OUR POLICIES
INTRODUCTION
At Terra Nova, we have policies and procedures to make your
experience at our school positive and enjoyable. These policies
cover student and teacher behavior as well as administrative
policies. If you plan to study at Terra Nova, please note that we
have a strict English-ONLY policy. We have also established an
integrity and equality policy, a privacy policy, a copyright
policy, and an environmental policy.
ENGLISH ONLY POLICY
At Terra Nova, we have a strict English-ONLY policy. While our
students are in class or participate in school activities or
events, they must use English and ONLY English. Writing, reading,
speaking, or listening to any language other than English are not
permitted. Our strict English-ONLY policy promotes a serious
studying atmosphere, facilitates learning test-taking strategies,
and accelerates the process of acquiring advanced English
language skills.
Our TOEFL instructor does not speak Romanian or Russian, but uses
English as the sole language of instruction and communication
with all of the students and at all times on school property
(except in counseling situations and in emergency cases).
Students are also expected to follow this rule. Students
communicating in their mother tongues (Romanian, Russian,
Ukrainian, Bulgarian, Gagauz, etc.) in cases when it is not
absolutely necessary will be penalized. However, students using
English at all times will be rewarded.
INTEGRITY AND EQUALITY
POLICY
Terra Nova has a tradition of ethical conduct spanning its
history. Integrity is indispensable to our mission. We act with
honesty and adhere to the highest standards of moral and ethical
values and principles through our personal and professional
behavior. We demonstrate our understanding of these values and
principles and uphold them in every action and decision. Trust
and trustworthiness go hand in hand with how we conduct
ourselves, as we sustain a culture that is based upon ethical
conduct.
We expect our actions to be consistent with our words, and our
words to be consistent with our intentions. We accept our
responsibilities, share leadership in a democratic spirit, and
subject ourselves to the highest standards of public trust. We
hold ourselves accountable for our words and our actions.
Terra Nova champions freedom of expression. To ensure our
integrity, we safeguard academic freedom, open inquiry, and
debate in the best interests of education, enrichment, and our
personal and professional development. We embrace human and
intellectual diversity and inclusiveness. We uphold the highest
standards of fairness, act as responsible citizens, respect
equality and the rights of others, and treat all individuals with
dignity.
Terra Nova insists that the objectives of student learning not be
compromised. We treat all students equitably. As students, we
understand that learning is the most important goal and we
embrace ethical values and principles, and reject academic
dishonesty in all our learning endeavors. We place the highest
value upon truth and accuracy. We acknowledge the contributions
of others. We place a higher value on expanding and sharing
knowledge than on recognition or ownership.
Terra Nova is committed to maintaining a community which
recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every
person; fosters tolerance, sensitivity, understanding, and mutual
respect among its members; and encourages each individual to
strive to reach his or her own potential. In pursuit of its goal
of academic excellence, the school seeks to develop and nurture
diversity, which strengthens the institution, stimulates
creativity, promotes the exchange of ideas, and enriches
students' life.
Terra Nova views, evaluates, and treats all persons in any
school-related activity or circumstance, in which they may be
involved, solely as individuals on the basis of their own
personal abilities, qualifications, and other relevant
characteristics.
Terra Nova prohibits discrimination against any member of the
school's community on the basis of race, religion, color, sex,
age, national origin or ancestry, marital status, parental
status, sexual orientation, or disability.
Terra Nova conducts its programs, services and activities
consistent with applicable national and municipal laws,
regulations, and orders.
PRIVACY POLICY
Terra Nova takes your privacy seriously and is committed to
protecting the security of your personal information. At the time
of enrollment / registration or on other occasions (e.g., while
completing surveys or filling out evaluation forms), we may ask
you to provide your full name, date of birth, nationality, mother
tongue, ID card or passport number, mailing address, telephone
and fax numbers, e-mail address, medical history, legal guardian
and education history, etc.
Before or at the time of collecting personal information, we will
explain the purposes for which information is being collected. We
will collect and use personal information solely for those
purposes specified by us and for other compatible purposes,
unless we obtain the consent of the individual concerned or as
required by law. In general, personal information may be
collected in order to verify your identity, to communicate with
you throughout the educational process, and to provide you with
information on TOEFL- and class-related issues, U.S. government
exchange programs, TOEFL- and English-related activities, etc. We
may also use personal information for auditing, research, and
analysis to operate and improve Terra Nova's practices, methods,
technologies, and services. We will only retain personal
information as long as necessary for the fulfillment of those
purposes.
Personal information collected from you is treated as
confidential information. Under no circumstances will this
information be passed on to third parties (e.g., your groupmates
or educational institutions) without your prior consent. We will
publish personal information on this website only if it has been
collected for this purpose with your knowledge or if you have
consented to the disclosure. While giving such consent, you
should be aware that information published on this website is
accessible worldwide through indexing via search engines. This
means that, once the information is published on this site, we
will have no control over its subsequent use and disclosure.
We are committed to conducting our business in accordance with
these principles in order to ensure that the confidentiality of
personal information is protected and maintained.
COPYRIGHT POLICY
Printed materials or materials featured on this website that have
been developed by Terra Nova are copyright of Terra Nova and are
covered by the provisions of the Law of the Republic of Moldova
on Copyright and Related Rights, other national laws, policies,
and regulations, and international agreements. These copyright
materials may be downloaded, displayed, and reproduced in an
unaltered form only for personal or non-commercial use. To obtain
permission to use printed materials or materials from this
website, requests and inquiries should be sent by e-mail to
terranovamd@yahoo.com.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY
Terra Nova recognizes that its activities and wider influences
impact upon the environment. We are fully committed to
continuously improving our environmental performance. Terra Nova
will seek to develop among suppliers, staff, and students an
appreciation of their role in bringing about environmental
improvement both as members of the school community and as
members of society at large. The school will comply with the
policy statement by implementing principles to the extent that
these actions improve the balance of the social, economic and
environmental commitments of the school.
We are committed to reducing, reusing, and recycling waste,
conserving natural resources, reducing the amount of paper used,
considering environmental impact while engaging in student
activities. Our TOEFL instructor leads the students to greater
awareness of environmental issues in the classroom. Terra Nova
strives to instill in students the desire to participate
individually and collectively in sustainable activities at local,
national, and international level.