INTRODUCTION

Section 8 of the South African Schools Act provides that a Governing Body (SMT) of a school should adopt a Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct aims at establishing a disciplined and purposeful environment to facilitate effective education and learning in our school.

1.1 The Code of Conduct is subject to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, the South African Schools Act, 1996 and provincial legislation. It reflects the constitutional democracy, human rights and transparent communication which underpin South African society.

1.2 In formulating the Code of Conduct as a consensus document and before adopting it, the Governing Body (SMT) has involved the parents, learners, educators and non-educators at school. After the adoption of the Code of Conduct, each stakeholder received a copy thereof. The above stakeholders will also be consulted when the Code of Conduct is reviewed annually or when any amendments are made.

1.3 All key stakeholders should be committed to the Code of Conduct despite its being directed specifically at learners.

1.4 The Code of Conduct, suits the development of the learners and is appropriate to the different school levels. The language is easily understandable to make the content accessible. The format is user-friendly.

1.5 The Code of Conduct contains a set of moral values, norms and principles which the school community should uphold. However, the Code of Conduct is only enforceable against learners only.

1.6 The code of Conduct clarifies and promotes the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders in the creation of a proper learning environment in the school.

1.7 The Code of Conduct contains the components discussed below which aim at providing appropriate mechanisms and avenues to stakeholders to air their grievances, and also provide for legitimate disciplinary measures.

2. PURPOSE OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT

2.1 According to Section 8(2) of the SA Schools Act, 84 of 1996 the purpose of the code of conduct is: “Establishing a disciplined and purposeful school environment, dedicated to the improvement and maintenance of the quality of the learning process.”

2.3 The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to promote positive discipline, self-discipline and exemplary conduct as learners learn by observation and experience.

2.4 The Code of Conduct informs the learners of the way in which they should conduct themselves at school in preparation for their conduct and safety in civil society. It sets a standard of moral behavior for learners and equips them with the expertise, knowledge and skills they would be expected to evince as worthy and responsible citizens. It promotes the civic responsibilities of the school and it develops leadership. The main focus of the Code of Conduct is discipline; it is not punitive and punishment orientated but facilitates constructive learning.

3. PREAMBLE TO THE CODE OF CONDUCT

3.1 In consensus with the spirit of our school’s ethos and in order to protect the tradition of the school, the following Code of Conduct has been adopted for all parties involved in the day-to-day functioning of our school.

3.2 This Code of Conduct aims to establish a disciplined and purposeful school environment, dedicated to improving and maintaining the quality of education. School discipline is the responsibility of the Governing Body, the Principal and all the educators. In the right atmosphere, people will contribute and make commitments because they want to learn, do well for their own sake, and be recognized as people.

3.3 We as a school together pledge ourselves solemnly to bringing about a school climate in which education and learning can take place optimally. To be able to comply with this, it is essential that the school has a practically-executable Code of Conduct that will ensure that the school’s curricular and extra-mural programmes will be executed in the most orderly way possible. The accomplishments and implementing of this Code of Conduct serve herewith as a point of departure for the enforcement and extending of this school’s disciplinary character and for guiding the learners to self-discipline.

4. CODES OF CONDUCT SUBSCRIBED TO BY LEARNERS

THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LEARNERS

The learners realize that mutual co-operation between themselves and the other persons involved in their education can only be successful if all parties agree on the pursuit of values and principles. The values which are pursued by pupils of the school are exemplified in the codes of honor as set out below:

4.1 Human Rights

Learner’s, while being aware of the fact that they have certain rights, also realize that others have similar rights and respect these rights. Learners recognize in particular the dignity and equality of all persons and undertake to exercise their rights in such a manner that others are not prejudiced by their actions.

4.2 Respect for Educators

Learners respect their teachers as their educators and promise their wholehearted co- operation in all reasonable assignments which they may receive from their educators. Learners respect the educators as adults and recognize that their training and experience can be of benefit to the learners. Learners therefor undertake to give their full co-operation to the educators and to always act courteously towards them.

4.3 Respect for non-teaching staff and visitors

The contributions of the administrative staff and ground staff towards the smooth running of the school organization are greatly appreciated. Learners will therefor act with deference and respect towards these members of staff. Visitors to the school, e.g. GDE officials, businessmen and parents have the school’s welfare at heart and will be assisted, politely and with respect, when required.

4.4 Acknowledging a diverse culture

The South African community, consist of a number of races, cultures and religions. Learners accept all fellow learners as individuals who might be pursuing similar goals and ideals to themselves and that they may have their own ideals. Learners respect the diversity of others and will not act in such a manner that they will affect the dignity of others.

4.5 Respect for the environment and school facilities

The natural environment is a gift from God and learners accept the charge and communal responsibility for the conservation thereof. Learners appreciate school buildings, contents of classrooms and other physical facilities that have been provided for their use. Learners undertake to make use of them in a responsible manner and, inasmuch as it is within their ability, to contribute to maintenance thereof, including encouraging their parents to pay school fees and to support activities designed to expand the physical facilities.

4.6 Obedience to organizational and behavioral rules

Learners understand that a school cannot function without organizational and behavioral rules. Learners therefore abide by the rules of the school for learner behavior. Learners undertake to honor the timetable of the school by being present at the commencement of the school and every period that they are involved in. They accept the authority of those in charge of order and discipline in the school and will subject themselves to the applicable punishments should the rules be broken.

4.7 Extra-curricular activities

Learners realize the importance of sport, cultural activities as well as academic and social outings in the developmental process. They want to be involved either as active participants or loyal supporters. Appropriate dress and a neat appearance at these events contribute to building up the image of the school. Learners subscribe to the fact that school rules are also applicable during school outings or other extra-curricular activities to maintain order and to uphold the good name of the school.

4.8 Appearance

School uniforms contribute to a unity of sense and purpose. The school badge (emblem) represents the combined goals of learners, parents and staff. Because the school uniform and concomitant rules of appearance represent traditional values of the school and the community, learners will wear the uniform with pride. Furthermore, they will adhere to the rules of personal appearance which enhance the school uniform.

4.9 Safety

For their own safety learners will adhere to the safety rules in the laboratories and workshops as well as classroom rules that have been drawn up for the safety of the learners. While moving from one class to another, on the school grounds, on outings, and on the sports field learners will try not to endanger their own safety or that of others by their actions.

4.10 Academic matters

Learners can only benefit from education if they are actively involved in the learning process in the classroom. Learners will, therefore, participate in class activities when required to do so. Learners disapprove of activities that disrupt the education process. Learners realize the value of homework and will do it conscientiously. Since the outcome of evaluation is of greater importance to the learner than the teacher, learners will conscientiously prepare for evaluation sessions. As honesty is an integral part of an impeccable character, learners will at all times be a hundred percent honest during evaluation and will not tolerate dishonesty in others.

4.11 Role perception

Learners are also responsible to make a contribution to the orderly flow of events at and after school. Learners have the opportunity to make contributions on different levels that will improve school management, e.g. as prefects, class captain, team captain, member of an academic or social society, etcetera. Irrespective of the position in which a learner serves, the interests of the school should be paramount and not personal advancement or benefits. Learners subscribe to this principle and will at all times, through their actions, strive to uphold and strengthen the ethos of the school even outside the formal structure.

4.12 Cellular phones and electronic media

No electronic devices are allowed at school. This includes cell phones, ipods,ipads, handheld playstations/games, mp3 players. They tend to disrupt classes, distract learners and they are a threat to their safety. If everyone knows that our learners do not carry cell phones as a rule, they might not target them for theft or injury. Furthermore, with the theft of such valuable devices, much teaching time is lost in trying to recover the lost goods and to discipline the perpetrators. Learners who need to contact their parents in an emergency may do so with the school’s telephones. The absence of cell phones may also add quality to the relationships between parents and their children, in the sense that they will make arrangements in advance, which will also teach children some life skills and personal discipline.

5. THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF EDUCATORS WITH REGARD TO LEARNERS

5.1 Conduct themselves in a professional and responsible way

5.2 Not use abusive language or behave in an abusive way

5.3 Be punctual and report regularly for school and classes

5.4 Be well prepared for teaching their classes

5.5 Mark homework and assignments within reasonable time frame

5.6 Respect all people and property

5.7 Encourage an atmosphere of effective learning and teaching

5.8 Plan flexible lessons that address the varied and special needs of learners

5.9 Follow the rules, procedures and codes of conduct of the school, government and the South African Council of Educators

5.10 Ensure regular communication with parents and encourage their participation in school affairs

6. RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS WITH RESPECT TO THE CODE OF CONDUCT

6.1 The ultimate responsibility for learners‟ behavior rests with their parents or guardians. It is expected that parents will:

Support the school, and require learners to observe all school rules and regulations and accept responsibility for any misbehavior on their part; and

Take an active interest in their children’s schoolwork and make it possible for the children to complete assigned homework.

Parents have the responsibility towards their children to display a positive attitude towards the school, educators and rules and to encourage their children to do the same.

6.2 Parents should attend meetings that the Governing Body or educators convenes for them.

6.3 Parents have the right to take legal actions against any educator, learner or person who unlawfully violates the constitutional rights of their children by, e.g. corporal punishment, injury to the child, etc.

6.4 They should inform school authorities about any problem concerning their children or other children in the school

6.5 Parents should pay school fees that are determined by the majority of parents

7. RULES OF THE SCHOOL

7.1 Purpose of rules:

Rules are drawn up in order to realize the values contained in the Code. The purpose of rules is, therefore, to:
– Create and maintain a positive learning environment.
– Define acceptable and unacceptable behavior.
– Promote educational goals.

7.2 Rules which define acceptable behavior:

I promise to be proud of my school and to be a good example by wearing my uniform with Pride and behaving in a dignified manner at all times.

I understand the type of behavior expected from me at all times is as follows:

A. IN THE CLASSROOM:

I will:

• Be prompt and on time for lesson
• Listen to instructions
• Respect my own equipment as well as that of other people.
• Make sure that I have my own equipment and stationary so that I do not have to Borrow from others
• Raise my hand when I wish to say or ask something
• Not interrupt while someone else is speaking
• Not be disruptive, thereby preventing the other pupils from receiving quality education
• Respect textbooks and all other equipment
• Pick up any litter around my desk and place my chair neatly under my desk before leaving the classroom
• Complete all homework and class work assignments to the best of my ability
• Be honest in all my work including tests and in all I say.

B. WHILE AT THE SCHOOL PREMISES:

I will:

• Avoid rough or dangerous games
• Avoid fighting and bullying
• Refrain from using unacceptable language
• Respect sports facilities and rules

C. GENERAL MANNERS:

I will:

• Arrive on time for school
• Greet all adults at all times
• Stay away from out of bounds areas at all times
• Refrain from throwing any objects or littering.
• Not use unacceptable language
• Not deface any walls, doors, desks or school property not remove or tamper with anything from class rooms
• Refrain from any form of challenge of an educator’s authority whatsoever
• Speak to the educator personally at an appropriate time after the lesson if I have a problem
• Use the toilets and leave them clean

D. AT SCHOOL:

I will:

• not run or play on the corridors, keep left and walk briskly
• not tamper with safety equipment
• not leave the school or classroom during school hours without the permission of the principal or educator.
• Not bring pets or toys or valuables to school
• Obey the instructions of prefects or learner representatives
• Leave the school premises only after school unless I am attending the extra activities
• Not involve in any form of initiation and unmannerly farewell celebrations
• Not be guilty of any form of rowdiness or loud behavior
• Not bring or distribute undesirable reading matter
• Report any accidental breakages to the office immediately
• Not climb over any school fence or walls
• Bring a note written and signed by my parents or doctor’s note upon my return to school after I have been absent
• Catch up any work missed after I have been absent
• Not smoke on the school premises grounds or while in school uniform

8. DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

The purpose of disciplinary measures is to:

Educate learners to make responsible, independent decisions Inculcate a strong sense of duty in learners
To guide learners to self-discipline

The disciplinary process is intended to be expeditious, fair, just, reasonable, corrective, consistent and educative. Where possible the parents are informed and involved in the correction of a learner’s behavior. Learners are protected from abuse by adults and other learners.

THE DISCIPLINE POLICY OF OUR SCHOOL

Educators must bear in mind that if they do nothing when a learner commits a transgression/misdemeanor/offence, they are doing something wrong, so always do something, but first do no harm. Do not let one learner feel more punished than another for the same offence. Watch out for favoritism. Parents and learners must read, know and sign the copies in the disciplinary policy.

Disciplining is not a vendetta or a vengeful act, but one of love. The most important principles are fairness, justness and consistency. The school rules, as well as those measures which are morally and socially acceptable to the staff, the SMT and the community, will be enforced by the school’s disciplinary policy championed by the School’s Disciplinary committee (DC).

Not every offence shall be forwarded to the DC. Minor and first offences shall be punishable by educators or class teachers. Only in cases where the offence is major, repetitive and worsening, educators, staff or anyone else will then inform the principal who will then instruct a DC hearing process to be conducted.

Punishments recommended for less serious offences:

Suspension from class for a period of time/lesson Detention after school on Friday
Detention on another day (with added service, e.g. weeding, fixing, cleaning of dustbins or outside areas, [only after consulting with parents].)
Disciplinary talk with learner in the presence of learner’s parents or guardians;
Written warnings;
Signing “contract” with learner who agrees to improve;
Community service.(up to two hours)
Writing out or something similar (and perhaps more sensible) to take up their time.
Depriving them of their privileges
Pay a fine (like a parking ticket)[not money, but a tin/tins of food]
Public apology at assembly.
Learner fills out a behavior chart.
Phone parents
Daily report (accountability control sheet) taken by learner and signed by all educators
Performing duties that improve the school environment such as cleaning, gardening or administrative tasks