Academic Honesty and Plagiarism
Copying someone else’s work and pretending it’s your own is called plagiarism, and it’s a very serious problem. If you’re caught doing this, you could get a zero on your assignment(s)!
How to Avoid Plagiarism?
You can learn how to properly use other people’s ideas and information by checking out the FMG Style Guide in the library. This guide shows you exactly how to cite (give credit to) your sources using MLA and APA styles.
Watch this helpful video made by the Vaughan Memorial Library at Acadia University called “You Quote It, You Note It!” by clicking on the link below to learn more:
Online Resources
The Fr. Michael Goetz Library Learning Commons gives you access to lots of online databases. These are special websites full of trustworthy information for school projects and even your own interests.
You can use these databases at school or at home, as long as you have your student # and password.
General Library Rules
- What to Wear: You must be in full school uniform before coming into the library!
(exceptions: Civvies Day and/or field trips) - What to Bring: Show your Student ID card or know your Student # to borrow book(s) or a Chromebook
- Food and Drinks: NO food OR drinks are allowed other than water.
- Electronic Devices: You can use any of your own personal devices, but only for schoolwork!
- Computer Desktops: You can use the desktops computers before school starts, during lunch and after school, but only for school work!
Playing games online, watching videos, engaging in social media and all other non-school related content will not be tolerated!
Borrowing Books
- How Many? Up to 5 books
- How Long? for 2 weeks
- Renewing: Need more time to read your book(s)? Bring them to the library and ask either the Teacher-Librarian or Library-Technician to renew it for another 2 weeks. You can renew the book(s) twice unless another student placed a HOLD on it.
- eBooks: You can download one eBook at a time via SORA
- Returning: Bring your book(s) back when they’re due. Otherwise, you might have to pay a late fee!
- Overdue Books: Reminders will be sent to your homeroom on a weekly basis
- Lost or Damaged Books: If you lose or damage a book, you will need to pay to replace it. Contact either the Teacher-Librarian or Library-Technician and let them know to find out how much the cost is
Computers and Internet
- Sign In: Be sure to have your Student # AND Password memorized or saved somewhere before logging in.
- Over 2 failed login attemps will LOCK your account!
- See the Library-Technician to reset your password
- Use a desktop you have logged onto before.
Otherwise, expect a wait time of approx. 5-10 mins when using another computer - Reminder: Computers/Internet are for schoolwork only.
- Always SIGN OUT of the desktop computers!
If you have any other questions, ask the library staff.
Grade 9 Chromebooks
- All Grade 9s will be assigned and given a Chromebook to keep until graduation!
- Always remember to bring your Chromebook and charger to school everyday!
- Responsibilities: You are responsible for your Chromebook. If it is damaged, bring it to the Library and it will be sent to the ICT department for repair.
Note: repair times typically take a couple of weeks to process.
When the repaired device has been returned to school, Library staff will send an email notifying you that the Chromebook is ready for pick-up
Note: depending on the extent of the damage, your parents will have to pay a repair fee
TIP: it is best to get a carrying case for your Chromebook to avoid having to stuff it in your backpack for it to be squished and cause screen damage! - If you are moving to another school but will remain under the DPCDSB, you still get to keep your Chromebook!
You will only need to return it once you're ready to graduate from that school. - If you are moving to another school that's not under the DPCDSB and/or to another country, you must return the Chromebook to this school via GOETZ Library Learning Commons
Have any other questions? Just ask the library staff!