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CODE OF CONDUCT
This Code of Conduct has been formulated by the Parents and Educators of Saxonwold Primary School in order to achieve the School's Mission.
MISSION
- To provide quality academic and creative education for each child in an environment that
is challenging, yet does not raise the anxiety level of the learner unduly.
- To strive to create a climate which encourages adventurousness in learning, through
openness to new ideas and experiences.
- To be committed to:
* maintaining a balance between spiritual, academic, cultural and sporting activities in
order to encourage the all-round development of our learners;
* recognising and developing the uniqueness and preciousness of each individual;
* creating a safe, warm, secure, disciplined environment conducive to learning;
* promoting respect for the beliefs, values and rights of others.
We aim to inculcate in each child a love for all humanity and creation, and to generate a concern for social and environmental issues, so that each may participate effectively in a common future with all South Africans. Saxonwold Primary School brings the principles of ubuntu to life with a focus on the Living Values Programme. These values underpin the School's expectations for learner conduct. Disciplined and responsible behaviour, coupled with an understanding of and respect for the rights of other learners, is essential for the development of harmonious relationships in the School and the safety and fair treatment of all learners.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to:
1. Promote disciplined and responsible behaviour, coupled with an understanding of and
respect for the rights of learners, members of staff and the broader Saxonwold
community.
2. Ensure the safety and fair treatment of all learners.
3. Safeguard the integrity of the School so that it provides a safe and harmonious learning
environment.
4. Clarify for learners the behaviours and conduct expected of them and the values reflected
in the Living Values Programme.
5. Ensure that the learners are aware of the possible consequences of not adhering to the
Code of Conduct.
PRINCIPLES
1. It is the duty and responsibility of the staff and learners to promote disciplined and
acceptable behaviour at the School.
2. Disciplinary action should be immediate in response to any infringement upon the Code
of Conduct.
3. Upon the learner's admission to the School, the parent/guardian and learner are required
to sign the Code of Conduct in order to indicate their acceptance of its terms.
4. The learners should keep a copy of the Code of Conduct for ongoing reference.
THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEARNERS
Learners at Saxonwold Primary School have the right to:
- Attend school
- Motivated and approachable educators
- Learn without hindrance
- Receive progress reports
- Be treated with respect regardless of personal, religious or cultural beliefs
- The use of the school's facilities during school hours, provided there is supervision
- The use of school equipment and materials in usable condition
- A safe and clean working environment
- Privacy and respect of personal possessions
- An environment free of victimisation
In being accorded the above rights, the following expectations are applicable:
1. Dress and appearance
1.1. Learners are expected to abide by the compulsory dress regulations as determined by
the Principal in conjunction with the Governing Body. Dress regulations in accordance
with the specific activity/ies are also applicable to extra-curricular and after-hour
activities. Learners are expected to adhere to the standard of general appearance,
neatness and personal hygiene.
1.2. Hair: Learners accept that their hair must be kept tidy and clean at all times. Learners
accept that they must wear their hair braided or closely-cropped.
1.3. Jewellery (other than watches) may not be worn. Girls may wear 'Sleepers' in their
ears if they have pierced ears. Only one sleeper may be worn in each ear. Jewellery
that has religious or cultural significance may be worn, but to ensure the safety of
learners (specially during physical activities), such jewellery must be worn concealed
beneath the clothing.
1.4. Lost property: Learners are expected to claim lost property. Unclaimed items will be
disposed of at the end of each term. All clothing and equipment should be
permanently marked with the name of the learner.
2. General behaviour
The learners agree to:
2.1. Respect their fellow learners at all times.
2.2. Keep the School's premises free of litter.
2.3. Ensure that the cloakrooms are kept clean.
2.4. Reserve playing ball games and other sports activities to the sports field/ courts.
2.5. Move quietly and in an orderly fashion in the passageways and stairways.
2.6. Treat educators, visitors and fellow learners with courtesy and respect at all times.
2.7. Avoid using offensive language at all times; this includes speech which is obscene,
blasphemous, sexist or racist.
2.8. Be punctual upon arrival for the school day, as well as other school functions, events and
activities.
2.9. Maintain a good attendance record.
2.10. Adhere to the restriction of 'Out of Bounds' areas during break times as well as before
and after school. Learners accept that out of bounds areas are declared as such for the
personal safety of the learners.
2.11. Refrain from bringing onto the School premises and playing with any implement or toy
which could cause injury to a person, e.g. peashooters, catties, pellet guns, toy guns,
etc.
2.12. Comply with all regulations pertaining to the care of, and due regard for, school
property and equipment, as well as possessions of fellow learners.
2.13. Adhere to the rules contained in the annexure, School Rules, that forms part of this
Code of Conduct.
3. Classroom behaviour
Learners understand that in order to promote effective learning, they must act responsibly in lessons and engage only in behaviours that will promote their learning and the learning of fellow students.
Consequently, learners agree to:
3.1. Be punctual for all lessons.
3.2. Respect the rules and process of classroom routines.
3.3. Refrain from eating and drinking anything other than water in class. Learners
accept that the eating of chewing gum at any time within the School premises or
outside of School while in uniform is not permitted.
3.4. Be respectful and polite to teachers and other learners.
3.5. Complete homework by the prescribed time and date.
3.6. Gain the teacher' s permission before leaving a lesson.
3.7. Maintain a clean environment that is tidy and free of litter.
3.8. Value and respect the opinions and perspectives of other learners.
4. Computer Centre behaviour
In order to safeguard the security of learners' work, the computer systems and the equipment, it is essential that learners behave responsibly when using computers. To safeguard the integrity of the Computer Centre the learners agree to refrain from:
4.1. Changing any computer setups whatsoever.
4.2. Loading software of any kind without written permission from the computer teacher.
4.3. Deleting any files, changing passwords/names or hacking into any of the computer
systems or fellow learners' files.
4.4. Accessing, displaying, storing or printing socially unacceptable files or pictures, or having
them in their possession on the School's premises.
4.5. Working in the Computer Centre unsupervised, or without the prior consent from the
computer teacher.
4.6. Eating or drinking in the Computer Centre.
4.7. The learner also accepts that the School reserves the right to monitor material accessed
or developed by learners using the School's computer and/or technological equipment.
5. Library behaviour
The Library is a learning resource that is shared by all members of the School. It is a place where all members of the School can engage in recreational reading, search for information and use reading texts for the completion of assignments. Because it is a shared place of learning, the learners agree to:
5.1. Respect and adhere to the proper procedures for borrowing books and materials from
the library.
5.2. Return books and other resource materials borrowed from the library by the stipulated
return date and, if need be, gain the consent of the librarian to keep the books and
resource materials beyond the stipulated return date.
5.3. Gain the prior consent of the librarian to work unsupervised in the library.
5.4. Refrain from eating or drinking in the library.
5.5. Behave in an orderly and respectful manner in the library.
6. Academic work
Honour is one of the values actively promoted at the School. Honour is the foundation upon which learners' thoughts, actions and interaction are based. Learners undertake their actions guided by a sense of trust, integrity and responsibility for the decisions they make.
6.1. Plagiarism - is defined as copying and using other people's ideas and writings as if they
were your own. Plagiarism is viewed as cheating and, therefore, it is a form of
dishonourable behaviour. The learners understand that plagiarism, whether from a
printed or audio resource or the Internet, is contrary to the School's values and agree to
refrain from engaging in such activities at all times.
6.2. Cheating - the learners accept that cheating on tests, homework and any other
classwork is dishonourable behaviour and should be regarded in a serious light. In order
to maintain the integrity of homework, tests and classwork, the learners agree that:
6.2.1. Unauthorised possession of a test paper is regarded as a serious offence.
6.2.2. Learners who are accessories to cheating, or who provide information to another
learner during a test , are considered to be cheating.
6.2.3 Learners who copy the homework of other learners or who, alternatively, allow
their own homework to be copied are considered to be cheating.
6.3. Learners are expected to catch up work missed due to absence.
7. Sport, Cultural activities, off-school events and tours
Sports and cultural activities aim to build the learners' characters and promote team spirit. They also help to imbue the values of honour and respect in learners. Accordingly, the learners accept that:
7.1. When participating in sporting and cultural activities, whether on or off the School's
premises, they are bound by the provisions of the Code of Conduct.
7.2. Whenever they are wearing the School's uniform, whether on or off the School premises,
they are bound by the Code of Conduct.
7.3. Courteous behaviour and good sportsmanship are required at all times, whether on or
off the School premises, and whether wearing the School's uniform or not.
7.4. They must be dressed in the uniform that is appropriate for the sport or activity in which
they are engaged.
7.5. They must attend activities regularly and be punctual at all times. Loyalty to the team or
group is expected. A learner who is unable to attend an activity to which he/she has
made a commitment should personally provide an explanation to the educator or coach
concerned.
7.6. When away on class tours or excursions, whether day trips or longer overnight tours, they
are bound by the Code of Conduct.
8. Substance abuse
8.1. Learners acknowledge that the use of drugs and the consumption of alcohol can
seriously impede their academic performance and agree that they will not engage in the
use of alcohol and illegal drugs, in any quantity or at any time, whether on or off the
School's premises, and whether wearing the School's uniform or not. Any possession of
unauthorised or illegal substances or items will not be tolerated, and may result in a
search of a learner's person, in accordance with Government Gazette 776 of 1998,
page 5.
8.2. Learners appreciate that smoking is a health risk and an anti-social behaviour. Learners
agree not to smoke at any time, whether on or off the School premises, and whether
wearing the School uniform or not. The learners also accept that a learner in possession
of cigarettes, or holding a cigarette, lit or not, is deemed to be smoking.
9. Theft
The School expects learners' actions to be guided by a sense of trust, integrity and respect
for others. Learners accept that the theft of a School member's possessions or the unauthorized removal of materials, books and equipment from the School premises constitutes a violation of that trust. Any form of theft will not be tolerated, and may result in a search of a learner's person, in accordance with Government Gazette 776 of 1998, page 5.
10. Bullying
Bullying contradicts the School's set of values. Learners agree not to engage in any form of bullying, victimization, fighting, intimidation, racism, sexual harassment or religious or cultural intolerance. Furthermore, learners agree that no fireworks, firearms or ammunition will be brought onto the School premises.
11. Vandalism
The learners appreciate that they are privileged to be provided with such a well-resourced learning environment and agree not to engage in any intentional malicious damage or defacing of the School's premises, property or equipment.
12. Pornographic Material
The learners recognize that pornographic material is disrespectful of others. They agree not to look for or possess pornographic material.
13. Reporting
13.1. In keeping with the School's values of honour and compassion, learners are
encouraged to report all incidents of assault, abuse or harassment of any sort to the
Principal, HODs or any Educator.
13.2. Learners are expected to volunteer information and be co-operative with staff
members with respect to violation of the Code of Conduct by others.
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
The Code of Conduct can only be effective if the learner recognizes that he/she has not honoured the Code of Conduct and that the subsequent punishment or sanction is a fair and legitimate response to his/her breach.
1. Responsibility for Implementing the Code of Conduct.
1.1. All learners, teachers, and the School Management Team are responsible for
implementing the Code of Conduct. Teachers will use their own procedures and their
own best judgement to ensure that their classroom environments are effective learning
spaces. Likewise, the Grade 7 Leaders will also use their own procedures for addressing
minor infractions of the rules outlined in the Code of Conduct.
1.2. The School may also use sanctions such as detention, suspension of privileges,
exclusion from some school activities, etc. to ensure compliance with the Code of
Conduct.
1.3. Where appropriate, parents/guardians will be informed in writing about any infringement
of the Code of Conduct.
CATEGORIES OF MISCONDUCT
1. The School practices a policy of 'zero tolerance' for the following infractions, which may
lead to the learner's suspension from the School:
1.1. Use of illegal or prohibited drugs or alcohol;
1.2. Theft;
1.3. Sexual harassment, or religious, ethnic, racial or cultural intimidation or victimization;
1.4. Possession or distribution of pornographic material;
1.5. Verbal, emotional or physical abuse of others, as well as aggressive conduct towards
others;
1.6. Wilful abuse or destruction of School property or equipment;
1.7. Insolence and wilful refusal to obey a member of staff to carry out a legitimate task
or instruction.
2. Infractions that may lead to the suspension of privileges, and if repeated, suspension
from the School are:
2.1. Lack of cooperative, positive attitude toward the learners or staff of the School;
2.2. The use of offensive language or gestures;
2.3. Failure to afford any staff member the necessary courtesy and respect;
2.4. Behaviour that causes inconvenience to others (e.g. unpunctuality, persistent
noisiness, etc.)
2.5. Failure to respect the rights and privacy of other learners;
2.6. Refusal to wear the correct School uniform.
THE RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS
It is the right of every parent and care giver to:
- Enquire about the progress of their child in a requested interview
- View the child's work at regular intervals
- Attend extra-mural matches, sporting or cultural activities
- Endeavour to solve any problem with an educator and, should no solution be forthcoming,
to proceed through the correct channels and procedures: HOD to Principal to District Office
to the Head of Education (Gauteng)
In expecting these rights, it is the responsibility of parents and care givers to:
- Ensure that the child attends school
- Ensure that the child abides by the School's Code of Conduct
- Ensure that the child is clean and tidy
- Ensure that the child is punctual for the school day or any other activity
- Pay the necessary school fees
- Mark all clothing
- Provide the child with adequate meals and nourishment
- Check the assigned homework as being completed, and to sign the homework book
- Provide the stipulated stationery and clothing
- Keep the child at home if ill, and to provide a Doctor's note for an absence of more than
two days or if otherwise stipulated. Parents are expected to notify the School by telephone,
fax or letter of any absence of the learner and to provide reasons for such absence
- Encourage moral values
- To respect the law of the country
- To ensure that items not belonging to their child are returned to the school
- Inform the school of the required personal particulars, and to report changes when they
occur
- Sign and return reply slips when requested
- Read the Code of Conduct and to ensure that the child understands the content
- Establish contact with an educator when requested to do so
- Inform the school of any changes in circumstance, which may affect the child's performance
or behaviour
- Inform the school if the child has to leave the school premises during school hours
- Offer encouragement to, and support of their child
- Be a partner in the education process and give assistance where necessary or when
requested
- Follow protocol and the correct procedures when desiring an interview with an educator or
senior staff member
ANNEXURE: School rules
SAXONWOLD PRIMARY SCHOOL
SCHOOL RULES: Annexure to Code of Conduct
COURTESY:
A Saxonwold learner is always courteous, because the following rules help me to be courteous:
- When speaking to an adult, I stand up straight, hands at the sides and not in the pockets.
- After a special lesson, demonstration or trip, I thank the person concerned or in charge.
- I never walk between people who are having a conversation.
- I do not interrupt while people are having a conversation. I stand quietly - I will be noticed.
When spoken to, I address the person by name: "Mrs. ... or Miss ... or Mr ... or Sir or
Ma'am" not just "Miss".
- I help educators to carry books, parcels, etc.
- When sent to another class with a message, I knock properly, open and wait for the
educator to address me - I greet the educator and state my business.
- When boarding a bus, I permit adults to get on first. Boys should allow girls to board first.
- I treat all staff in a courteous manner.
APPEARANCE:
I am proud of my school because it is neat at all times and the learners are always neat and tidy and correctly dressed. The following rules apply:
- I wear the correct school uniform at all times. After school, I wear a full uniform or none at
all.
- I always wear the regulation kit for PE lessons and sports practices.
- I do not wear jewelry with school uniform, with the exception of a wristwatch and sleeper
earrings for girls.
- I only wear my natural hair colour - no bleaches, dyes or highlights.
- I do not wear nail polish or make-up.
- I do not wear neck decorations.
THE SCHOOL BUILDINGS AND EQUIPMENT:
I am always keen to keep my school clean and tidy, so am aware of the following:
- I help keep classrooms tidy at all times. I pick up papers, etc. before a class is dismissed.
- I keep the playground clean. I throw litter into the dirt bins. My class is responsible for the
area immediately in front of our classroom.
- I do not scribble on my desk.
- I do not vandalize the buildings or equipment in any way whatsoever.
- I close dripping taps after use.
OUT OF BOUNDS:
Because I want my school to be proud of me, I do not want to be a nuisance. The following rules will help me not to be a nuisance:
- I do not ride my bicycle in the school grounds at any time.
- After arriving at school in the morning, I put down my case in the row and go to the
playground.
- I do not enter the staffroom unless given permission by a staff member.
- I do not play in the area around the administrative block or between the buildings.
- I do not enter the administrative block unless on an errand or when injured.
- I do not run along the corridors or in the area between the buildings.
- I know that the school grounds and buildings are also out of bounds in the afternoon,
during weekends and holidays unless an educator is present.
- I do not enter a classroom before the bell rings in the mornings or during breaks, unless an
educator is present.
- I know that the hall is out of bounds unless an educator is present.
- I do not climb onto roofs or other dangerous areas.
- I may not play in the thatched hut.
- I am not allowed in the car park, unless accompanied by a staff member
DISMISSAL
A Saxonwold learner likes to behave properly at all times. I am proud that I do not disturb others and so adhere to the following:
- I leave a classroom in an orderly manner - no shouting, whistling or running.
- On dismissal, I lead off from my classroom, down the steps and off to the playground.
Learners who go to the hall as a class will walk along the corridors but without talking.
- If I am going to PE, music or the Media Centre, I line up and then proceed to the class in
an orderly manner.
ACTIVITIES:
I am proud to be part of a school that does things for me, and so:-
- I participate in all lessons with enthusiasm and always do my homework.
- I try to participate in at least one extra-mural activity every term.
CONCERN FOR OTHERS:
I am always aware of the feelings of other people. In doing so:-
- I do not make any remarks or statements that would hurt another person's feelings.
- I do not regard any person to be inferior to myself.
- I accept that others may come from different homes or cultures, and will not make any
derogatory remarks about such things.
GENERAL:
I am proud of my school and what it does to help me. To help my school be proud of me, I take careful note of the following:
- My behaviour is, at all times, such that I bring honour to my school, especially when on
excursions.
- I do not ask to leave the classroom unnecessarily during lesson time.
- I tidy myself after breaks. I pull up my socks, tuck in my shirt, and fasten my top button
and tie.
- I dress properly after a PE or dance lesson during school hours.
- I am at school by 07:40.
- I know that stone-throwing will be regarded as a serious offence.
- I do not fight. (Onlookers within 10m of a fight will also be punished).
- I do not bring knives or other dangerous articles onto the school premises.
- I do not bring toys to school unless for educational purposes.
- I pay careful attention at all times to my personal cleanliness to ensure a healthy working
environment.
- I am aware of, and take care of, the environment, in which I work and live.
- In adhering to the rules of my school I am aware that I am bound to obey the laws of the
country.
____________________________________________________________________________________
CODE OF CONDUCT
Reply Slip:
I, ________________________________________________________(Learner's name),
have read and understand the Code of Conduct of Saxonwold Primary School.
Learner's Signature: ............................... Date: ............................... |
