Code of Conduct

It is a general principle of South African Law, that where statutory power is given to apply precepts, as concerning the present case of the South African School’s Bill, 1996 and the regulations concerned with the prescription of rules and the compiling of rules, it does not empower enjoining iniquitous, unfair or irrational rules. The principle is particularly important as seen from the viewpoint that the learner must obey such rules.

Whenever a child is enrolled as a learner of a school, each learner (and his/her parents) are bound by contract to the code of conduct and are therefore subject to the authority of the school.

General aim

The general aim of the code of conduct is to guide the learners by way of instruction and education founded on sound Religious principles so that the uniqueness of the individual may be acknowledged. In this way assistance will be rendered, guiding the immature to civilized majority thus developing into a mature member of the community.

Specific aims

• To act in the interest and welfare of the school thus allowing the school to be administered properly, to create order and safety so that instruction and education may proceed in an orderly way.
• To attain educational goals.
• To coach the learner to the acceptance of his obligations; his responsibility to obedience.
• To supply the necessary guidance for the creation of a pleasant work environment where all participants will feel at home and positive co-operation will be encouraged.

It is an honour and a privilege to be a learner of this school.

The neatness and behaviour of the learners of our school shall be such that they are a credit to the parents, the school and the community.

School Uniform

Correct and full school uniform is our pride, and shows which school we attend and may not be worn with other clothing.

Summer uniform: (1 January – 31 May / 1 October – 31 December)

• Boys: School shorts, school shirt with school socks obtainable from the school shop. Brown lace – up shoes. Grade 1 – 6 learners may go barefoot although, shoes must be worn on excursions.
• Girls: School dress and school socks as supplied by the school shop. Brown buckle or lace – up shoes. Grade 1 – 6 learners may go barefoot although, shoes must be worn on excursions. 

Permission is granted by the headmaster, to Gr 7 pupils to wear black shoes in the fourth term if needs be.

Winter uniform: (1 June – 30 September)

• Boys: The school tracksuit, beige school shirt, school socks and brown shoes.
• Girls: The school tracksuit, beige school shirt, school socks and brown shoes or the school dress with the Huttie windbreaker, long school socks and brown shoes.

In winter learners may wear the Huttenpark scarf, beanie and gloves. These are available at the school shop. A learner may also wear a school jersey, but it may not be worn with tracksuit pants. On very cold days it may be worn under the tracksuit jacket. No vests, etc. (if worn) may be visible.

Sportswear

On the days when learners have PT, they may come to school dressed in their Huttie sport uniform. 

This comprises of:

• Huttenpark golf shirt
• Huttenpark maroon sport shorts
• White school socks
• White takkies or barefoot

If it is cold, learners may wear their tracksuit with their sport uniform.

During the swimming season (first and fourth terms), learners will change into their swimming costumes when it is their swimming lesson.

Learners who have been selected for a provincial team in a recognised school sport, may wear their team tracksuit on Wednesdays.

Cricket, rugby, hockey and netball uniform as prescribed by the school and coaches.

Schoolwear must be clean and neat in appearance at all times.

Should schoolwear be worn after school hours, it must be complete and look neat.

All schoolwear MUST be marked legibly.

Hair

• Any acceptable and neat cut is permissible for boys and girls.
• Latest fashion hairstyles will be deemed either to be acceptable or not at the discretion of management.
• No patterns or lines may be cut or shaved into the hair.
• Hair must always be clean and neat.
• Hairstyles obscuring a girl’s or boy’s eyes, or touching a boy’s collar, are forbidden.
• Orange, maroon or brown elastic hair bands, ribbons or brown hair combs or slides only, may be used to plait hair. No decorative ribbons, flowers or any other decorations are allowed to be worn, even if they are the correct colour.
• Hair colouring is forbidden. The learner will not be allowed back to school until the coloured hair is cut or the problem rectified.
• The use of gel or mousse is forbidden.
• If a girl’s hair is long enough, it must be tied back.
• Hairpieces and extensions are allowed as long as they look neat and are tied back.

Jewellery

• Girls with pierced ears may wear gold/silver sleepers (1cm diametre), or gold/silver studs.
• Wristwatches (without charms), earrings (as described) and Medic Alert discs are the only jewellery items allowed.
• No watches with cell phone connections (Smart watches) will be allowed to be worn at school.
• All religious jewellery must first be approved in writing by the headmaster before the learner is allowed to wear it to school.

Cosmetics

• Nails must be cut short, kept clean and coloured nail varnish is forbidden.
• Coloured lipstick and gloss are forbidden.
• Artificial makeup and cosmetics are forbidden.

Book bags

Learners are expected to use the prescribed school bag which is available at the school shop.

If a learner is in possession of another school bag, it must comply with the following criteria:

• Bags must be sturdy and unbendable to protect the books.
• Only rucksacks with reinforced sides are permissible.

When the school bag needs to be replaced, it must be replaced with the prescribed school bag.

No school bags with wheels may be used at school.

Lockers can be hired at school where learners can store their books and sport equipment during school hours.

Norms

• Learners may only, for a valid reason, be absent from school.
• Absence must be reported in writing or electronically by the parents or guardians.

Learners accept the sole responsibility to catch up all outstanding work.

Guidelines

School attendance

• Learners will report to school no later than 7:25 and only leave before 13:15 (Grade 1 – 2 ), 13:30 (Grade 3) and 14:00 (Grade 4 – 7) in cases of emergency.
• If a learner should need to leave school before the official time, the parent/guardian must sign the learner out in the front office. No learner will be permitted to leave the school grounds without permission from a parent or legal guardian. If an arrangement has been made for someone else to collect a learner, such arrangements need to be communicated via a written or telephonic means.
• Learners shall attend school up to and including the last day of each term.
• A medical certificate is required if a learner is absent for more than three days.
• A letter from the parent or guardian, stating the reason for absence, is required on the first day of the learner’s return to school after the period of absence.
• If a learner is absent during a test, a medical certificate or valid explanation is to be produced. If this is not done the learner will receive no marks for this test or project.

Appointments

• All doctors and dentists appointments should be arranged to take place after school hours or during vacations.
• No appointments for High School may be made during school times.
• Appointments with teachers must be pre-arranged.
• Teachers may only be contacted during breaks or after school.

Apologies

If circumstances beyond the control of the parents or guardians arise, requiring an explanation of the reason for absence, an apology must be given to the school in writing at the parent’s or guardian’s earliest convenience.

Norms

The attitude and behaviour of our learners shall be a credit to the parents, the school and the community in general.

Respect and reverence will be the password for all behaviour.

We are a value-driven school and abide by the following values:

• Honesty
• Respect
• Loyalty
• Caring
• Responsibility

Guidelines

Manners

• Our learners are friendly and behave in a civilised manner.
• We are tolerant towards each other.
• We greet our educators and any visitors whom we meet at school.
• We stand when speaking to educators and adults.
• We stand whenever an adult enters a classroom.
• At school and other functions, we encourage or show our appreciation by clapping our hands, not by whistling, stamping our feet or shouting.

Bad habits

• Smoking or being in possession of tobacco or any other form of smokeables, is strictly forbidden.
• The possession and use of all forms of drugs, forbidden substances and alcohol are forbidden.
• Swearing, fighting, obscene signs or similar indecent behaviour is unacceptable.
• Learners are, at all times, expected to tell the truth.
• Pornographic material and/or similar indecent objects, suggestive behaviour and obscene language are strictly forbidden.
• Bullying and any form of racism will not be tolerated (see Huttenpark Bully Policy).

Property

• Anything belonging to another person must be treated with the necessary respect.
• School property must be respected and is therefore out of bounds.
• The lapa, botanical garden and fishpond are out of bounds.
• If a learner breaks something by accident, it must be reported immediately.
• Lost property must be handed in at the school shop.
• Act as a custodian and protector of property and report vandalism immediately. • Each learner is responsible for his/her own property, e.g. bicycles.
• Precautions must be taken regarding the safe keeping of a learner’s money. The wearing of a school purse is recommended.

Sports fields

• On the sports fields or as spectators, our behaviour shall be impeccable.
• We accept a referee’s decisions and do not criticise officials.
• Matches or games are played according to the rules and dirty play is totally unacceptable.

School Buildings

• Movement on the verandas and stairs will be orderly.
• Changing classes, entering school buildings and the hall, will be orderly and in silence.
• Classrooms are out of bounds before school commences, during breaks and after school.
• Learners may not litter nor deface walls in classrooms or toilets.
• Unless accompanied by an educator, the following are out of bounds: School Hall, cleaner’s quarters, tennis courts, cricket pitch, bicycle stands, car shelters, parking area and any apparatus. 

Neatness

• An effort is made to keep our school grounds and the environment neat.
• Do not litter, use the containers supplied in which to deposit rubbish.
• Whenever we see litter strewn about by others on our school grounds, we shall pick it up and deposit it in the rubbish bins.
• Sandwiches, sweets and other edibles are only eaten on the playing fields.

Norms

• Learners are expected to support and attend functions when given or arranged for their benefit.
• Extramural activities outside of the school will be recognized, but school sports will receive priority.
• Extramural activities are an integral part of the educational process and learners are expected to participate in sport and cultural activities.
• At the annual Sport and Culture Prize Giving ceremony for the Senior Phase learners, acknowledgement is only given to school sport and culture activities. This is in the form of a certificate or trophy.
• Foundation Phase learners receive the necessary recognition at their Recognition Ceremony at the end of the year. No trophies are awarded at this function.

Guidelines

Participation: Extramural Activities

• Learners are encouraged to participate in at least two types of sport – one summer and one winter sport.
• Sports, outside the school curriculum, are acknowledged, but preference is given to school sport activities.
• Learners are encouraged to participate in at least one cultural activity.

Apologies

• If a learner has undertaken to practice a sport or some such activity, he/she is expected to attend practices faithfully and to do his/her best.
• If, for any reason or circumstances beyond their control, learners cannot attend a practice, they must tender their apologies personally, a message is unacceptable, unless they are ill. • If a learner is chosen to represent a school team or any other school activity, he/she may be absent only for a very valid reason.
• If a problem arises to prevent participation, the teacher concerned must be contacted timeously.
• Should a learner habitually absent him/herself without any explanation, such learner may be denied further participation.

Norms

• Prefects are appointed in an auxiliary capacity to assist the learners and educators.
• Prefects have the necessary authority to correct and guide the learners.
• If, at any time, a learner feels that a prefect has acted unfairly, he/she may approach the educator in charge of the prefects to discuss the matter.

Guidelines

It is an honour and a privilege to be chosen as a prefect of this school, and thus one should always:

• Maintain impeccable standards of behaviour.
• Always set a good example.
• Maintain the general code of conduct and promote a healthy spirit by one’s manner, initiative, example and by co-operating with educators and peers.
• Be loyal to the school and its staff.
• Accept and exercise authority in a responsible way.
• Prefects do not take over the discipline of the school.

Norms

The school, and specifically the educators, exercise delegated authority in loco parentis over the learners during normal school sessions.

It is thus imperative that parents and learners become au fait with the code of conduct to ascertain whether all general precautions are being taken to ensure the safety of the learner.

Guidelines

Road Safety

• Road Safety rules are always obeyed in all situations.
• Safety measures must always be adhered to.
• Cross streets at existing pedestrian crossings.
• Disregarding Road Safety rules is punishable by law.
• Learners must wait in the specifically demarcated areas for their parents.

Games

• Dangerous games are forbidden. This includes any contact sport or rough games.
• Learners may not play with any hard balls (e.g. cricket and hockey balls) and cricket bats, hockey sticks, etc. during breaks.
• Rugby and netball balls are permitted, on condition that other learners’ safety is not in jeopardy. The staff member on duty may make a decision, should it be required, to stop such games.
• The grassed terraces are out of bounds.
• Games may only be played on the designated playground areas.
• Playing at the carports is forbidden.
• Learners must, preferably, not bring any valuables or toys to school.

General Safety

Parents are kindly requested NOT to drop off their children before 07:00. 

It is not safe and there is no supervision.

• Always be on time for school.
• Respond immediately when the bell rings before school, after breaks and during emergency situations.
• Bicycles are first pushed to the cycle shed, after which school cases are put away.
• Use the gates, do not climb over or through the school fences.
• Learners must vacate the school grounds after school hours unless they are involved in extramural activities.
• After hours, learners may only be on the school grounds if under the supervision of an educator.
• Learners may not leave the school grounds during breaks or during school hours. If a learner has to leave the school grounds for any reason, the necessary permission to do so, must be obtained.
• Learners are only allowed within the pool area, Hall and lapa if under the supervision of an educator.
• Pets are forbidden at school.
• The necessary precautions are to be taken to prevent money being lost.
• Any complaints or problems must be reported to the educator on duty.

Norms

Order must be maintained so that learners may be educated, trained and instructed.

Guidelines

Mornings

• Foundation Phase pupils must place their suitcases neatly in front of the relevant classrooms. The pupils in the Senior Phase must place their school bags on the assembly area. No pupil may be in the school buildings.
• All learners assemble when the bell rings at the assembly area. After scripture reading and prayer, announcements are made. All pupils then lead off to their classes.
• Learners leave the building and go to the playground. Learners may remain on the verandahs when it rains.
• Learners move to their classes as soon as the bell goes.
• Educators move to their classes as soon as the bell goes.
• On request of the educator the pupils move into the classroom and stand behind their chairs at their desks.
• After greeting the educator the pupils will be requested to sit.
• The register is taken and the tuck shop order sent in by the educator.
• Record must be kept of all late comers.
• All monies to be handed in must be in an envelope clearly stating what the money is for as well as the learner’s name and grade.
• No talking and joking are allowed in the assembly hall.
• Learners may not be in the classrooms at break without supervision.

Change of Classes

• By request of the educator the pupils will form an orderly row behind their desks in the classroom.
• After greeting each other the educator will leave the classroom and dismiss the class.
• Changing of classes takes place in orderly rows and without a word.
• Learners take up position in front of the next classroom.
• Lights and ceiling fans are switched of where necessary.

Lesson time

• No learner will stand up, talk, move around or leave the classroom when the educator is out.
• Learners are only to leave the class in emergencies and with permission from the educator.
• Throwing around of any articles in the classroom is not allowed.
• No papers are allowed to lie around in the classroom or in the desks.
• No playing or doing other tasks is allowed, other than the work pertaining to the current lesson.
• Learners are not allowed into the educator’s classes or storerooms without supervision.
• Homework is written down just before the end of the period.
• Learners may only go to the toilet in emergencies during class time.
• Silence is expected during all intercom announcements or when the educator or another learner is speaking.
• To draw the attention of the educator a learner must raise his or her hand.

Dismissal

• At the end of the day all the chairs are carefully placed on the desks and all the windows must be shut.
• On order from the educator all the pupils form neat rows behind their desks in the classroom.
• The day is closed with prayer before the class is dismissed.
• After greeting the educator the class is dismissed in an orderly manner.
• All learners waiting for transport after 14:00 must make use of the bus stop in front of the school.
• All Grade 1 & 2’s waiting for 14:00 must stay in the waiting class or with their teachers.

Schoolwork Grade 1 – 3

• Eight learning areas are applied in three Learning Programmes in the Foundation Phase.
• Literacy – for the command of languages including an additional language
• Numeracy – for numerical and mathematical command.
• Life skills – for the development of the art of living, ethical values and norms.

Continuous assessment

Learners are continuously assessed with regard to their knowledge, abilities and norms in each of the above learning areas as stipulated in the CAPS document.

Homework Grade 1 – 3

• With reinforcement in mind, all homework given is a repetition of the work done in class.
• Projects – From time to time learners will be expected to look for pictures, articles, information etc. at home.
• Pupils may sometimes receive projects to be done at home with assistance from their parents.
• These projects will however not be for marks.
• All projects for marks will be done and completed in the class.
• No formal exams take place in this phase.

Grade 1

• Written homework for about 15 – 30 minutes in duration will be given in the second half of the year.
• Formal reading: Learning of vocabulary and practicing to read out loud.
• Informal reading: Learners read storybooks as soon as they are ready for this.
• Sounds: learning of sounds and word sounding.
• Mathematics: Counting activities. Bonds and the application thereof up to the count of 10.

Grade 2

• Written homework for about 15 – 30 minutes.
• Formal reading: Learning of new vocabulary and reading techniques.
• Informal reading: Read supplementary books.
• Sounds: learning of sounds and sounding of words.
• Mathematics: Counting activities. Bonds and the application thereof up to the count of 20.
• Bonds and spelling tests will be written regularly as part of the continuous assessment.

Grade 3

• Written homework for about 15 – 30 minutes.
• Formal reading: New vocabulary and reading techniques.
• Informal reading: Reading of fiction and non-fiction is encouraged.
• Spelling: According to the weekly spelling list.
• Mathematics: Counting exercises as well as bonds and tables.
• Bonds, tables and spelling tests will be regularly written as part of a continuous assessment.

Evaluation of learning Contents

• Two weeks’ notice will be given for all formal tests.
• Tests will be sent home to be signed.
• Absence when tests or exams are written or on the due date for projects to be handed in, must be accompanied by a doctor’s certificate to avoid losing marks.
• Timetables for exams will be available on the year programme.
• Exam papers never go home but are available for inspection by request on parents evenings or during an appointment made with the subject teacher.
• Tasks to be assessed will mainly be done in class under supervision to ensure that the work is that of the learner.
• Reference work will be done in the learner’s own time and parental help with this will be appreciated.

The pupils may use the following to assist them:

• The Media Centre – Monday, Wednesday and Thursday (14:00 – 14:30) and during breaks.

Homework

• Homework is the reinforcement of certain concepts taught in class or the completion of work which was not completed in class time.
• Every week – reading, spelling, tables and bonds as determined by the educator will be learnt.
• Tests and exams will take place on dates and times as given.
• Preparation for projects and tasks as determined by the educator.
• Homework must be done to the best of the learner’s ability. Should any problems arise an explanatory note should be sent to the educator.
• The homework book must be signed daily as soon as the homework is completed.

Media Centre, School books, Sport uniforms and apparatus

Media, text books, sports clothes, and any apparatus used by learners must be handed back to the educator or the coach before the learners leave the school or transfer cards are handed over.

• The conduct and behaviour of all learners will honour the school, parents and learners, at all times.
• Permission letters must be handed to the organising educator in time.
• Reporting times must be strictly adhered to.
• Collecting times will be given through clearly and must be strictly adhered to. Any learner who is collected late will not be allowed to go on further excursions.
• The dress rules must be strictly adhered to.
• Learners must be friendly, greet the public and treat everyone with respect.
• Personal belongings and money remains the sole responsibility of the learners.
• The property of others will be treated with respect at all times. Parents/Guardians accept responsibility for any damage to property on purpose.
• No rubbish must be thrown around or out of the window and never left in the vehicles.
• No hanging out of the windows of vehicles is allowed.
• Commands from the educators must be obeyed at all times.
• Learners remain under the supervision of the educators or assistants.
• Learners using medication are responsible for remembering to take the medicine with and for taking of the medicine at the set times.
• The full code of conduct is applicable at all times during formal and informal tours and excursions.
• No cell phones are permitted on any tours or excursions.

Cell phones and other electronic equipment

• No learners are allowed to bring a cell phone to school or take one on any tour. When going on tours the educator in charge will have the cell phone belonging to the school and the number will be supplied to the parents, for use in case of emergencies.
• If a cell phone has to be at school due to extraordinary reasons, it has to be switched off and left in the learner’s bag. It stays the learner’s responsibility.
• No cameras, MP3 players, CD and DVD players are allowed at school

Letters

Letters are sent home with the learners and they must be signed immediately on receipt.

The tear off strip must be completed and returned to school immediately where applicable.

All parents with cell phones are recommended to apply for the SMS system at school.

Contact numbers

Parents must make sure that the school is always informed of any change in address or telephone number.

The school must have a contact number at all times. This has to be written in the homework book. 

Huttenpark has adopted an open door policy by which parents are welcome to communicate with the principal, management team and members of staff.

The following guidelines are in place to ensure that communication is done in an orderly manner without disruptions to any part of the school day.

Parents

Should parents experience any problems with respect to a learner’s happiness, progress, curriculum or how a teacher handles a child, the following steps must be followed.

1. Make sure all the facts are correct.
2. Encourage your child wherever possible to try and sort the problem out by means of going to speak to the teacher. (Even from Gr R onwards).
3. Write a letter to the teacher to make him/her aware of the problem.
4. 4. Make a reasonable appointment with the teacher involved so that there is ample time to discuss the case.
5. Follow-up on the case should you not be fully satisfied. You can request that the grade head or the departmental head investigate the case or ask that they be present with the follow-up meeting. 
6. Submit the problem in writing and make an appointment with the secretary to see either the grade head or the principal. The teacher involved must also be present.
7. If necessary the problem can be handled further by the principal.
8. The principal can refer the case to the governing body.
9. In extreme incidences the case can be referred to the Department.

A friendly request is that you first discuss the case with the relevant teacher before addressing the principal.

Preferably the governing body does not get contacted directly with this type of problem. They do not engage in communication between the parent and teacher before the case has been thoroughly investigated by the principal.

The following is NOT allowed:

• To quickly talk to a staff member before school. (They are requested to attend a morning meeting commencing at 07:20)
• To approach the teacher at his/her classroom during class times. First report to the admin office.
• To directly go and stand in front of a classroom either before or after school to be able to speak to a teacher or meet with your child once the class has been dismissed. (Kindly meet your child by the gate or sidewalk).
• To discuss the problem with the school secretary, other teachers, neighbours, family or friends instead of following the correct procedures.
• To engage with any teacher be it at church or at the shop to ask them how your child is progressing.
• Avoid phoning any teacher or the principal at their home.
• Anonymous letters

School

Academic problems

Should a teacher be concerned about a child’s progress, the parent/guardian must be notified immediately.

• Parents/guardians must be contacted either telephonically or in writing.
• Proper appointments must be made in advance to enable enough time to discuss all aspects of the problem.
• Teachers must have proof ready with regards to the problem, as well as, having the learner’s assessment results available.
• A follow-up appointment can be arranged whereby the subject head or department head can be requested to be present.
• An appointment must be arranged whereby the parents, teacher, senior management member or principal be present.

Behavioural problems

All learners, parents and teachers must be aware of the contents of the school’s Code of Conduct.

Each teacher has their own system in place whereby warnings are given for transgressions before a detention letter is received.

• Once a learner has a transgression, the school has a demerit system whereby transgressions are divided.
• Transgressions are recorded in triplicate in the demerit book.
• The learner receives the original copy which must be signed by the parent/guardian and must be returned to the class teacher the following day.
• The yellow copy is sent to the admin office where it gets entered into the computer.
• A sms gets sent to the parent.
• A printout of all transgressions are sent home together with your child’s report

Actions

Each learner is encouraged to obey the school rules at all times.

One or more of the following corrective materials can be used:

• A verbal or written warning together with the white copy from the detention book.
• The detention form must be signed by the parent and returned to the teacher involved.
• Replacement or compensation of damaged property.
• A break detention for a level 1 transgression.
• Two break detentions for a level 2 transgression.
• A Friday afternoon detention for a level 3 transgression.
• Should a learner not arrive for his/her break detention, the case gets referred to the deputy principal. After thorough investigation the deputy principal may decide on either an extra break detention, Friday afternoon detention or arranging an appointment with the learners parent/guardian.
• Persistent transgressions can be punished with suspending the learner from 1 to 5 days.
• A interview with members of the School Governing Body Disciplinary Committee will be arranged once a learner has 45 demerits or more.
• A disciplinary hearing will be arranged should the learner continue to ignore the Code of Conduct. 

Levels of Transgressions

Level 1 and 2: Less serious transgressions

• Transgressions with a total of 1 (level 1) demerits: a long break detention.
• Transgressions with a total of 5 (level 2) demerits: two long break detentions.
• Transgressions with a total of 10 to 15 demerits: 3 long break detentions.
• A decision can be made to rather issue a Friday afternoon detention depending on the circumstances surrounding the transgression.

Friday Detention

• Transgressions with a total of 15 demerits: Friday detention 13:00 – 14:00 for the Junior Phase and 13:30 – 15:00 for the Senior Phase.
• Transgressions with a total of 30 demerits: a second Friday Detention and an Appointment with parent/guardian and deputy principal.
• Transgressions with a total of 35 demerits: Parent/guardian appointment. 5 days suspension. All privileges are taken away from the learner. E.g. extra mural activities, bus transport, tours and excursions, tuck shop, fun activities at school, etc. Parents are encouraged to seek private or departmental help with regards to the handling of the transgression of their child. Should Departmental help be elected, reference will be made by the school.
• Transgressions with 40 demerits: A tribunal hearing will be arranged with the disciplinary committee of the SGB. The hearing will be attended by parent/guardian, learner and representatives. During this hearing it can be decided that the learner be suspended for a further 7 days or any other sanction can be implemented as underwritten in the Code of Conduct. A recommendation can also be sent to the Departmental Head of the Department of Education for permanent suspension of the learner involved. In this case the learner gets suspended for a maximum of 14 days until a decision has been received from the Departmental Head.

With regards to serious transgressions, the principal may decide to refer the case to the School Governing Body before the learner receives above-mentioned levels of demerits.

Merit awards for good behavior

Recognition will be awarded to learners that:

• Show exceptional spontaneous good behaviour.
• A special reward may be awarded in spite of previous demerits received by the learner.
• When a learner shows spontaneous good behaviour and thoughtfulness, the management team may decide on a suitable reward. For example this could be a sticker, voucher for the tuck shop, civvies for a Friday, free entry to a presentation or activity held by the school.

General

• The various parties (learners/parents/guardians and staff) show respect towards each other in all verbal and written communication.
• All be polite when addressing each other, e.g. Mr, Mrs, Miss. First names may be used should it be preferred.
• All telephone conversations must be kept as short and to the point as possible.

APPORVED BY THE SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY