Vientiane International School

3.1       Calendar 2009-2010

3.2       Class Times and School Day

             3.2.1     Class Times

             3.2.2     Period 10

3.3       Crisis Management and Security

             3.3.1     Access Regulations

i)                    Definitions

ii)                   General Regulations

iii)                 Access for Students

iv)                 Access for VIS Staff

v)                  Access for Parents and Registered Domestic Staff

vi)                 Access for Visitors

vii)               Use of School Facilities for Non-School Activity

viii)              Fee Schedule for Use of the VIS Facility – Sports Zone

3.5       Duty / Supervision

            3.5.1     General

            3.5.2     Duty Times

            3.5.3     Out of Bounds / Open Areas

3.6       Extra Curricular Events

            3.6.1     Field Trips

i)                    Day Trips

ii)                   Study Trips

            3.6.2     MRISA

            3.6.3     After School Activities

            3.6.4     Community Service

i)                    MYP

ii)                   CAS

3.7       Health and Safety

3.7.1     Health Guidelines

i)                    School Health Services

ii)                   Nurse Office Functions

iii)                 Nurse’s Office Regulations

iv)                 Illness Policy

v)                  Protection against Infection / Exclusion Guidelines

vi)                 Student Inquires and Accidents

vii)               Medication at School

viii)              Medical Records

ix)                 Infectious Diseases

x)                  Pandemic Action Plan

xi)                 Medical Contact Information

xii)               Medical Insurance

3.7.2     Emergency Procedures

3.7.3     Emergency Contact

3.8     Library / Media Centre

            3.8.1     Bibliographic citations

            3.8.2     Borrowing Materials

            3.8.3     Hours

            3.8.4     Library Staff

            3.8.5    Resources

            3.8.6    Service Provided

            3.8.7   Student Behaviour in the library

3.9     Mail / Email / Computers

            3.9.1     Acceptable Computer Use Policy

            3.9.2     Email Etiquette

3.11     Newsletter

3.12     Parking / Traffic

3.13     PTA

3.14     Resolving Problems

3.1     Calendar 2009-2010 

The academic year is 179 in 2009-10 school days and is comprised of two semesters.  The first semester begins in late August and runs until the December/January break. Semester 2 runs from the return in January to the middle of June. Lao National holidays are observed in addition to Christmas and International New Year.  The instructional day is divided into nine, 40 minute class periods.

August 2009                                                  September 2009                                            October 2009

 November 2009                                           December 2009                                             January  2010

February 2010                                              March 2010                                                     April 2010

May 2010                                                      June 2010

Labor Day – No School

Primary Parent Conferences Early                Last Student Day – June 17

Years 3 – Grade 5  - May 6                             End of Semester 2 – June 17

8 am to 4 pm – students attend

conference with parents

Senior Graduation – May 28  

3.2     Class Times and School Day

3.2.1        Class Times

The following class times apply to the secondary school and primary students who are scheduled for Single Subject Lessons such as PE, Art, Music and Languages.  The start and the end of the school day apply to the whole school.  Primary Lunch occurs during Period 6 and Secondary Lunch occurs during Period 7.

3.2.2    Period 10

This period is for 11^th and 12^th graders and takes place from 15.00-15.40, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays only.  This enables IB DP students to reach the recommended number of hours of teaching for the DP.

This period is part of the official timetabling of DP classes, and is not an ‘extra’.  If any students are released from this class early for any reason, they may leave school, but only after the teacher has informed the office of the names of students permitted to leave.  Any student marked present on that day, and who has a class during period 10, will be expected to be in school until 15.40 unless the office has been informed by the class teacher.

3.3     Crisis Management and Security

3.3.1    Access Regulations

i)          Definitions

1)        Normal School Hours means 07.50 to 14:55, Monday to Friday.

2)        Normal Office Hours means 07:30 to 16:30, Monday to Friday.

3)        Normal After-School Hours means 15:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.

4)        Normal Closed Hours means 22:00 to 06:00, Monday to Friday, and 00:00 to 24:00, Saturday and Sunday.

5)        Access Control Point No. 1 means the check point located between the Parking Zone and Sport Zone.

6)        Access Control Point No. 2 means the check point located between the Sport Zone and the School Zone.

7)        Parking Zone means the area marked on the School Access Map as such zone and includes the covered parking area.

8)        Sport Zone means the area marked on the School Access Map as such zone and includes the main basketball court, football field and drop-off area.

9)        School Zone means the area marked on the School Access Map as such zone and includes all buildings, facilities and open areas within the School boundary walls.

10)    VIS ID Card means an identification card that is issued by VIS.

11)    Invited Guest means a person who was not been issued a VIS ID Card, but is invited by an Expatriate Staff Member or Parent to visit VIS.

ii)         General Regulations

1)        All VIS staff members (expatriate and Lao nationals), Secondary Students, Parents and registered Domestic Support Staff shall be issued a VIS ID Card.  Primary Students will not be issued a VIS ID Card.

2)        Any person who does not have a VIS ID Card must sign the visitors book at Access Control Point No. 1 at which time they will be issued a VIS Visitor ID Card. The visitor must visibly wear the VIS Visitor ID Card at all times while visiting VIS, and return their VIS Visitor ID Card at Access Control Point No.1 when departing from VIS.

3)        Any person may visit VIS during the Normal Office Hours or after Normal Office Hours if they are an Invited Guest to attend or participated in a VIS activity after Normal Office Hours.

4)        During Normal Closed Hours, no one shall have access to the Sport Zone and/or the School Zone without the prior written approval of the VIS Director or VIS Business Manager.

iii)                Access for Students

1)        During Normal School Hours, all students have free access to the Sport Zone and School Zone. Secondary Students must show their VIS ID Card or exit pass issued by the VIS office to security staff when entering/leaving at Access Control Check Point No. 1 and/or Access Control Check Point No. 2.

2)        During Normal School Hours, students are not allowed to leave from school without first obtaining a permission slip from the VIS office and such slip must be presented at Access Control Check Point No. 1 when leaving school.

3)        Primary Students must leave from school no later than 15:00 unless they are registered for an activity during Normal-After Hours, and then the student must leave school no later than 16:30.

4)        Secondary Students must leave from school no later than 15:00 unless they are registered for an activity during Normal-After Hours, and then the student must leave school no later than 16:30.

5)        During Normal School Hours, students can access a classroom only if a VIS teacher or teacher’s assistant is present in the classroom.  During Normal After-School Hours, students are not allowed to access classrooms, library, IT-labs, music room, VIS office or any other room within the School Zone unless a VIS staff member is present.

6)        After Normal Office Hours, Primary Students and/or Secondary Students may access the Sport Zone or School Zone to attend or participate in a supervised VIS activity.

iv)                Access for VIS Staff

1)        Other than Normal Closed Hours, all VIS staff members (expatriate and Lao nationals) shall have free access to the Parking Zone, Sport Zone and/or School Zone.

2)        After Normal Office Hours, all VIS staff members may access the Parking Zone, Sport Zone and/or School Zone to attend or participate in a VIS activity after Normal Office Hours.

v)                  Access for Parents and Registered Domestic Support Staff

1)        Before and after Normal School Hours, and in order to drop-off and to pick-up students, Parents shall have free access to all zones. Registered Domestic Support Staff shall have free access to the Parking Zone, Sport Zone and/or School Zone only before Normal School Hours.

2)        During Normal School Hours, Parents and Registered Domestic Support Staff must check-in at the office before having access to the School Zone (classroom).

3)        With regard to the delivery of lunch for a student, Parents and Registered Domestic Support Staff are to deliver such lunch to the relevant baskets located at Access Control Point No. 1, and the VIS staff will then deliver the lunch to the relevant student at lunch time.  If, however, there are special requirements for a student’s lunch, then the Parent will make special arrangements in advance with the relevant VIS staff.

4)        After Normal Office Hours, all Parents may access the Parking Zone, Sport Zone and/or School Zone to attend or participated in a VIS activity after Normal Office Hours.

vi)                Access for Visitors

1)        Visitors who are making a delivery to the School must be escorted by a VIS staff member to the office after receiving their VIS Visitors ID Card.  For large sized deliveries, such deliveries shall only use the “D” gate.  All visitors making deliveries shall be accompanied by a VIS staff member at all times.

vii)              Use of School Facilities for Non-School Activity

1)        No one is allowed to use the school facilities for non-official school or school-sponsored activities or functions unless they receive prior written authorization by the Director.  The Director is authorized to grant permission for the school facilities to be used for social, cultural, educational, athletic or charitable activities or functions, however, any such activities or functions must be in harmony with the mission and goals of VIS.  In the event of a conflict in scheduling, the Director will ensure that the school shall have priority in the use of the school facilities.

2)        The Director shall establish a fee schedule for the use of school facilities for non-official school or school-sponsored activities or functions, and such fees shall be high enough to cover the direct and indirect costs that VIS may incur in allowing such activities or functions to be held at VIS.

viii)            Fee Schedule for Use of the VIS Facility – Sport Zone

1)        VIS staff, parents and students may use the facilities without charge under the regulations listed in sections i) to vii).

2)        Other people may use the facility upon written approval of the Director. Use shall be limited to facilities in the Sport Zone. If a group has approval to use a facility, the group must have a designated leader who has responsibility for the group. The fee will be determined by the Director in consultation with the Athletic Director  Each entrant will sign the roster sheet at the guardhouse. Fees collected will be used to purchase sports equipment for VIS.

3)        Should a group wish to use a facility in the Sport Zone to sponsor a charitable event, the Director may waive the fee requirement.

3.5     Duty / Supervision

3.5.1    General

VIS believes that active supervision is imperative to successfully ensure the physical and emotional safety of students during breaks.  Teachers move around their duty areas so that they are actively supervising to ensure that the students are interacting and behaving in a caring and principled manner.  Teachers report any incidents to the IB Coordinators or Primary Head as soon as possible.  In an instance where a student is injured the teacher supervising ensures the student is escorted to the infirmary or the Nurse’s support is sought on site.

3.5.2    Duty Times

VIS staff are on duty at the following times

3.5.3        Out of Bounds / Open Areas

For the safety of the students there are some areas at VIS which are out of bounds.  Students are expected to respect the out of bounds areas.

3.6     Extra Curricular Events

3.6.1     Field Trips

              i)        Day Trips

VIS has a general permission form signed at enrolment that covers student participation in local field trips that take place within the school day.  You will be informed of a Day Trip by a notice that will be sent home from the teacher outlining the purpose of the trip, when and where. There will always be a minimum of 2 adults supervising every field trip.  As a rule, one adult per 10 students will accompany each group.

VIS covers the cost of entry fees and transportation for curriculum related day trips.  Students are responsible for the cost of food or should be directed to take a packed lunch with them.   The cost of class parties is the responsibility of the students and parents. 

            ii)         Study Trips

In addition to day excursions, VIS students beginning in Grade 5 may make overnight study trips outside of Vientiane.  Study trips are part of the school curriculum.  Students use Laos, the Mekong basin and other locations as a focus and resource to study aspects of the school curriculum.  These include; academic, social, emotional and physical aspects.  The study trips aim to involve the students in real world learning situations and often involve elements of community service and action.

Study Trips (overnight field trips) operate with specific trip requirements, schedules and forms.  These requirements require staff to gain parental permission, health and medical details, insurance details along with following a clear process for the development and implementation of the trip. 

In Primary study trips may be for one or two days, depending on destination whilst in Secondary these trips occur over five days.  These study trips are well-researched and planned with students' health and safety in mind.  Parents are informed about the trip early in the planning stages, and are invited to attend informational meetings where they can gain answers to any questions they may have.

The study trips are a required part of the curriculum and all students are expected to participate.  On unusual occasions, a student may be unable to participate in travel for health reasons or for another compelling reason approved by the school.  In such a case, that student is expected to participate in all class work before and after travel.

There is no cost to students for study trips. It is covered by the regular tuition. All school rules are in effect for all school trips.  If you have questions regarding study trips please contact your child’s class teacher or Advisor.

3.6.2    MRISA

VIS is a founding member of the Mekong River International Schools Association (MRISA), an organization of international schools in the region. Other schools are ISE – Thailand, ISPP – Cambodia, NISC – Cambodia, UNIS – Vietnam, ISHMC – Vietnam, HIS – Vietnam and SSIS – Vietnam. The association provides social connections and opportunities for sports and cultural exchanges for secondary students (Grades 6-12) throughout the school year and provides a forum for professional development among faculty and administrations of the member schools.

MRISA schools take turns hosting sports exchanges for the Middle School and High School, one cultural exchange, a Model United Nations, and one Leadership Summit. Families from the hosting school house students during the exchanges – usually 3-4 days. Participants in MRISA exchanges will be required to host visiting MRISA students when VIS hosts MRISA events.

Students who participate in MRISA exchanges must sign and adhere to the MRISA Code of Conduct, which is distributed as a part of the registration process for each MRISA exchange. Parents must also sign and accept the code. The code sets out MRISA rules regarding:

• Prohibition of smoking, drinking alcohol, using or possessing unauthorized drugs, and inappropriate behavior
• Approved forms of local transportation
• Prohibition of any events or activities outside of the exchange schedule
• Curfew
• Other general standards of behavior

The code also sets out the consequences of violating MRISA rules. In addition, any MRISA school may impose further consequences for its own students. Finally, all VIS rules apply at MRISA exchanges as well as any other school activities and events which are held away from the school campus.   

Your involvement in MRISA Exchanges is vital.  We need your support by hosting students and encouraging our students to participate.  VIS welcomes parents who would like to provide coaching services in the areas of Basketball, Volleyball and Soccer.   Please contact the Athletic Director if you have any questions or wish to coach a team at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

3.6.3    After School Activities (ASA)

The VIS After School Activities (ASA) programme is coordinated by the ASA Coordinator.  Each full-time teacher is required to supervise/run two activities for the year and part-time teachers are required to supervise or run one activity over the course of one year.  Each activity is expected to run one quarter of the academic year.  At the beginning of the year a chart will be posted in the staff room for staff members to sign up to supervise the appropriate number of ASA for the year (one per semester, two in one semester, two in one term, your choice).  If the activity you choose to run has a cost involved (for example, ceramics or needlework), a size limit, age limit, etc. the ASA coordinator needs to be informed.

If you are unsure of what activity you would like to supervise ask around the staff room as some activities need more than one supervisor.  Often teachers who need help will indicate this on the chart in some form.  It is also possible to get parents involved.

After School Activities also include Tae Kwon Do, silk painting, and others taught by instructors from the community.  Parents are responsible for covering costs of instruction and fees should be paid directly to the instructor at the beginning of the activity.

Past Activities:

            Indoor games                                       Hat making

            Ultimate Frisbee                                   Drama club

            Art                                                       Swim club

            Folk dancing                                         Language lessons

            Cooking                                               Beading

            Scrapbooking                                       Forensics

            Basketball/sports                                  Construction

            Soccer                                                 Stamp Collecting

            Chess                                                   Cross Country/Running

All extra-curricular activities are free except for non-VIS staff professional instructors or for materials where there is a nominal charge. All fees are to be paid directly to the instructor. A late bus is provided for regular bus riders who participate in after school activities.  Please contact the ASA Coordinator if you have any questions or wish to contribute your time to the ASA programme at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

3.6.4    Community Service

            i)          MYP

Community service is an integral component of the MYP.  Parents are encouraged to make contact with the teachers at VIS if they are involved in an area that could contribute to the school programme.  Please contact your child’s Advisor, subject teacher or the MYP Coordinator This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   if you have ideas to contribute.

            ii)         CAS

Creativity, Action and Service is part of the IB DP.  All students in 11^th and 12^th grades, whether they are in the full Diploma programme, or Certificate programme or VIS level courses, must complete CAS.    CAS is a requirement for graduation at VIS.

3.7     Health and Safety

3.7.1    Health Guidelines

i)          School Health Services

A clinic / infirmary, staffed by a registered nurse is located in the administration building and provides services to all students.   The school nurse supplies medication information to staff and the VIS community, emergency on site first aid as needed and care to sick or injured students.  For elementary students, the school nurse also carries out regular health screening including vision, postural and body mass index (BMI).

A log is kept for all treatment, and parents are notified in the event of any serious illness or injury.

It’s the responsibility of the school nurse to evaluate each child and to communicate with his or her parents if they need to go home, and to notify the Receptionist and Homeroom Teacher / Advisor of the student's dismissal.

i)                    Nurse’s Office Functions

The school nurse;

§           Provides care to students and staff who have been injured or who present with acute illness. Evaluates and refers to cases to the other medical facilities as appropriate.

§           Contributes to the control of communicable diseases through immunization record keeping; the surveillance and isolation of students with contagious diseases.

§           Administers medication and treatments as ordered by health care providers.

§           Serves as a liaison between students, school personnel and health care providers regarding health issues.

§           Provides first-aid kits on campus, school buses, field trips and sport events.

ii)                  Nurse’s Office Regulations

The following regulations have been instituted regarding visits to the nurse‘s office while classes are in session:

§      Except in an emergency, students will have a pass from their classroom teacher to see the nurse. Otherwise, they should see the nurse during a recess or lunch period.

§      Students who are sick must go through the nurse.  They are not to make arrangements for early dismissal due to illness without first being evaluated by the school nurse.

§      If a child become ill at school and needs to return home, the school nurse will notify parent(s). If notified of illness, parents are expected to arrange to pick up their child right away.

iii)                Illness Policy

Parents are asked to notify the School Nurse of any infectious diseases or of any change in the health status of a student,(e.g. a vaccination, illness or operation).

Many of the most common illnesses result from viral infections. Viral illnesses require time for the body to overcome the infection. Therefore to ensure the sick student does not transfer the contagion to others, it is important for parents to keep students at home if they are sick.

VIS maintains a “Fever Free” environment and requires all students not to attend school if they have a temperature of over 37.5 degrees Celsius or 99.5 degrees Fahrenheit. This policy supports our efforts to maintain a healthy environment for all and minimize the spread of viral infections.

In the event of extended illness where the student will be absent for a number of days, parents are requested to contact the VIS Nurse‘s office:  Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , Telephone: 021-486001

v)         Protection against infection / Exclusion Guidelines

Young children frequently become mildly ill. Infants, toddlers and preschoolers experience a yearly average of six respiratory infections (colds) and can develop one to two gastrointestinal infections (vomiting and/or diarrhea) each year.  Deciding when children should be at school can be difficult.

Parents and caregivers should discuss the child’s symptoms and decide what to do.  Parents are expected to contact the school when their child is ill and describe the symptoms. If a specific diagnosis, (such as strep throat or Pink eye) is made by a doctor (health care provider), parents are expected to let the VIS Nurse know so other families can be alerted.  Some times it is necessary for a child to remain at home.

Generally, if any of the following conditions apply, exclusion from school should be considered:

§           If the student does not feel well enough to participate comfortably in usual activities.  Child may be very tired, irritable or cry a lot.

§           If the student requires more care than school personnel are able to provide

§           If the student has a high fever, behavior changes, persistent crying, difficulty breathing, lack of energy, uncontrolled coughing or the signs suggesting a possibly severe illness

§           If the student is ill with a potentially contagious illness and exclusion is recommended by a health care provider, state or local agency or these guidelines**

The following symptoms and/or illnesses should be used to determine if a student should be kept at home or excluded from school

Handout developed by Vientiane International School

** Based on Communicable disease Epidemiology Programme. Infectious Disease in School setting: Guidelines for School Nurses and Personal. Denver, Colorado.

.

References

·          Centers of Diseases Control (CDC)

·          The children’s Hospital School health Programme Denver

·          Managing Infectious Diseases in Child Care and Schools, American Academy of Pediatrics.

·          Colorado Department of Public health and Environment, Communicable Diseases Epidemiology Programme.

iv)                Student Injuries / Accidents

The School Nurse will call parents if a student must go home due to illness or injury.  In the event of a serious injury or illness, the nurse or an office staff member will contact the parent or guardian. If needed, school will refer the student to the nearest medical facility for further emergency care as parents requested. The Nurse or designated person will accompany the student to the hospital and meet the parent there. Costs associated with emergency treatment and transportation costs are the parents’ responsibility.

v)                  Medication at School

Students requiring prescribed medication during school hours must have on file the prescription from their physicians as well as the written authorization from the parent or legal guardian. The parent’s written authorization must include:

§           The name of student receiving the medication.

§           The name and description of the medication.

§           Scheduled times for the administration of the medication.

§           The dosage to be given.

§           Instructions for administration of the medication.

§           Description of any possible side-effects.

§           Any other contra-indications, instructions or warning.

All medications must be in the original pharmacy container. The container must be clearly marked the patient‘s name, type of medicine and dosage.  A few over-counter medicines (Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Antacid) are available and can be given if parent‘s permission is on file.

Teachers may not accept, store or administer medications for students.  No medication will be given to students at any time without parental approval.

vi)                Medical Records

At the start of the school year, parents are requested to complete and submit the VIS health file and keep the school annually updated of new medical information, immunization, emergency contact details which will be recorded within Admin and school nurse file programme.  The School Nurse has to complete, update and file medical records for all students.

vii)              Infectious Diseases

The decision to exclude students who have an infectious disease will be made in conjunction with the school, health care providers, parents and/ or the school nurse consultant. Students should be allowed to return to school once the exclusion period is met or a health care provider clears the student. 

viii)            Pandemic Action Plan

VIS has developed a Pandemic Action Plan that is on the VIS Website www.vislao.com. The plan uses guidelines established by the World Health Organization. All students and parents should visit the website and be familiar with the different phases of the plan.

ix)                Medical Contact Information

Laos has a shortage of medical care facilities that meet international standards.  The Australian Embassy Clinic is a resource for citizens of the Commonwealth only, and generally refers all but the most basic illnesses or injuries to Thai hospitals.  In 2007, the Centre medical de l’Ambassade de France opened in Khouvieng, not far from VIS.  Its services include 24/7 medical consultations, emergency house calls, physiotherapy, speech therapy, and dental care to name a few.  As a TieCare member, the clinic will cover your expenses on the spot.  Although facilities in Nong Khai, Udon Thani or Bangkok are popular, the following Vientiane facilities might be appropriate under certain circumstances:

3.7.2    Emergency Procedures

The Business Manager operates as the school Safety Officer, and sets evacuation procedures and practices. Every room has an emergency evacuation map.  Students will be informed of the location of the emergency evacuation map in each of their classrooms. In the event of an emergency evacuation all parents will be sent a SMS notice.

Emergency Evacuation Instructions are reviewed and given to staff at the beginning of each school year. During staff workdays, staff are informed of the evacuation process and some of the scheduled fire drills.  In the beginning of semester one, the first practice evacuation will take place.  Once the administration is satisfied with the effectiveness of all scheduled and unscheduled drills, they will then take place once each quarter.

In the event of a fire alarm, the campus will be closed.  If a parent/guardian or visitor are about to enter the school premises, access will be denied by the guard.  Parents/guardians or visitors who are already on the premises, are required to line up at the dedicated point in the evacuation area for visitors. Under no circumstances can anyone leave until the Director has announced that the situation is stable and everyone can be dismissed. 

If it is necessary to evacuate the premises for reason other than fire, students and staff will follow our normal evacuation drill procedure.  Thereafter, an administrator will inform the staff to move to the evacuation plan.

All staff provide close supervision during the evacuation of the premises to our nearby holding site where students would then be sent home by school vans or picked up by parents.  

3.7.3    Emergency Contact

In an emergency the Director should be contacted as soon as possible. The Director’s mobile phone contact is (856 20) 787 2820

3.8     Library / Media Centre

3.8.1                Bibliographic citations

VIS follows the APA style of bibliographic citation.  All secondary students are expected to use this style when completing research assignments.  Books on the APA style are available in the library and electronically in the teacher’s folder under library. The APA guide to referencing electronic sources can also be found in the student’s class folders on the server.

3.8.2                Borrowing Materials

All VIS students can borrow resources for two (2) weeks.  Renewals are available. 

3.8.3                Hours

The VIS library is open for use before school from 7:30 to 16:00 Monday to Friday.

3.8.4                Library Staff

Library services are provided by the Librarian, Mrs Brooker and the Library Assistants, Ms. Noy Soukhanouvong and Mr Bounlerth.

3.8.5                Resources

The library houses more than 10,000 items with posters, DVDs, CDs, books, big books (primary only), magazines, electronic encyclopedias and databases, online magazines, cameras and video recorders, newspapers, sets of reading books for the classroom (primary) and a teacher resource section. 

3.8.6                Service Provided

Some of the ways the librarian can help you are by;

§           Finding for you books, magazines and online resources, including websites.  Requests must be made in advance.   Please allow for up to five (5) school days for us to find the resources you need.

§           Teaching or helping to teach (in the library, the computer labs or in classrooms) citation, how to quote, APA bibliographic rules (the school uses the APA style),  note taking skills, website evaluation, internet searching skills, database searching skills, Dewey library classification, fiction genres, literature appreciation, how to avoid plagiarism, plus much more

§           Recommending titles for your personal reading

§           Providing you with resources to plan your holidays

3.8.7    Student Behaviour in the Library   

There are few library rules as staff try to make the library an inviting place however the rules we have are: no running, no eating or drinking, no shouting, no jumping on beanbags and no shoes. To keep the carpet clean all shoes (students, parents and staff) are requested to remove their shoes and put them on the shoe racks provided by the door.  Library staff also adhere to this rule and wear separate indoor shoes.

3.9     Email / Computers

3.9.1    Acceptable Computer Use Policy

The information systems and internet access available at VIS are intended for educational purposes only.  The use of the information systems is a privilege, not a right.

The term "information systems" as used herein includes, but is not limited to: hardware, software, communication lines and devices, graphing calculators, terminals, printers, CD-ROM devices, tape drives, scanners, and micro-, mini- and mainframe computers. The term "users" as used herein includes all staff members, students, volunteers, parents, and other individuals using any portion of the information systems.

These information systems are operated by students and faculty for the mutual benefit of all concerned, and all users are expected to assist in the successful operation of the facilities.  Users should not do, or attempt to do anything that might disrupt the operation of the network or equipment, and/or interfere with the learning of other students.  The following guidelines are intended to help users understand appropriate use.  All access to information systems shall be pre-approved by the Director or program manager. The school may restrict or terminate any user's access, without prior notice, if such action is deemed necessary to maintain computing availability and security for other users of the systems.  Other disciplinary action may also be imposed as stated in VIS Student Handbook.

Ethical Conduct for Electronic Users

With the use of information resources and information technology, it is the responsibility of all users to:

•            Recognize and honor the intellectual property of others.

•            Comply with legal restrictions regarding plagiarism and the use and citation of information resources

•            Restrict the use of the information systems and resources to the mission or function of the school system; the use of computer systems for personal use unrelated to the mission or function of the school system or for private gain is prohibited.

•            Help maintain the integrity of the school information system; deliberate tampering or

                   experimentation is not allowed.  It is a violation to modify and or copy any file that you

                   did not create.

Educational Use

The information systems are intended for educational purposes.  Users are responsible for the ethical and educational use of their network accounts:

•                     School related files are the only files to be saved on your account.  Storing commercial software and/or games or hidden files to your account is not permitted.

•            Saving to the hard disk drive is granted only by permission of instructor.

•            Storing and/or playing games is not permitted.

Respect for Others

Users should respect the rights of others using the lab and/or network.

•            Use assigned work stations, if required by teacher

•            Always log off your workstation

•            Avoid deliberately attempting to disrupt system performance or interfering with the work of another user.

•            Leave equipment and room in good condition for next user/class.

Respect for Security

Accounts on the systems at VIS are considered secure, although absolute security of any data cannot be guaranteed. Teachers have access to student files for instructional or evaluative purposes.

•            Use only your own account/password.  It is a violation to give access to your password to any other user.

•          Reading, modifying or removing files and/or mail owned by other users is not allowed

       without prior approval by the instructor or program manager.

•            Network users are not to explore or probe devices on the network whether local or on the Internet.  This includes but is not limited to: servers, routers, switches, workstations and printers.  Running port mapper programmes are disallowed without permission from network administrator.  Attempting to login to devices not assigned to the user is disallowed.  Configuring devices such as workstations to be servers of any nature including peer-to-peer file and print sharing, or WEB serving is disallowed without the permission of the network administrator.  Attaching any device including, but not limited to, computers, laptops, or printers to the network is disallowed without the permission of the network administrator.

Respect for Property

Installation:  Software may only be installed on the school information systems (including all individual workstations) with prior approval from the instructor or program manager.

Software Copyright:

•            The only software, other than students' projects, to be used on systems in the school labs are those products for which the school owns a valid license or the school may legally use.

•            Licensed/copyrighted software is not generally available for borrowing and may only be used at other sites with approval of instructor.

•            Copyrighted software shall not be downloaded from the Internet or further transmitted in any form without compliance with all terms of a pre-authorized licensing agreement.  Infringement or violation of international copyright laws or restrictions will not be tolerated.

•            Any attempts to circumvent the licensing control or the copying of software from the network without instructor's permission is prohibited.

Hardware:

•            Report equipment problems immediately to instructor.

•            Leave workstations and peripherals in their designated places.

•            Keep work areas neat and clean and free from food and drink.

•            Do not modify or rearrange keyboards, individual key caps, monitors, printers, or any other peripheral equipment.

3.9.2        Email Etiquette

Cross referenced:                                VIS Acceptable Computer User Policy

While everyone has their own unique writing style and distinctive quirks, there are some simple rules of email etiquette you can follow in order to make sure your emails will be warmly and productively received.

Remember the impression teachers and other parents have of us may be the one they get when they read our email messages. That is why it is so important to take great care in composing those messages. Before you hit the send button think of the following points.

Treat Information Confidentially

If somebody sends you ideas or information by email, don't assume that means you're now entitled to reproduce that information in a public venue such as a discussion group or chat-room.  Email is a one-to-one communications tool, designed for interpersonal communication, so unless you're explicitly told otherwise, always assume that each email you receive has a big private stamp on it.  Even simply forwarding an email to a friend might be considered a breach of trust by the original sender, so think carefully before passing it on.  Many email clients fill in the "TO:" field for you when you type in the first few letters of an email address or a recipient's name. Make sure the right name is there. You want to make sure your message reaches its intended destination, or that it doesn't reach an unintended one.

Don’t Blast Information Around

Carefully consider and choose who the information is for and be selective about who you send it to.  Teachers and parents are receiving many emails a day and do not need unnecessary emails.

When emailing a group never paste the email addresses into the CC field of your email program.  Always use the BCC (blind carbon copy) function instead, as that way each person will only see their own email address on your message.

Mind you Manners

“Please” and “Thank You” are three words that carry a great deal of meaning and are very powerful.  People may not notice these words when they're there, but if you forget to use them, you could come across looking disrespectful and ungrateful.

What about tone?

As the saying goes, "It's not what you say but how you say it." Your feelings come across by the way you say something. It is easy to change your tone when you're speaking but when you're writing it's very hard to do. Read your message over several times before hitting send.  Make sure your tone is respectful, friendly, and approachable.

Email writers often use emoticons to convey a certain tone. Use good judgement here. If you write to someone frequently and you have a less formal relationship, then emoticons are okay. If, however, you're writing to a teacher or parent you do not know stick to words only.

Avoid writing your message using all upper case letters. It looks like you're shouting. Don't use all lower case letters either. Some people say it will make it seem like you're mumbling.

Be Concise

When possible, be brief. Get to your point as quickly as you can but please don't leave out necessary details. Emails sent to teachers and other parents should be more formal and not include abbreviations such as; ‘U instead of you’, ‘plz instead of please’, ‘thanx instead of thank you or thanks’. Frequently used abbreviations such as Mr. and Mrs., FYI (for your information), inc., and etc. are fine.

Use Correct Spelling and Proper Grammar

Use a dictionary or a spell checker — whichever works better for you. While you can write in a conversational tone (contractions are okay, slang is not), pay attention to basic rules of grammar. Under no circumstances should you use offensive language.

Reply All and Group Emails

Only use Reply to All if you really need your message to be seen by each person who received the original message.  Do not forward chain letters. We can safely say that all of them are hoaxes. Just delete the letters as soon as you receive them.

3.10   Policies

VIS policies are set by the School Board and published in the Policy Manual which is available in the school Library.  Policies proposed by the Policy Committee must be approved by the School Board.  Parents are welcome to make proposals to the Policy Committee through the parent representatives on the Board.

3.11   Newsletter

The school newsletter, Dragon Tales is sent on Friday by email to every VIS family. It is sent by hard copy to families who request this. If a staff member wishes to submit any information for publication, it must be in writing and sent to the receptionist by 1:00pm on Wednesday.  Teachers are welcome and encouraged to submit information on events in their classes, as well as samples of students work (poetry etc.).  Student articles and/or fliers, notices, etc., must be submitted in digital form in a Word document format in New Times Roman 10. Advertising is not a part of Dragon Tales. In selected cases such as charitable events, advertising may be allowed with permission from the Director. The newsletter can also be viewed on the school website www.vislao.com.

3.12   Parking / Traffic

VIS has a limited amount of parking. There are designated areas for bicycles, motorbikes and cars.  Parents are expected to park their vehicles, motorbikes or bicycles in the designated areas.  Students are able to park motorbikes and bicycles on campus but must park other vehicles off site.  It is imperative that visitors to the school do not speed in the car park, park in the appropriate parking spaces and follow the directions of the guards.  There are many students moving around at the beginning and the end of the day and it is imperative that we all work together to ensure the safety of our students.

3.13   PTA

All parents in the VIS community are invited to become members of the VIS PTA as are VIS staff members.  This group of parents and staff organizes fun events and activities throughout the year to promote school/community relations and for the benefit of VIS children.  Activities including Halloween and Fairy Tale Evening, Fun Fair and an annual Yard Sale are major events planned and run by the group.  The PTA also help with International Day and Library Alive annual celebrations, organized and run by VIS staff.   

The PTA also helps teachers to organize homeroom parents.  Each class generally has one or two parents willing to assist in communicating with other parents and to help with social and special class events.

We invite each of you to become involved and to be an active member of the Vientiane International School family through the PTA.  Parents with special skills or those who would like to volunteer to help at the school are urged to contact the school office.  Your expertise and assistance will enable us to give our students as many positive, constructive experiences as possible.

The PTA meeting schedule is listed on the VIS Events Calendar (times will also be announced in Dragon Tales). 

 and can be requested using the photocopy request form.

3.14   Resolving Problems

We believe problems are best resolved at their point of origin using the following procedures:

§           Speak first to the person closest to the problem.

§           Speak with or write to the Director, Primary Head or IB Coordinators if the problem has not been resolved at the lowest level.

§           In matters involving the application or interpretation of Board policy, the matter may be presented to the School Board for review. In this case, the matter must be presented first to the School Director in writing so it can be included in the Board’s meeting agenda.