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About School Rules Code of Conduct
About School Rules Code of Conduct
Code of Conduct
PREAMBLE
Section 8 of the South African Schools Act provides that a Governing Body of a public school must adopt a Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct must be subject to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, the South African Schools Act, 1996 and Provincial Legislation.
The Fairmont Code of Conduct is linked to the School’s Rules, Regulations and Procedures. All members of the School are presumed to be aware of and are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct and the Rules, Regulations and Procedures. The purpose of these documents is to provide a framework for the orderly, safe and beneficial schooling environment of all members of the School.
The School’s Mission Statement encapsulates the essence of the type of school environment we want for our School. This environment aims at providing students with skills to take a leadership role in civil society as worthy, self-disciplined, morally responsible members.
SCOPE
The Code of Conduct must be adhered to: -
• on the School Property before, during and after school hours
• at all official School events, both within and outside regular school hours
• in any situation, on or off School Property, where the student is recognisable as a Fairmont student
Areas addressed by the Code of Conduct include: -
a) Absenteeism
b) Cheating
c) Discrimination
d) Disrespect – for property (theft; vandalism)
e) Disrespect – for authority (insolence; defiance)
f) General misbehaviour
g) Intimidation
h) Initiation
i) Misrepresentation of the facts (lying; forgery)
j) Physical / verbal abuse
k) Punctuality
l) Safety and security
m) Substance Abuse
n) Transgression of School Rules
o) Uniform and appearance (hair; jewellery; make-up; nails)
MISCONDUCT
No written set of rules can cover all situations. There are, therefore, times when students are expected to act sensibly according to approved codes of behaviour.
In the event of misconduct, remedial/disciplinary action may be taken against a student. In order to ensure the consistent application of such action, misconduct has been categorised under various levels, according to seriousness. The nature of the remedial/disciplinary action will depend on the level of the misconduct.
Level 1 (Minor Misconduct)
Consequences:
The relevant person in authority will deal with Level 1 Misconduct immediately. Discipline will be administered by the person in authority and could typically be a verbal reprimand and/or the allocation of an appropriate task e.g. meaningful written work, tidying up the classroom, litter clean-up, etc
Misconduct:
Level 1 Misconduct includes, but is not limited to: -
• General misbehaviour on the School premises (Assembly; Classroom; Playground)
• Out of bounds
• Late-coming
• Uniform / ID transgressions
• Grooming (hair; shaving; jewellery; make-up; nails)
• Littering
• Defiance – failure to carry out an instruction
• Discrimination – racial/gender/religious (minor)
• Disrespect for authority, adult or peer
• Crude language / behaviour
• Non-stipulated misdemeanours at this level
Level 2 (Serious Misconduct)
Consequences:
Level 2 Misconduct will be dealt with formally by the person in authority. Corrective action could typically involve counselling (where appropriate) and/or appropriate disciplinary action such as detention, work squad, etc.
Misconduct:
Section 8 of the South African Schools Act provides that a Governing Body of a public school must adopt a Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct must be subject to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, the South African Schools Act, 1996 and Provincial Legislation.
The Fairmont Code of Conduct is linked to the School’s Rules, Regulations and Procedures. All members of the School are presumed to be aware of and are required to adhere to the Code of Conduct and the Rules, Regulations and Procedures. The purpose of these documents is to provide a framework for the orderly, safe and beneficial schooling environment of all members of the School.
The School’s Mission Statement encapsulates the essence of the type of school environment we want for our School. This environment aims at providing students with skills to take a leadership role in civil society as worthy, self-disciplined, morally responsible members.
SCOPE
The Code of Conduct must be adhered to: -
• on the School Property before, during and after school hours
• at all official School events, both within and outside regular school hours
• in any situation, on or off School Property, where the student is recognisable as a Fairmont student
Areas addressed by the Code of Conduct include: -
a) Absenteeism
b) Cheating
c) Discrimination
d) Disrespect – for property (theft; vandalism)
e) Disrespect – for authority (insolence; defiance)
f) General misbehaviour
g) Intimidation
h) Initiation
i) Misrepresentation of the facts (lying; forgery)
j) Physical / verbal abuse
k) Punctuality
l) Safety and security
m) Substance Abuse
n) Transgression of School Rules
o) Uniform and appearance (hair; jewellery; make-up; nails)
MISCONDUCT
No written set of rules can cover all situations. There are, therefore, times when students are expected to act sensibly according to approved codes of behaviour.
In the event of misconduct, remedial/disciplinary action may be taken against a student. In order to ensure the consistent application of such action, misconduct has been categorised under various levels, according to seriousness. The nature of the remedial/disciplinary action will depend on the level of the misconduct.
Level 1 (Minor Misconduct)
Consequences:
The relevant person in authority will deal with Level 1 Misconduct immediately. Discipline will be administered by the person in authority and could typically be a verbal reprimand and/or the allocation of an appropriate task e.g. meaningful written work, tidying up the classroom, litter clean-up, etc
Misconduct:
Level 1 Misconduct includes, but is not limited to: -
• General misbehaviour on the School premises (Assembly; Classroom; Playground)
• Out of bounds
• Late-coming
• Uniform / ID transgressions
• Grooming (hair; shaving; jewellery; make-up; nails)
• Littering
• Defiance – failure to carry out an instruction
• Discrimination – racial/gender/religious (minor)
• Disrespect for authority, adult or peer
• Crude language / behaviour
• Non-stipulated misdemeanours at this level
Level 2 (Serious Misconduct)
Consequences:
Level 2 Misconduct will be dealt with formally by the person in authority. Corrective action could typically involve counselling (where appropriate) and/or appropriate disciplinary action such as detention, work squad, etc.
Misconduct:
Level 2 Misconduct includes, but is not limited to: -
• Repeated Level 1 transgressions
• Transgression of School Rules
• Failure to submit absentee notes
• Inappropriate physical contact between students
• Writing on School Property, equipment or books
• Serious grooming / uniform default
• Truancy - bunking periods or detention
• Refusal to identify oneself to appropriate authority
• Non-stipulated misdemeanours at this level
Level 3 (More Serious Misconduct)
Consequences:
Level 3 Misconduct will be escalated to and dealt with by the Grade Head/Deputy Principal or could involve a Governing Body hearing. The misconduct will be recorded in writing. Corrective action could include parent involvement, counselling (where appropriate) and/or appropriate formal discipline such as extended detention, community service, etc.
Misconduct:
Level 3 Misconduct includes, but is not limited to: -
• Repeated Level 2 transgressions
• Fighting
• Smoking and/or possession of cigarettes/tobacco/matches/lighter/association with smoker/s at school or in uniform or at a school function
• “Supporting smoking by association”
• Leaving school without permission
• Physical intimidation
• Initiation
• Defacing School Property
• Accommodating unauthorised persons on the School grounds
• Petty theft
• Misrepresentation of the facts
• Serious discrimination – racial/gender/religious
• Non-stipulated misdemeanours at this level
Level 4 (Very Serious Misconduct)
Consequences:
Level 4 Misconduct will be dealt with at the highest level within the School i.e. Deputy Principal, Principal and/or Board of Governors. Corrective action could involve counselling (where appropriate) and discipline could involve a formal disciplinary hearing with consequent suspension or expulsion.
• Repeated Level 1 transgressions
• Transgression of School Rules
• Failure to submit absentee notes
• Inappropriate physical contact between students
• Writing on School Property, equipment or books
• Serious grooming / uniform default
• Truancy - bunking periods or detention
• Refusal to identify oneself to appropriate authority
• Non-stipulated misdemeanours at this level
Level 3 (More Serious Misconduct)
Consequences:
Level 3 Misconduct will be escalated to and dealt with by the Grade Head/Deputy Principal or could involve a Governing Body hearing. The misconduct will be recorded in writing. Corrective action could include parent involvement, counselling (where appropriate) and/or appropriate formal discipline such as extended detention, community service, etc.
Misconduct:
Level 3 Misconduct includes, but is not limited to: -
• Repeated Level 2 transgressions
• Fighting
• Smoking and/or possession of cigarettes/tobacco/matches/lighter/association with smoker/s at school or in uniform or at a school function
• “Supporting smoking by association”
• Leaving school without permission
• Physical intimidation
• Initiation
• Defacing School Property
• Accommodating unauthorised persons on the School grounds
• Petty theft
• Misrepresentation of the facts
• Serious discrimination – racial/gender/religious
• Non-stipulated misdemeanours at this level
Level 4 (Very Serious Misconduct)
Consequences:
Level 4 Misconduct will be dealt with at the highest level within the School i.e. Deputy Principal, Principal and/or Board of Governors. Corrective action could involve counselling (where appropriate) and discipline could involve a formal disciplinary hearing with consequent suspension or expulsion.
Misconduct:
Level 4 Misconduct includes, but is not limited to: -
• Repeated Level 3 transgressions
• Premeditated fighting, assault and battery
• Vandalism resulting in serious damage
• Cheating in an examination/test
• Forging signatures / writing own letter / impersonation
• Possession of a dangerous weapon
• Swearing at an educator
• Sexual harassment of educators, adults, peers
• Substance abuse and/or possession of drugs, alcohol, etc.
• Non-stipulated misdemeanours at this level
Level 5 (Criminal Acts – Violates School Code + Law)
Level 5 Misconduct relates to criminal acts and repeated serious violations of the School Code. Misconduct will be escalated to the appropriate authorities in conjunction with the Department of Education. In addition, the School would reserve the right to implement Level 4 consequences.
PROCEDURES, RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Procedures
• Level 2 Misconduct is dealt with by the relevant person in authority in line with the guidelines in this document. Students have the right to appeal to the Grade Head in the event that they believe they have been unfairly treated.
• Level 3 Misconduct is dealt with by the Grade Head/Deputy Principal, Principal or Governing Body in line with the guidelines in this document. Students have the right to appeal to the
Principal or Deputy Principal in the event that they believe they have been unfairly treated.
• Level 4 Misconduct could result in a formal disciplinary hearing and possible consequent suspension and/or expulsion. In such cases, the provisions of the SA Schools Act and other relevant legislation will apply.
Rights and Responsibilities of Students:
Every student has the right: -
• to be treated fairly and responsibly
• to be taught in a safe and disciplined environment; and the responsibility to uphold school security and be co-operative
• to be treated with respect, regardless of personal, racial, religious or other beliefs; and the responsibility to show respect to others
• to express opinions politely; and the responsibility to listen to and be tolerant of the opinions of others
• to security of oneself and ones possessions; and the responsibility to respect others personal safety and property
• to basic learning materials; and the responsibility to look after School Property
• to learn in a clean and healthy environment; and the responsibility to ensure that the School premises are kept clean and are not damaged or defaced
• to proper tuition; and the responsibility to take charge of his/her own work
• to punctual and consistent lessons; and the responsibility to attend them on time
Responsibilities of Parents – with regard to Pupils and School:
Parents must make sure that: -
• their children go to school every day and are punctual
• academic reports and follow-ups are forthcoming
• the rights of their children to learn are upheld
• their children follow the rules and codes of the School
• their children are healthy, neat and clean
• they tell school authorities about any problem concerning their children or other children/people in the School
• they don’t use abusive language or behave in an abusive way
• they discuss reports, homework and assignments with children
• they supply their children with the basic resources needed for school and homework
• they become involved in the School’s activities
Parents should at all times be supportive of the structures and general ethos of
the school.
Level 4 Misconduct includes, but is not limited to: -
• Repeated Level 3 transgressions
• Premeditated fighting, assault and battery
• Vandalism resulting in serious damage
• Cheating in an examination/test
• Forging signatures / writing own letter / impersonation
• Possession of a dangerous weapon
• Swearing at an educator
• Sexual harassment of educators, adults, peers
• Substance abuse and/or possession of drugs, alcohol, etc.
• Non-stipulated misdemeanours at this level
Level 5 (Criminal Acts – Violates School Code + Law)
Level 5 Misconduct relates to criminal acts and repeated serious violations of the School Code. Misconduct will be escalated to the appropriate authorities in conjunction with the Department of Education. In addition, the School would reserve the right to implement Level 4 consequences.
PROCEDURES, RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Procedures
• Level 2 Misconduct is dealt with by the relevant person in authority in line with the guidelines in this document. Students have the right to appeal to the Grade Head in the event that they believe they have been unfairly treated.
• Level 3 Misconduct is dealt with by the Grade Head/Deputy Principal, Principal or Governing Body in line with the guidelines in this document. Students have the right to appeal to the
Principal or Deputy Principal in the event that they believe they have been unfairly treated.
• Level 4 Misconduct could result in a formal disciplinary hearing and possible consequent suspension and/or expulsion. In such cases, the provisions of the SA Schools Act and other relevant legislation will apply.
Rights and Responsibilities of Students:
Every student has the right: -
• to be treated fairly and responsibly
• to be taught in a safe and disciplined environment; and the responsibility to uphold school security and be co-operative
• to be treated with respect, regardless of personal, racial, religious or other beliefs; and the responsibility to show respect to others
• to express opinions politely; and the responsibility to listen to and be tolerant of the opinions of others
• to security of oneself and ones possessions; and the responsibility to respect others personal safety and property
• to basic learning materials; and the responsibility to look after School Property
• to learn in a clean and healthy environment; and the responsibility to ensure that the School premises are kept clean and are not damaged or defaced
• to proper tuition; and the responsibility to take charge of his/her own work
• to punctual and consistent lessons; and the responsibility to attend them on time
Responsibilities of Parents – with regard to Pupils and School:
Parents must make sure that: -
• their children go to school every day and are punctual
• academic reports and follow-ups are forthcoming
• the rights of their children to learn are upheld
• their children follow the rules and codes of the School
• their children are healthy, neat and clean
• they tell school authorities about any problem concerning their children or other children/people in the School
• they don’t use abusive language or behave in an abusive way
• they discuss reports, homework and assignments with children
• they supply their children with the basic resources needed for school and homework
• they become involved in the School’s activities
Parents should at all times be supportive of the structures and general ethos of
the school.
