with the values of equity, authenticity, and integrity, we foster a culture where technology enhances—not distracts from—our mission as a learning community. Parents, teachers, and students all play a vital role in modelling responsible digital behaviour.
Let’s continue to make St John’s a place where innovation meets ethics, and where every student can thrive in a safe, respectful, and purposeful digital environment.
Please note: Updated policy notification
As a part of your Enrolment Agreement with our school, we agreed to notify you of any changes to policies that form a part of this agreement. The Acceptable use of TCS provided ICT systems, devices and resources policy has recently been reviewed and is available on the Toowoomba Catholic Schools website.
Warm regards
Ryan Doig
Deputy Principal