CROSSMOOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

CODE OF CONDUCT

2015

 

      The School Rules and Code of Conduct apply to all learners who can fairly and reasonably be identified in any situation, at any time, as learners of Crossmoor Secondary School, whether in school uniform or not, and whether in the School or in a community/ public place.

 

                                                                             

MISSION STATEMENT:

We, the stakeholders of Crossmoor Secondary School, commit ourselves to providing relevant, quality education in an environment conducive to the holistic development of each learner.

VISION:

Create an institution of excellence

VALUES

In pursuit of our vision we commit to the following values:

  1. Providing quality education
  2. Encouraging optimum learner performance
  3. Allowing for academic and intellectual freedom
  4. Encouraging creativity and freedom
  5. Developing  effective communication
  6. Encouraging diversity
  7. Promoting physical activity
  8. Promoting the development of health and human performance
  9. Reinforcing  sound morals and values
  10. Creating an awareness of HIV and AIDS

 

A. INTRODUCTION

1. PREAMBLE

In the interest of an effective teaching and learning environment as well as the development of a sound co-curricular and extra-curricular programme at school, a safe, stable and disciplined atmosphere is a vital pre-requisite.

In pursuance of these objectives and in order to ensure uniformity and consistency in effecting disciplinary measures, the "CODE OF CONDUCT" has been adopted by all Stakeholders at our school.

It must be noted that no pupil should consider himself/herself to be above the school's "CODE OF CONDUCT' and that the policy would be applied EQUALLY to all pupils irrespective of race, gender, religious affiliations, socio-economic status etc.. Cognisance must also be taken of the fact that whilst the Code of Conduct primarily aims at being protective and preventive rather than punitive, the school will not hesitate in applying this policy to the fullest in cases that warrant such action.

In order to allow for continuity and stability a two-third majority of all official/recognised stakeholders at school will be required to adopt/effect amendments/additions/deletions to the Code of Conduct.

 

Finally, parents/pupils who not understand any of the terms is this policy/document are welcome to approach the school for discussion and clarification.

Parents/Guardians are also encouraged to engage in thorough discussion of the contents of this document with their child/ward.

 

DISCIPLINE

  1. Good discipline is one of the most important characteristics of an effective school and a crucial aspect of school and classroom management.
  2. Discipline is essential for maintaining order and harmony in a school, and for providing a climate in which learners can learn, free from disruption and chaos.
  3. Learners learn best and perform better when they know what is expected of them.

AIMS OF A SCHOOL DISCIPLINE POLICY

  1. To explain what is meant by good behaviour as laid down in the Code of Conduct Book and Classroom Rules.
  2. To encourage good behaviour.
  3. To promote a positive learning environment.
  4. To facilitate teaching and learning.
  5. To reduce anti-social behaviour in school.
  6. To encourage learners to co-operate with each other and with staff.
  7. To determine rules and standards of behaviour.
  8. To instil self-discipline and self-control.

 

A. THE RIGHTS OF LEARNERS

Every learner has the right to:

1.         learn and be taught in a safe and clean school environment.

            This simply implies that any other learner who in any way endangers the wellbeing of another learner now contravenes the right of that learner.

            THIS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED.

            Learners are not to push, shove, fight or in any other way physically or verbally abuse another learner.

            WILFUL DISREGARD OF THE ABOVE WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE SUSPENSION.

 

2.         attend classes regularly, free from interference, whether of a verbal or physical nature by any person.

3.         receive tuition in all subjects, where practicable, according to the learner’s abilities.        

4.         receive regular feedback reflecting academic progress.

5.         make responsible use of all school facilities subject to the availability and the limitations imposed by the school rules and general school organisation.

            RESPONSIBLE USE SUGGESTS THAT ANY FORM OF MISUSE OR VANDALISM WILL BE SERIOUSLY VIEWED.

6.         be given timeous provision by the educational authorities of sufficient basic equipment and learning materials.

7.         receive appropriate counselling for personal and/or educational problems.

8.         request in writing to be excused from any activity which is against religious beliefs.

9.         have reasonable access to relevant and appropriate school policy documents.

10.       petition and survey learner opinion by following established and agreed   procedures including the right to be represented by the Representative Council of Learners.

11.       express their own opinions on issues in a reasonable  manner.

12.       follow an agreed procedure for expressing and resolving their grievances, including a method of appeal.

13.       have privacy in their personal possessions UNLESS THE PRINCIPAL OR HIS/HER DESIGNEE HAS REASONABLE CAUSE TO BELIEVE THAT          ILLEGAL OR HARMFUL MATERIALS POSSESSED BY THE LEARNER  ARE    BEING USED TO DISRUPT THE EDUCATIONAL PROCESS, ENDANGER         THE SAFETY, HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE LEARNER     HIMSELF/HERSELF AND/OR OTHERS.

14.       attend a school free of drugs, weapons, drunkenness, bullying, intimidation or victimisation.

15.       attend a school free of sexual harassment and criminal behaviour.

16.       attend a school free of criticism of sexual preferences

17.       attend a school that does not discriminate on the grounds of physical disability

DISCIPLINE BEGINS AT HOME

B. RESPONSIBILITY OF LEARNERS

 

All learners undertake to:

1.         learn and perform to the best of their ability.

2.         attend all classes daily and on time.

3.         do all academic assignments and activities including homework.

4.         be in possession of all appropriate working material.

5.         be responsible for their own work.

6.         respect all persons and property.

7.         refrain from abusive language and inflammatory actions.

8.         conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner.

9.         conform to normal, acceptable standards of personal cleanliness and neatness.

10.       seek changes in an orderly and approved manner.

11.       protect school property.

12.       refrain from and report any unauthorised removals of school property from the school premises.

13.       practise tolerance within the context of inter-personal relations in school.

 14.       respect diversity and show an appreciation for other cultures.

15.       refrain from the use of drugs, assault, carrying of dangerous weapons, criminal or illegal activities, intimidation, bullying, sexual harassment, rape,      victimisation, drunkenness, smoking or being in possession of pornographic material.

16.REFRAIN FROM CARRYING CELLULAR PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES TO SCHOOL. LEARNERS WHO HAVE CELL PHONES ON THEIR PERSON DURING THE SCHOOL DAY WILL HAVE THE PHONES CONFISCATED.  - “SIM” CARD MUST BE REMOVED AND RETAINED BY LEARNER.  (Refer to the School’s Cell Phone policy)

17        conform to the school’s uniform code.

 ANY FEMALE LEARNER WEARING HER BELT OUTSIDE THE LOOPS OF HER DRESS OR WEARING THE BELT LOOSELY CAUSING IT TO         HANG            WILL HAVE HER BELT CONFISCATED.     

ALL MALE LEARNERS ARE EXPECTED TO HAVE THEIR SHIRTS NEATLY TUCKED INTO THEIR PANTS.

A CONTRAVENTION OF THE ABOVE INSIDE OR OUTSIDE SCHOOL WILL BE DEEMED AS WILFUL DISREGARD OF THE SCHOOL’S DISCIPLINE CODE AND   WILL BE SERIOUSLY VIEWED.

18.       display student cards at all times, and must present cards to invigilators during tests and examinations.

(FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN UNNECESSARY DELAY IN THE COMMENCEMENT OF THE TEST/EXAMINATION FOR THE DEFAULTING     LEARNER.)

 

C. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE FOR LEARNERS

1. In an attempt to address grievances a learner must follow a set procedure, i.e.

      (1.Form Teacher/Subject Teacher   >   2. Grade Controller/Subject Head >   3. Deputy Principal > 4. Principal) – consulting at different levels if necessary,    until the matter is resolved.

2.  Dissent or disrespect shown by a learner in respect of the above would constitute misconduct. (See F 4.2d)

D. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF PARENTS/ GUARDIANS WITH REGARD TO LEARNERS

(As stipulated in the S.A. Schools Act)

Parents must ensure that:

1.         they receive regular academic reports from the school regarding the child’s           progress.

2.         their child attends school each day and, is punctual and , in cases of  absence, provide a reason for the absence.

3.         they protect and ensure the rights of their child to learn.

4.         their child attends school in good health and that he/she conforms to  generally accepted norms of personal cleanliness and neatness.

5.         they provide their child with the resources, basic equipment and learning materials needed to complete school work, both in class and at home.

6.         they refrain from abusive language or inflammatory behaviour.

7.         they bring to the attention of  the school authorities any problem, condition or circumstance.

8.         seek change in an orderly and approved manner.

9.         they keep the school informed of any changes of address, contact details and other personal details as required.

10.       they provide the school with the original birth certificate/identity    document of the child and the original reports from the previous institutions at the time of   enrolment.

11.       they discuss report cards, work assignments, tests and homework with their  children; and sign learner’s homework books on a daily basis.

12.       their children abide by the rules, regulations and procedures set forth by the institution.

13.       they endeavour to promote  positive inter-personal relations between  learner, educator and other parents in the best interest of the school.

14.       they address the best educational interest of their child by becoming actively involved in the affairs of the school, by placing their talents and expertise at the disposal of the school by supporting sporting and cultural   activities at the school.       

15.       they pay the school fees as determined by the school’s Governing Body.

16.       they attend School meetings that are compulsory.

E. THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EDUCATORS WITH REGARD TO LEARNERS

Educators must ensure that they:

1.         report regularly for duty and are punctual.         

2.         are well prepared on a daily basis to perform their educative tasks both within  and outside the classroom and are in possession of the appropriate working             materials.

3.         respect all persons and property.

4.         refrain from abusive language or actions.

5.         conduct themselves in a responsible and professional manner.

6.         abide by the rules, regulations, and procedures set out by the school and the provincial Department of Education.

7.         conform to normal, acceptable standards of personal cleanliness and neatness.

8.         adhere to the Code of Conduct set out by the South African Council for Educators.

9.         endeavour to maintain a classroom and school atmosphere which promotes good behaviour and effective learning and teaching.

10.       endeavour to plan a flexible work programme that will address the different needs, interests and abilities of the learners.

11.       help develop good and sound working and inter-personal relations with    colleagues  and learners.

12.       promote open and regular channels of communication between home and school and encourage parental participation in the affairs of the school.

13.       encourage and endeavour to maintain learner involvement in the activities of the school.

14.       encourage community involvement in the school in order to enhance the quality of education offered by the school to learners.

15.       Refrain from improper physical contact with learners

Refrain from any form of sexual harassment (physical or otherwise) of learners and any form of sexual relationship with learners.

          

 F. SCHOOL RULES, REGULATIONS AND PROCEDURES

 

1.      ABSENCE / LEAVE

1.1       The academic school day starts at:

            07:45 and ends at 14:30 on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday

            07:45 and end at 13:30 every Friday.

            These times exclude extra-curricular activities and clubs.

1.2       Learners must be punctual to school every morning, during the change of  periods and when reporting for sporting and other pre-scheduled events.

            Parents arriving late to drop off their child/ren MUST report to the office.

1.3       No person is allowed to be absent without the prior consent of the Principal.

1.4       A written note, signed by the parent / guardian, must be submitted to the office at least ONE school day before that on which the learner will be absent.

1.5       In cases of illness or unforeseen absence a letter giving full reasons for the   absence and signed by the parent/guardian must be submitted to the form            teacher on the day that the learner returns to school.

1.6       All appointments, medical, dental or other, must be scheduled for after the school day.

1.7       No learner may leave the school premises during the course of the school  day.

1.8       Playing truant and bunking classes is viewed very seriously and a repetition of   these misdemeanours will result in the suspension of the learner.

1.9       The school keeps a comprehensive record of all absence and leave taken.

1.10    Leave will only be granted to learners (boys and girls) if they can be picked up from school by their parents/guardians furnishing proper identification     (valid SA Identity Document/ valid SA Passport). Such leave must be sanctioned by the Grade Controller.

1.11    In instances where a learner is absent on a Friday, the parent must call and inform the school before 08:00.

1.12    A learner that has been absent for an Exam/Controlled test/Test must produce a medical certificate on return.

2.      GENERAL BEHAVIOUR OF LEARNERS

 

2.1       It is expected of learners to behave in a manner befitting young adults who wish to maximise their potential through exercising their rights and         responsibilities towards their own education, without infringing on the rights     and responsibilities of their fellow learner, educators, parents and the wider school community.

2.2       Learners will be courteous, conscientious, co-operative and will seek to maximise the benefits gained from inter-personal relations between all of      the      stakeholders.

2.3       Learners are expected to greet fellow learners, educators, parents, cleaning staff  and visitors.

 

3.      DRESS CODE

3.1       BOYS ATTIRE

  3.1.1 Hair:

  1. "School boy” haircut; Short sides and back with no wedges or fancy hairstyles e. g. spiked hair.
  2. In instances where the hair is cut very short, it must be of uniform length throughout (i.e. back top and sides); Blended styles are not permitted.
  3. Most certainly no gel, oil, cream or lotion will be allowed to style the hair.
  4. It is expected that your son bathes every morning and that his hair is washed clean.
  5. Tinted hair will not be allowed.
  6. Shaved paths or designed patterns on the hair are not permitted.
  7. Shaving of eyebrows or part of it, is not permitte
  8. 3.1.2 Shoes and socks
  9. Black school shoes.
  10. No boots, takkies or suede shoes will be allowed.
  11. If your son's shoe gets into a state of disrepair, kindly attend to it before it becomes totally unusable.
  12. Plain grey/white/black socks.
  13. The use of concealed (“secret”) socks is not permitted.
  14. Shoe laces – standard black; conventionally laced and tied.

3.1.3 Shirts

  1. School white shirt with the collar suitably ironed for the tie to fit neatly.
  2. School shirts are to be neatly tucked into the pants and not left hanging loosely over the belt, or tucked under the belt.
  3. Only plain white T shirts/white vests may be worn under the school shirts.

3.1.4 Pants:

  1. School grey pants.
  2. Most certainly no charcoal grey longs, collies or chinos will be allowed.
  3. Flared or split pants legs will not be allowed.
  4. Skinny/slim fit pants or pants tapered into narrow drain-pipe styles will not be allowed.

3.1.5 Belts:

  1. Only plain black belts will be allowed.
  2. Standard buckles only - no fancy or large buckles are permitted.
  3. All other belts will be confiscated.

3.1.6 Ties:

  1. School ties must be worn neatly and not allowed to hang way below the belt.
  2. All defaced ties (including ties with threads pulled out) must be replaced immediately.

3.1.7 Blazer:

  1. Crossmoor Secondary school blazer. This is available from school.

3.1.8 Jersey:

  1. Black school jersey must be purchased. This is available from school.
  2. Black school sleeveless jerseys may be used. This is available from school.
  3. No other black jerseys will be allowed

3.1.9 Shaving

  1. Boys who have outgrowth of facial hair must ensure that they shave regularly and no stubble is visible on their face.
  2. Boys who don’t shave must have the hair on their faces trimmed at the barber regularly.
  3. Side burns must not extend beyond the middle of the ear lobe. Long side burns will not be allowed.

3.1.10 No earrings, jewellery, accessories, coloured contact lenses, tattoos or body piercings are allowed.

3.1.11 Fingernails must be trimmed short and kept neat at all times. The use of any form of makeup is not permitted.

3.1.12 The use of skull caps is not permitted.

 

3.2       GIRLS ATTIRE

3.2.1 Dress:

  1. White dress, princess cut with length on the knee.
  2. No short dresses will be allowed (no skirts or shirts will be allowed).
  3. All dress loops must be attached above the hip. Belts must be worn through the loops and must not be allowed to hang in front.
  4. The use of brightly coloured undergarments is not permitted.

 

3.2.2 Hair

  1. Short hair- must be worn just above the collar.
  2. Most certainly no gel, oil, cream or lotion will be allowed to style the hair.
  3. Long hair/fringes must be neatly secured by black clips so as not to hang over the face or eyes.
  4. Shoulder length or longer hair must be neatly plaited and secured by white/black ribbons or black elasticated bands.
  5. Hair can be braided BUT extensions are not permitted.

Braiding is allowed in a linear pattern(straight rows) only.

  1. Tinted hair will not be allowed.
  2. No scrunchies, Alice bands or grips will be allowed. Only black elasticated hair bands and slides will be permitted.
  3. The wearing of hair in a bun is not permitted.

 

 3.2.3 Socks

  1. Plain white anklets

(No long white socks will be allowed).

 3.2.4 Shoes

  1. Black school shoes.

3.2.5 Belts:

  1. Only plain black belts will be allowed.
  2. Belts must be worn through the loops (attached above the hip) of the dresses and must not be allowed to hang in front.

3.2.6 Ties:

  1. School ties must be worn neatly and not allowed to hang way below the belt.
  2. All defaced ties (including ties with threads pulled out) must be replaced immediately.

3.2.7 Blazer:

  1. Crossmoor Secondary school blazer. This is available from school.

3.2.8 Jersey:

  1. Black school jersey must be purchased. This is available from school.
  2. Black school sleeveless jerseys may be used. This is available from school.
  3. No other black jerseys will be allowed.

3.2.9 White Pants/Scarves:

  1. White school cotton pants may be worn only for religious purposes by Muslim girls. (Bootleg / flared/ split ends are not permitted.)
  2. Use of white pants by other learners is not permitted.
  3. Only Muslim girls may use plain black scarves – all rules relating to hairstyle must be adhered to.

3.2.10 Winter woollies

  1. Only black winter woollies will be permitted in the months of MAY, JUNE, JULY AND AUGUST.
  2. No stockings are allowed.
  3. No exception to this stipulation will be allowed.

3.2.11 Earrings:

  1. Only white/gold/silver stud earrings are allowed.
  2. No other form of jewellery should be worn.
  3. Only one earring can be worn per ear lobe and must be worn in the lowest hole pierced.

3.2.12 Makeup:

  1. No form of makeup will be allowed.
  2. Use of lip gloss is not permitted.
  3. Use of coloured “lip-ice” is not permitted.

3.2.13 Fingernails must be trimmed short and kept clean at all times. The use of nail polish is not permitted.

3.2.14 No jewellery, nose rings, accessories, coloured contact lenses, body piercings or tattoos are allowed.

IF THE REQUIREMENTS STIPULATED ABOVE ARE NOT CONFORMED TO, THEN YOUR SON/DAUGHTER WILL BE DEALT WITH IN TERMS OF THE SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT PERTAINING TO MISDEMEANOURS.

PERSISTENT DISOBEDIENCE MAY RESULT IN SUSPENSION OF THE CHILD.

3.3 PE Dress Code

  • White school T shirt – available from school
  • Black school shorts – available from school

3.4 GENERAL

  • The use of scarves (except as in 3.2.9(c)), beanies and hoodies (worn over/under the uniform) is not permitted.

 

 

4. MISCONDUCT

 

            The School Rules and Code of Conduct apply to all learners who can fairly and reasonably be identified in any situation, at any time as learners of Crossmoor Secondary School, whether in school uniform or not, and whether in the School or in a community/ public place.

 

4.1 Any contravention of the School Code shall be deemed misconduct.

4.2 The following are examples of cases of misconduct

  1. Possession of cigarettes; being in the company of learners that are smoking; smoking; wilfully encouraging another learner to smoke; selling/making cigarettes available to other learners; suspected of smoking e.g. smelling of cigarettes.
  2. Possession of alcoholic drinks, drugs or other intoxicating substances; consuming alcohol on the premises; reporting to school after having consumed alcohol; being in the company of others that are consuming alcohol; encouraging other learners to consume alcohol/drugs; making alcohol/drugs available to learners.
  3. Writing graffiti on school property or defacing school property in any way.
  4. Disrespect shown towards educators, prefects, fellow learners, cleaners, security personnel and, visitors and parents that may visit the school from time to time.
  5. Absconding from school/classes
  6. Violation of any aspect of the DRESS CODE of the school.
  7. Disruptive behaviour displayed inside and out of the class

 

  1. Refusal to complete in-class activities and failure to complete homework.
  2. Damage to teaching aids, learning material, textbooks, modules and library books.
  3. Theft of property of learners and school.
  4. Littering
  5. Making inflammatory/racial remarks
  6. Use of vulgar, obscene or any unacceptable language either in verbal or written form.
  7. Fighting/inciting learners to fight
  8. Harming or attempting to bring harm to a fellow learner or any individual on the premises.
  9. Carrying of weapons
  10. Possession of cellular phones/electronic devices
  11. Extortion
  12. Gambling
  13. Holding hands, caressing, being intimate in or out of school, and bringing the school into disrepute.
  14. Late for school, late for class without reason
  15. Dishonesty
  16. Swearing/any other form of vulgarity
  17. Eating or drinking in class; chewing gum in school
  18. Absent from sport meeting/fixture / activity
  19. Bullying
  1. Possession of fireworks/matches/lighters
  2. Dishonesty during Examination/ Test/ Controlled Test
  3. Possession of pornographic material
  4. Inappropriate physical contact with fellow learner or educator, including that of sexual abuse.

 

Note:  In instances where the nature of the misconduct is of a serious nature the parent/guardian would be summoned to school immediately.

 

4.3   REPORTING ON MISCONDUCT (see Misdemeanour Report Form)

 

4.3.1 First Offence

  1. The form educator shall enter the nature of the misconduct in the “Misdemeanour Record File”, also indicating the date of the offence.
  2. The corrective measures taken and the counselling offered to the learner shall be entered by the educator, also indicating the date of the intervention.
  3. The response of the learner shall be recorded and the learner shall sign and record the date, after completing the response.

4.3.2 Second  Offence

  1. The form educator shall enter the nature of the misconduct in the, “Misdemeanour Record File” also indicating the date of the offence.
  2. The corrective measures taken and the counselling offered to the learner shall be entered by the educator, also indicating the date of the intervention.
  3. The response of the learner shall be recorded and the learner shall sign and record the date, after completing the response.

4.3.3 Third Offence

  1. The form educator shall enter the nature of the misconduct in the “Misdemeanour Record File”, also indicating the date of the offence.
  2. The corrective measures taken and the counselling offered to the learner shall be entered by the educator, also indicating the date of the intervention.
  3. The response of the learner shall be recorded and the learner shall sign and record the date, after completing the response.
  4. After this third offence the learner must be referred to the GRADE CONTROLLER.
  1. The parent must be informed, and be given a copy of the misconduct form to respond to, sign and return it to school.

4.3.4 Report by Grade Controller

  1. The Grade Controller shall enter the nature of the misconduct in the “Misdemeanour Record File”, also indicating the date of the offence.
  2. The corrective measures taken and the counselling offered to the      learner shall be entered by the Grade Controller, also indicating the date of      the intervention.
  3. The response of the learner shall be recorded and the learner shall sign      and record the date, after completing the response.
  4.  Referral of the learner to the School Counsellor – to institute expert counselling as a corrective measure.
  5. If the learner continues to defaults after having followed the above    procedure then he/she may serve detention on for a period of 3 hours.