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Our Charter: Code of Conduct
SECTION 1 - INTRODUCTION
This Code of Conduct has been developed according to the
South African Schools Act, 1996.
It promotes the Mission Statement of the college and works
towards a wellbalanced, broad education for pupils, a
professional environment for teachers and an atmosphere for
the extension of generally accepted family principles. It
applies to all aspects of school life and incorporates both
behavioural goals and disciplinary codes. The code defines
the standard behaviour expected of and required from all
stakeholders of this institution.
It is accepted that this charter is a dynamic document,
requiring frequent deliberation, and possible revision, in
order to satisfy always the needs of the college community.
To this end, you are invited to submit any suggestions that
may be reviewed by the Board of Governors, from time to
time.
If all parties adhere to both the spirit and the letter of
the code, healthy working relationships will be created
between parents, teachers and pupils, these relationships
being the essential foundation for the creation of a
constructive teaching, learning and growing environment. The
disciplinary codes are intended to promote the maintenance
of discipline and order at HeronBridge College, hereafter
referred to as HBC
The Code of Conduct is to be presented to all parties
concerned on first acceptance to HBC. Signing the Admission
Document and Indemnity Form for pupils indicates an
acceptance of the Code, as does the employment contract for
teachers.
SECTION 2 - CODE OF CONDUCT
The Code of Conduct applies to all within the ambit of the
college. It promotes the good of pupils, teachers and
parents. Regardless of specific age or role, all associated
with the college will conduct themselves appropriately at
all times to ensure optimum accomplishment.
2.1 Code of Conduct - Pupils
Objectives:
By attending HBC pupils will endeavour to:
mature through their adolescent years;;
develop their intellectual, sporting, cultural
abilities;
develop thinking and problem solving skills;
gain knowledge about the world in which they live;
improve social and friendship skills;
explore career opportunities and follow related
educational programmes;
care for others less fortunate than themselves.
Code:
Pupils are to understand that they each, through their own
response to the Code of Conduct and subsequent daily
behaviour, either encourage or prevent the attainment of the
college's objectives. The purpose of this Code of Conduct is
to ensure that the opportunities presented at HBC are fully
utilised. The code thus identifies what behaviour is
required and expected. This follows from 2.1.1 - 2.1.3 and
in the associated discipline codes in Sections 3, 4, 6.
2.1.1 As regards teachers::
Pupils will respect the right of teachers to teach, to
co-ordinate learning activities and to facilitate the full
school programme. Pupils will show respect to teachers by:
being punctual to class;
following all teacher instructions;
being attentive in class;
applying themselves to the work set;
not being disruptive in any way;
not talking in class until invited to do so;
not moving from desks without permission;
acquiring permission to participate in lessons;
doing tasks, as set by teachers, to the best of their
abilities.
2.1.2 As regards other pupils:
Pupils will respect the rights of others to learn. This will
be shown by:
not distracting other pupils from their tasks;
giving others opportunities to make contributions in
class and in tasks;
not interrupting others while they contribute;
respecting others' points of view;
not ridiculing others.
2.1.3 As regards personal application
Each pupil will make the most of every opportunity to
achieve well in college. This will be accomplished by:
attending school every term day, unless incapacitated
and authorised to stay away from college by a parent or
guardian;
devoting time and effort to academic studies, as per
the timetable and the demands of self-study;
taking part willingly and enthusiastically in class
activities;
working independently and doing more than the minimum
required;
doing homework and project work as set;
presenting assignments well and on time;
preparing well for tests and examinations;
working neatly;
showing commitment to academic achievement.
2.2 Code of Conduct - Teachers
Objectives:
Through their acceptance of employment at HBC teachers will
commit to:
provide service to HBC;
utilise their professional skills for the purpose of
educating the pupils;;
contribute holistically to the programme of the
college;
advance their own career opportunities and those of
others;
maintain contact with parents as individuals and as a
body;
provide care in whatever circumstances and for whomever
requires it within the college.
Code:
While every teacher can expect the respect, support and
co-operation of the college, parents and pupils in his or
her efforts to create a healthy learning environment inside
and outside the classroom, it is important that teachers
acknowledge their responsibilities. Teachers at HBC thus
undertake to:
maintain a professional bearing and manner and by so
doing set a positive example to the pupils;;
be well prepared;
be fully conversant with the demands of the syllabi
taught;
be punctual;
mark and return assignments, tests and examinations
within a reasonable period of time;
praise, encourage and motivate pupils;
help create a concept of team work or partnership with
pupils in the education process;
help establish and communicate realistic, clear and
meaningful goals each year;
confront pupils who transgress the accepted code,
administering punishments when necessary;
discipline with dignity and follow the principles
outlined in the discipline code;
report serious misconduct to senior executive staff;
be sensitive to the individual needs and problems of
pupils.
Parents of pupils who think a teacher has failed to conform
to this code should approach the relevant Headmaster or
Deputy.
The college undertakes to treat such approaches
sensitively and confidentially in an effort to improve the
situation.
2.3 Code of Conduct - Parents
Objectives:
In their association with HBC through their children,
parents will undertake to:
provide their children with the necessities for
effective school careers;
support their children in their studies and various
school activities;
uphold the discipline structures of the college;
serve on parent committees, as able;
attend college functions, sport and cultural
activities, parent meetings, as able;
extend their own professional expertise to the college,
when required.
Code:
HeronBridge prides itself on the good relations it enjoys
with parents. While parents can expect the college to
provide their children with the best possible education
according to the resources available to it, parents must
also accept certain responsibilities in achieving the goals
set.
Parents should::
support teachers in their efforts to teach their
children, i.e. monitor homework, check test results, help
set goals, regularly consult their diary for teachers'
comments;
communicate with Headmaster or Deputy timeously
regarding areas of concern before they become major issues;
make suggestions or provide assistance to improve the
educational process and environment;
encourage their children to participate fully in the
college's programme;
endeavour to uphold moral and legal behaviour in their
children as regards alcohol, cigarettes, substance abuse and
sexual activity;
be aware at all times of the whereabouts of their
children and set parameters as far as time lines, transport
arrangements, dress codes and appropriate behaviour is
concerned;
communicate with the parents of their children's
friends to verify information and to hereby avoid
manipulation.
SECTION 3 - DISCIPLINE CODE
It is every pupil's right to receive an education and while
the college will strive to provide the educational
opportunities our community has come to expect, it is
important that pupils acknowledge their responsibilities in
the process. There are many forms of recognition within the
college which reward positive, sustained performance and
behaviour. These may take the form of praise, favourable
diary or newsletter entries, public announcements, S.R.C.
election, colours, councillorship, awards made at formal
assemblies, Honours Dinner, Prize Giving or Valediction.
These serve as positive rewards to motivate pupils to
achieve and to exhibit the behaviour expected at HBC.
Discipline will be exerted in all cases where behaviour is
inappropriate and always with positive purpose - to define
the error, correct the behaviour and prevent future
infringement.
The following sections will define the kinds of behaviour
that will not be tolerated. The procedures and punishments
that may be expected are outlined. The discipline code
applies whenever a pupil may be associated with HBC, not
only during school hours. Please note that it is impossible
to list every punishable offence that may be committed by a
pupil. For this reason the Headmaster, or staff member
delegated by him for the purpose, may take appropriate
action on any behaviour deemed an infringement of the
principles of the discipline code.
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BEHAVIOUR |
PUNISHMENTS |
(i) that disrupts the college's organisation or
damages its image e.g..
persistent lateness to school
failing to fulfil extra-mural commitments
failing to give or return important communications between the college and
parents
being out of bounds
defacing or damaging college property
infringing the dress code
selling items at school
littering
any misbehaviour during assemblies
inappropriate behaviour towards a visitor on the college property
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Written impositions and detentions may be given when
pupils persistently fail to co-operate in these
instances and parents may be contacted via the
Headmaster/Deputy. |
(ii) that harms a pupil's own educational
opportunities
i.e. generally failing to co-operate with a teacher
in the classroom. e.g.
not doing homework
failing to bring work materials to school
failing to hand in required work
not paying sufficient attention to his/her studies
failing to write cycle tests or examinations without a medical certificate
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It is the subject or class teacher's responsibility to punish behaviour that
adversely affects a pupil's own educational opportunities.
Appropriate punishments include written impositions, extra exercises, mark
penalties, rewriting tests etc.
If a pupil repeatedly fails to cooperate, parents will be advised, and if
necessary executive staff will assist with the problem.
It must be noted that although this behaviour may only seem to affect the
individual pupil, such non cooperation may also undermine the educational tone
of the class, thus harming the opportunities of others.
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(iii) that harms the learning opportunities of
others
i.e. through unruly or disruptive behaviour which
prevents the teacher from being able to teach the
class effectively. e.g.
arriving late without a valid excuse
chewing gum, eating or drinking during the lesson
talking or moving around the classroom without permission
unnecessarily interrupting the lesson
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These offences will normally be dealt with by teachers in the first instance but
if a pupil is seriously or repeatedly disruptive then with the permission of the
Headmaster/Deputy, a pupil may be removed from class pending an interview with
parents.
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(iv) that harms the healthy learning environment of
the college
i.e. the pupil's behaviour is illegal, criminal,
anti-social, dangerous, offensive or lowers the
educational tone of the college. e.g.
bullying
dishonesty
fighting
fraudulent actions
possession of offensive or pornographic material
possession of or smoking cigarettes or tobacco or being in the company of
those infringing this clause
racism
rudeness or insolence
satanism
sexism
swearing
tampering with or damaging other people's property
unseemly or inappropriate physical contact
vandalism
verbal or physical threats
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Depending on the nature of the incident, a pupil may be removed from class.
Confidential reports may be obtained from the pupil's teachers to view the
incident in a broader perspective. An interview with the parents may be arranged
to discuss the matter.
Depending on the nature of the report, the pupil's previous disciplinary record
at the college and the seriousness of the offence, the Headmaster/Deputy may
issue a verbal or written warning to the pupil in the presence of the pupil's
parents.
Any serious incident and/or repeated incidents of this type of misconduct may
result in parents being asked to remove their child from HBC
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possession of, dealing in or using alcohol or drugs |
These offences will result in formal disciplinary
hearings of the Board of Governors, possible
suspension and expulsion procedures. |
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possession of, dealing in or using alcohol or drugs |
Refer to the specific drug and alcohol policy in
Section 4. |
In all disciplinary procedures, HBC will endeavour to be
fair, consistent, impartial and will treat the pupils with
dignity. Moreover, in cases of serious misconduct (when a
disciplinary hearing is necessary) parents will be invited
to be present with their children.
SECTION 4 - DRUG AND ALCOHOL POLICY
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
Definition
1 Substance abuse is defined for the purpose of this policy
as:
1.1 being under the influence of or the unauthorised, excessive or wrongful use
of drugs (whether legal or illegal) or alcohol by any member of the college
community whenever that person can be associated with the college;
1.2 a positive identification of drug use by test of an agency recognised by the
college for the purpose.
Policy
2 The Headmaster and Board of Governors will bear joint
responsibility to ensure the property of HeronBridge College
remains a drug free zone.
3 Suitable education, guidance and monitoring programmes
will be conducted at the college.
4 Appropriate actions will be taken in cases of
infringements of this policy.
5 The best interests of the college as a whole will be
considered paramount.
Application
6 This policy will be applied consistently in all cases.
7 A distinction in culpability will be made between
instances of those seeking assistance voluntarily and those
discovered.
8 Anyone associated with the college will be given every
assistance should it be requested, regardless of any
disciplinary actions taken.
9 All assistance given will respect the dignity of those
concerned and will be according to generally accepted codes
of confidentiality and dignity.
Resources
10 The executive staff will be responsible for providing
suitable guidance and educational programmes regarding
substance abuse on an ongoing basis.
11 The Board of Governors will be responsible for providing
the Headmaster with resources required: e.g. skilled
monitoring services. Whenever possible, the Headmaster's
requests for assistance in these matters will be acceded to
and whatever reasonable support is deemed necessary at any
time will be given.
12 Parent responsibility will be recognised and emphasised
throughout.
13 Outside agencies will be contacted for assistance in both
educational and monitoring matters. Procedures
14 All instances of substance abuse will be investigated and
actions taken consistent with this policy.
15 The Headmaster and staff will be responsible for all
necessary investigations. Reference will be made to the
Board of Governors and IEB when necessary.
16 HeronBridge College reserves the right to:
16.1 exert control at all times, as deemed fit by the Headmaster and Board of
Governors;
16.2 arrange urine and/or other drug tests by an outside agency selected by the
college for any persons identified by the Headmaster/Deputy as possibly being
involved (these tests will be at the expense of the college if negative, for the
parents' account if positive in the case of pupils);
16.3 use agencies and/or staff teams to monitor persons, belongings, grounds at
any time, to identify any possession or usage of drugs or alcohol;
16.4 establish and insist upon adherence to contracts of behaviour to regulate
future conduct.
17 In cases of possession, usage, abuse or distribution,
discipline will be meted out, as seen fit by the Headmaster
or Board of Governors at the time. Discipline may take the
form of:
detentions;
withdrawals from college activities;
community service;
written or verbal warnings;
final warnings;
regular monitoring;
contracts regulating behaviour;
suspensions;
expulsion;
referral to the SAPS
or any other action deemed suitable at the time.
18 Serious and second infractions will be considered
expellable offences.
19 In every case, parents must be informed of their
children's involvement and of what actions have been and
will be taken.
20 Expulsions and suspensions will be according to the South
African Schools Act, 1996, or other relevant legislation.
Principles
21 In every instance, regardless of whether or not the
pupil/s concerned are removed from HeronBridge, counselling
will be offered and the college's facilities or advice made
available.
22 To ensure that HeronBridge College's property is
maintained as a drug free zone, the strictest measures must
be taken in cases where inappropriate substances are:
transported to school or to any activity associated with the college;
passed on to others at school or at any activity associated with the college.
23 The degree of involvement of any pupil must be assessed
thoroughly and actions taken must be commensurate with the
severity of the case, the past disciplinary record of the
individual concerned, any coercion or intimidation which may
have taken place, as well as the reaction of the individual
to being involved.
24 Pupils may be guilty by association: those in company of
others at the time they are guilty of infringements to this
policy can be deemed similarly culpable and may be subjected
to the same or other disciplinary action.
25 The principal has the right to search any pupil, in
accordance with the prescriptions of the Government Gazette,
Notice 776 of 1998.
Police action
26 In cases of possession or of the distribution of illegal
substances at school, or in activities associated with the
college, referral will be made to the SAPS for further
investigation.
27 The college will render to the police whatever assistance
is required.
28 Referral to the police will in no way delay or prevent
the implementation of the college's drug policy.
Testing
29 Parent/Guardian acceptance of the Admission Policy of the
college provides prior permission to the Headmaster to
arrange tests at his discretion, but only if there is due
cause or sufficient evidence to warrant this.
30 Liaison will take place with parents prior to testing,
unless it can be shown that contact was not possible.
SECTION 5 - EXTRA MURAL CODE
Introduction
Each activity has its own specific code, to which all
participants are expected to adhere. Nevertheless, the
following hold as general principles.
Objectives:
Extramural activities are presented to
contribute to a balanced college programme;
foster healthy lifestyles;
develop interest in sporting and cultural activities;
develop skills;
teach respect for the rules of sport;
teach respect for coaches and officials;
teach good attitudes towards winning and losing
enhance school spirit;
develop camaraderie and team spirit.
Code
behave appropriately on and off the sportsfield;
play in the spirit of the game always;
respect opponents;
show due courtesy;
attend scheduled practices and matches;
adhere to the dress code.
SECTION 6 - DRESS CODE
No variation to the uniform as specified in the admission
document will be permitted. Any item that is not listed may
be confiscated if worn by a pupil.
Any sloppy or untidy appearance will not be tolerated.
Serious or repeated infringements of the dress/uniform code
will result in removal from the class until the pupil's
appearance is satisfactory.
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