1. Preamble

A school is a place that promotes responsibility, respect, civility and academic excellence in a safe learning and teaching environment.

All learners, parents, educators and staff have the right to be safe, and feel safe, in their school community. With this right comes the responsibility to be law-abiding citizens and to be accountable for actions that put at risk the safety of others or oneself.

A code of conduct must be aimed at establishing a disciplined and purposeful school environment, dedicated to the improvement and maintenance of the quality of the learning process. This policy shall uphold the rights of all individuals affected by it as enshrined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to define how Volksrust Christian Private School t/a Volksrust School of Hope community will establish a disciplined and determined school environment. It is a proactive tool that seeks to guide the ways in which bad and inconsistent behaviour shall be dealt with in this school. This code of conduct must not be considered as a simple list of rules for learners but a direction giving and behaviour changing guide.

3. The vision of the school

To give Hope to the next generation by equipping children with Godly character through quality education.

4. The mission statement of the school

To make a difference in the local community:

1. By using quality Bible based education to encourage learner to:

• Come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.
• Be effective witnesses for the Lord through service outreaches,
• Equip students to reach their full academic potential

1. To establish learners in the Word of God and develop Godly character,
2. To minister love and grace while maintaining discipline in a loving and caring environment
3. By giving parent assistance according to God’s Word.

5. Principles and values:

In addition to school staff, learners and parents, other members of the public, who interact with members of the school community while present in or on school property of premises, have a responsibility to respect others in the school and to conduct themselves accordingly.

5.1.0. Learners

Learners are to be treated with respect and dignity. In return, learners must demonstrate respect for themselves, for others and for the responsibilities of citizenship through acceptable behaviour. Respect and responsibility are demonstrated in the following two points (5.1.1 and 5.1.2)

5.1.1. The rights of learners

1. Learners shall have rights to the following agreed upon procedures with the SGB for expressing and resolving school and learning related grievances:

Step 1: the learner and / or parent are to communicate to the relevant supervisor.

Step 2: the learner and / or parent are to communicate to the principal in case the relevant supervisor does not respond to step

Step 3: In case the matter is not resolved in both step 1 and step 2, the learner and / or parent are to write a formal letter to the School Governing Body.

2. No corporal punishment shall be applied in this school in whatever manner and method.

3. No one may discriminate against a learner who must enjoy the equal opportunity, treatment, protection and benefits before the law.

4. Learners have a right to a clean, safe, harassment-free and healthy environment which provides for conducive teaching and learning.

5. Learners have the right to expect educators to maintain high standards of professionalism in practice, behaviour and ethics.

6. Learners have the right to freedom of expression. This freedom has the following limits:

7. should be done in accordance with the core values of the school as well as the school rules (referring to point 5.1.2; 11.1; 11.2; 11.3; 11.4)

8. All learners have the right to privacy and may not have their property seized without reasonable suspicion.

9. Respect for the human dignity of learners shall be maintained.

10. Learners have a right to discipline based on respect and dignity and without inhuman treatment, degradation, and inconsideration.

11. No learners shall be locked in isolation and/or solitary detention.

12. Learners shall have the right to education. This right includes the right to learning in all approved subjects in the school, to be informed regularly about his/her school progress, to make use of all the school facilities and to have their potential developed to its possible fullest.

5.1.2. Responsibilities of learners

1. All learners have the responsibility to attend school regularly. Absence from school must be reported to the school in due course.

2. Learners are expected to come to school prepared, on time and ready to learn

3. Learners are expected to show respect to educators, visitors, parents, fellow learners and other individuals found in the school.

4. Learners must show their commitment to doing their school work either in the classrooms or at home (assignments, class work, homework, projects and group work).

5. Each and every learner is responsible to catch-up with work done in their absence from class or school.

6. It is the responsibility of every learner to ensure that they do not disrupt teaching and learning and other activities of the school.

7. Learners are responsible for ensuring that they do not damage school property. They should take good care of school property.

8. Any learner who intentionally damages any property of the school will be held responsible for paying for the repair or replacement of such.

9. The learners are responsible for upholding the following values of the school:

• Excellence
• Hope
• Respect
• Unit
• Character

10. Learners are expected to submit to the Christian ethos of the school.

11. The Student Leaders shall represent the interests and welfare of learners and also promote good conduct among learners.

12. Each and every learner are to refrain from bringing anything to school that may compromise the safety of others

13. Each and every learner are to follow the established rules and take responsibility for his or her own action.

14. Leaners are to respect and comply with all applicable national, provincial and municipal laws.

15. Learners are to demonstrate honesty and integrity.

16. Learners are to respect differences in people, their ideas and opinions.

17. Learners are to treat another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement.

18. Learners are to respect and treat others fairly regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

19. Learners are to respect the rights of others.

20. Learners are to show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others.

21. Learners are to take appropriate measures to help those in need.

22. Learners are to respect the need of others to work in an environment of learning and teaching.

23. Learners are to respect the confidentiality of leaners and staff.

5.2.0. Educators and school staff

Educators and school staff, under the leadership of their principal, maintain order in the school and are expected to hold everyone to the highest standard of respectful and responsible behaviour. As role models, staff uphold these high standards when thy comply to the following point (5.2.1)

5.2.1. Responsibilities of educators

In ensuring that learners behave accordingly, educators are also expected to uphold certain responsibilities to ensure the promotion of a healthy school environment. Educators will uphold the following responsibilities in the school:

1. Conduct themselves in a professionally acceptable manner.

2. Educators shall be punctual and report for duty regularly.

3. Be well prepared for teaching and carrying out any responsibility accorded to them.

4. Help learners work to their full potential and develop their self-worth.

5. Communicating regularly and meaningfully with parents or guardians.

6. Maintain consistent standards of behaviour for all learners.

7. Demonstrate respect for all learners, staff and parents or guardians.

8. Prepare learners for the full responsibilities of citizenship.

9. Educators are to respect and comply with all applicable national, provincial and municipal laws.

10. Educators are to demonstrate honesty and integrity.

11. Educators are to respect differences in people, their ideas and opinions.

12. Educators are to treat another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement.

13. Educators are to respect and treat others fairly regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

14. Educators are to respect the rights of others.

15. Educators are to show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others.

16. Educators are to take appropriate measures to help those in need.

17. Educators are to respect persons who are in a position of authority.

18. Educators are to respect the need of others to work in an environment of learning and teaching.

19. Educators are to respect the confidentiality of leaners and staff.

5.3.0. Principals

Principals, under the direction of the School Governing Body, take a leadership role in the operation of a school. They provide this leadership by:

1. Demonstrating care and commitment to academic excellence and a safe teaching and learning environment.

2. Holding everyone, under their authority, accountable for their behaviour and actions.

3. Communicating regularly and meaningfully with all members of their school community.

4. Principals are to respect and comply with all applicable national, provincial and municipal laws.

5. Principals are to demonstrate honesty and integrity.

6. Principals are to respect differences in people, their ideas and opinions.

7. Principals are to treat another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement.

8. Principals are to respect and treat others fairly regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

9. Principals are to respect the rights of others.

10. Principals are to show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others.

11. Principals are to take appropriate measures to help those in need.

12. Principals are to respect persons who are in a position of authority.

13. Principals are to respect the need of others to work in an environment of learning and teaching.

14. Principals are to respect the confidentiality of leaners and staff.

5.4. Responsibilities of parents in advancing the code of conduct of learners

The parents and guardians play an important role in the education of their children, advancing the acceptance and compliance of learners with this policy and in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all learners. Parents are henceforth expected to uphold the following responsibilities:

1. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide for a conducive environment, resources and time for the child to learn.

2. Show active interest in the child’s school work and progress.

3. Support the school and encourage learners to observe the school rules and regulations and accept responsibility for their actions.

4. Take part in the child’s learning by providing the child with the necessary support, such as ensuring that school work is done and completed accordingly.

5. Parents are expected to attend school meetings when invited.

6. Parents have a responsibility to ensure that the children are protected and are in safe environments.

7. Communicate regularly with the school.

8. Parents have the responsibility to help the child to be neat, appropriately dressed and prepared for school.

9. Parents have the responsibility to ensure that their child attend school regularly and on time.

10. Parents have the responsibility to promptly report to the school their child’s absence or late arrival.

11. Parents have the responsibility to become familiar with the Code of Conduct and school rules

12. Parents have the responsibility to encourage and assist their child in following the school rules of behaviour.

13. Parents have the responsibility to assist school staff in dealing with discipline issues

14. Leaners are to respect and comply with all applicable national, provincial and municipal laws.

15. Parents are to demonstrate honesty and integrity.

16. Parents are to respect differences in people, their ideas and opinions.

17. Parents are to treat another with dignity and respect at all times, and especially when there is disagreement.

18. Parents are to respect and treat others fairly regardless of race, ancestry, place of origin, colour, ethnic origin, citizenship, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age or disability.

19. Parents are to respect the rights of others.

20. Parents are to show proper care and regard for school property and the property of others.

21. Parents are to take appropriate measures to help those in need.

22. Parents are to respect persons who are in a position of authority.

23. Parents are to respect the need of others to work in an environment of learning and teaching.

24. Parents are to respect the confidentiality of leaners and staff.

5.5.0. Police and community

Police and community members are essential partners in making our schools and communities safer. Community members need to support and respect the rules of their local schools.

6.0. Physical Safety

6.1.0. Weapons – all school members must:

• not be in possession of any weapon, including but not limited to firearms.
• not use any object to threaten or intimidate another person.
• Not cause injury to any person with an object.

6.2. Alcohol and Drugs – all school members must:

• Not be in possession of, or under the influence of or provide others with, alcohol or illegal drugs.

6.3. Physical Aggression – All school members must:

• Not inflict or encourage others to inflict bodily harm on another person.
• Seek staff assistance, if necessary, to resolve conflict peacefully.

6.4 Hazing And Bullying

Hazing is the practice of rituals and other activities involving harassment, abuse or humiliation used as an act of initiating a person into a group. Hazing takes various forms, but typically involves physical risks or mere distress through, for example, humiliating, intimidating or demeaning treatment.

Bullying is a form of aggressive behaviour in which someone intentionally and repeatedly causes another person injury or discomfort. Bullying can take the form of physical contact, words or more subtle actions. The behaviour can be habitual and involve an imbalance of social or physical power. It can include verbal harassment or threat, physical assault or coercion and may be directed repeatedly towards particular victims, perhaps on grounds of race, religion, gender, sexuality or ability.

What to do in the event of Bullying/Hazing?

1. Action to be taken by individual - If your request for bullying to be discontinued is ignored then it is important that you take formal action: it must be understood that YOU must take action to stop the harassment and that it may be undetected by adult authority figures at the school.

2. SCHOOL - Report the bullying to the Principal, Staff, a student leader or your Parents. Present your written account of the incident with as much factual evidence as possible (for younger learners’ the Staff or Parents may submit the written report on their behalf.)

3. Consequence of Bullying - Hazing/Bullying are a Level 2 and Level 3, to be determined by the severity of the offence(s). In all cases of bullying a strong written warning will be sent to the guilty learners’ Parents, subsequent to an interview with learner and Parents.

4. Consequences of failure to report Bullying - It is expected that all learners observe these guidelines of action to be taken in the event of bullying. Failure to do so will result in the following consequences: Should a learner lose emotional control and resort with verbal abuse; the victim will be held responsible for a Level 2 offence.

5. Should a learner lose emotional control and respond with physical violence, the victim of bullying will be held responsible for a Level 3 offence.

6. Bullying as a mitigating factor for disciplinary punishment will only be taken into account if learners have observed all guidelines but have failed to obtain satisfactory redress.

7. The operationalization of the school rules

8. The school shall have clearly outlined and publicised school rules.

9. Educators shall have the same rights as parents when it comes to the application of discipline to and controlling of a learner during the activities of the school.

11.The school reserves the right to utilise CCTV cameras in all classrooms and outside areas to assist with implementation of the School Rules.

12. Ignoring of the school rules shall not be an acceptable excuse.

13. This policy shall be widely publicised to all the school community.

14. Any discipline that has to be carried out shall be done so expeditiously, fairly, justly, consistently, and it shall be a corrective not punitive measure.

15. Parents shall be involved in the corrective measure taken against a learner.

16. No discipline of a learner can be delegated to other learners.

17. All disciplinary measures shall match the offence committed and shall be more severe as the behaviour becomes repetitive.

18. All serious misconduct should be reported to the school principal.

13. The school must keep a register of all reported misconduct which also reflect the outcomes of actions taken.

8. Dealing with misconduct

The disciplinary proceedings on dealing with misconduct shall, depending on the nature and level of the misconduct, be attended to in the following manner:

8.1. Level 1 – misconduct inside the classroom

This level of misconduct includes the following acts by a learner:

1. Failing to be in class on time

2. Failing to complete schoolwork

3. Failing to respond to reasonable instructions

4. Being dishonest with minor consequences

5. Not complying to Classroom Rules

6. Personal toys at school

7. Willfully distracting others in the classroom

8. Throwing things in the classroom (spit balls, erasers, etc.)

9. Failure to bring appropriate material to classroom

10. Failure to return required forms to the school

11. Excessive talking in the classroom

12. Eating in class

13. A messy student office

14. Leaving class without permission

15. Rude behaviour towards Staff, parents or fellow learners

16. Neglected care of school and personal property

17. Using profanity, vulgar language and obscene gestures

18. Leaving school premises or any other place where the learner is under the school’s care, without permission

19. Violating the Dress Code and Grooming Policy of the school

20. Littering of any kind

21. Chewing gum at school at school functions or while wearing school unifor

22. Openly challenging authority

23. Relationships with peers other than friendships

8.2. Level 1 Actions

The following forms of action MAY be taken against the leaner:

The Supervisor shall make a recording of the offence together with the corrective action/disciplinary steps taken to correct the problem in the Class Book and Goal Check Report Card.

After the Supervisor has exhausted methods to change the learners’ behavior, at least two (2) attempts must be made; the Supervisor may take the learner to the Principal.

The Principal together with the Supervisor will determine the procedure to ensure the learner accepts responsibility for his actions.

The Principal shall make a recording in the Principal's Disciplinary Register of the offence, the Level of the offence, as well as the corrective action/disciplinary steps taken to correct the problem.

Any CCTV footage or any other related recordings (if available) may also be used in the investigation.

8.3. Dealing with level 1 misconduct

1. Verbal warning

2. Demerits (Written warning)

3. Additional work which is constructive

4. Small menial tasks like cleaning the classroom

5. Detention where the learner uses the time fruitfully for learning purposes (parental call)

6. Temporal removal from class, activity or event

7. Problem solving exercise

8.4. Level 2 – misconduct by breaking school rules

1. Two (2) detention-able Level 1 or repeated Level 1 offences after action has been taken and learner shows no improvement

2. Smoking or found in the possession of tobacco

3. Possessing or dispensing controlled or intoxicating substances that are not prescribed for medicinal purposes

4. Possessing dangerous objects or substances or any other item deemed by the principal/vice principal to be unsafe or a hazard to persons or property in the school

5. Leaving school without permission

6. Using abusive, blasphemous, inflammatory and aggressive behaviour or language towards Staff, Parents, or other learners or visitors

7. Conduct that constitutes opposition to authority

8. Interrupting teaching and learning in the classroom as well as disrupting the classroom

9. Engaging in vandalism and graffiti

10. Dishonesty or cheating during tests

11. Copying each other’s work

12. Tampering with other people’s possessions

13. Throwing dangerous objects that can cause bodily harm or damage property

14. Being in possession of electronic devices, MP3 players, Play Stations, etc

15. Bringing the name of the School into dispute

16. Defacing School property and/or destructive action towards the same

17. Misuse or misappropriation of school property or services, including computers and other technology systems

18. Inappropriate sexual advances or display

19. Being engaged in any inordinate displays of affection

20. Racism, sexism and/or unfair discrimination

21. Hate-motivated incidents

22. Being disrespectful towards staff

23. Not addressing the staff formally Mr… or Mrs/Ms…

24. Being part of a gang, involved in gangs or trying to mobilize gangs

25. Clothing/apparel that is inappropriate, offensive or violates the school dress code

8.5 Level 2 Actions

All Level 2 offences may be reported to the Principal at the discretion of the teacher.

The Principal together with the involved Supervisor decide which action will be taken against the learner.

The Principal shall make a recording in the Principal’s Disciplinary Register of the offence, the Level of the offence as well as the corrective action/disciplinary steps taken to correct the problem.

Any CCTV footage or any other related recordings (if available) may also be used in the investigation.

8.6 Dealing with level 2 misconduct

1. Disciplinary talk with the learner

2. Talks with the learner’s parents

3. Counselling

4. Loss of privileges

5. Crisis Prevention and Intervention: to be performed by suitably qualified staff or professionals

6. First written warning and parent call or

7. Second written warning plus detention, as in

8. Detention (re-mediating the problem) under supervision, for a maximum of 2 times 2 hours

9. Discretionary Suspension for a maximum of 3 school days. This form of action is decided upon by a Suspension Committee consisting of the following people:

The Principal

The learners’ supervisor or staff member involved in the incident

1 senior Supervisor

10. Any of the level 1 disciplinary actions

8.7 Level 3 – serious misconduct or serious violation of school codes

1. Any offences already having led to one or two suspensions from Level 2 without improvement

2. Inflicting minor injury on another person

3. Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on others

4. Gambling

5. Being severely disruptive in class

6. Forging documents or signatures with minor consequences

7. Possessing or distributing pornographic material, or exposing learners to pornographic material, paper or electronic or audio or video

8. Introducing, enticing or request another learner into sexual related or pornographic activities

9. Inappropriate body contact or unwelcome sexual advances

10. Teenage pregnancy

11. Possessing dangerous weapons

12. Possession of illegal drugs

13. Possession of alcohol or under the influence of alcohol

14. Theft

15. Vandalism of any form or nature to personal or school property/equipment

16. Bringing the name of the school into disrepute

17. Hazing or bullying

18. Being a gang leader and/or mobilizing kids for gangs

8.8 Level 3 Actions

All Level 3 offences MUST be reported to the Principal immediately.

Depending on the nature of the offence, the learner may be suspended pending a hearing.

The Principal shall make a recording in the Principal’s Disciplinary Register of the offence, the Level of the offence, as well as the corrective action/disciplinary steps taken.

Police will be involved as required

The learner(s) involved in the offence and any eye witnesses should write their own statements explaining the situation, and sign it in the presence of one/more of the Disciplinary Committee members.

Video recordings should be made during the investigation, especially when the learner(s) explain their personal involvement of the offence/witnessing of the event(s).

Any CCTV footage or any other related recordings (if available) may also be used in the investigation.

Any and all such materials will be treated as confidential and for the Volksrust Christian Private School t/a Volksrust School of Hope’s own record keeping, but could be used in court or any other legal matter by the school. (Parents have NO claim on such materials, but may study their own child’s involvement in the incident in the presence of one of the Disciplinary Committee member’s without destroying/ copying/ duplicating/ recording any or all of it.)

8.9. Dealing with level 3 misconduct

1. Any of the disciplinary action of the level 2 misconduct

2. Final written warning and detention, under supervision for a maximum of 3 times 2 hours

3. Immediate Suspension for a maximum of 5 school days. The form of action is decided upon by s Suspension Committee.

4. Depending on the nature of the offence, the learner might immediately be suspended pending a hearing, within 5-10 working days (time during which the Disciplinary Committee conducts the investigation), before the Suspension or Dsiciplinary Committee.

5. Referral to a counsellor or social worker

8.10. Level 4 – very serious misconduct or very serious violation of school codes

1. Continuous repetition of level 3 misconduct

2. Threatening other people with dangerous weapons

3. Causing intentional injury to other persons

4. Verbally threatening the safety of other persons

5. Possessing or using alcohol and drugs

6. Being under the influence of narcotics

7. Disrupting the entire school

8. Forging documents or signatures with serious consequences

9. Hate-motivated violence

10. Gang-related violence

12. Vandalism causing extensive damage to school property or premises or the the property of others on or in school premises

13. Trafficking in controlled substances or in prescription drugs not prescribed or dispensed for medical purposes

14. Use of an object as a weapon

15. Willful interference or destruction of school communications nd/or technology or technological systems

16. Abuse of computers or computer technology (including unauthorized access to or retrieval of information) for inappropriate or unlawful purposes

17. Persistent failure by a learner above age or mandatory attendance to maintain a reasonable attendance record at school or in a class or classes

18. Committing physical assault on another person with the intent to cause bodily harm

19. Conduct that is so refractory that the learner’s presence in the school or classroom is considered by the principal to effect a danger or possibility of harm, physical or emotional, to others in the school or to the reputation of the school.

8.11 Level 4 Actions

All Level 4 offences MUST be reported to the Principal immediately.

Depending on the nature of the offence, the learner may be suspended pending a hearing.

The Principal shall make a recording in the Principal’s Disciplinary Register of the offence, the Level of the offence, as well as the corrective action/disciplinary steps taken.

Police will be involved as required

The learner(s) involved in the offence and any eye witnesses should write their own statements explaining the situation, and sign it in the presence of one/more of the Disciplinary Committee members.

Video recordings should be made during the investigation, especially when the learner(s) explain their personal involvement of the offence/witnessing of the event(s).

Any CCTV footage or any other related recordings (if available) may also be used in the investigation.

Any and all such materials will be treated as confidential and for the Volksrust Christian Private School t/a Volksrust School of Hope’s own record keeping, but could be used in court or any other legal matter by the school. (Parents have NO claim on such materials, but may study their own child’s involvement in the incident in the presence of one of the Disciplinary Committee member’s without destroying/ copying/ duplicating/ recording any or all of it.)

8.12 Dealing with level 4 misconduct

1. Any of the actions to deal with level 3 misconduct

2. Referral of the learner to an outside agency for counselling

3. Discretionary Expulsion: This decision is taken by a Disciplinary Committee, which ought to consist of the following people:

The Principal

Founder/visionary only in case the Principal needs their input, especially in cases where the school’s name/image have been damaged

The class supervisor or supervisor involved in the incident

2 senior supervisors

A parent may be present

8.13. Level 5 – criminal acts which breach the law

1. Repetition of level 4 misconduct

2. Assault

3. Intentionally using dangerous weapons

4. Sexual harassment and assult

5. Robbery

6. Major theft

7. Breaking and entering locked premises

8. In possession of a weapon including a firearm

9. Using a weapon to cause or to threaten bodily harm to another person

10. Trafficking in weapons or illegal drugs

8.14. Level 5 Actions

All Level 5 offences MUST be reported to the Principal immediately.

Depending on the nature of the offence, the learner may be suspended pending a hearing.

The Principal shall make a recording in the Principal’s Disciplinary Register of the offence, the Level of the offence, as well as the corrective action/disciplinary steps taken.

Police will be involved as required

The learner(s) involved in the offence and any eye witnesses should write their own statements explaining the situation, and sign it in the presence of one/more of the Disciplinary Committee members.

Video recordings should be made during the investigation, especially when the learner(s) explain their personal involvement of the offence/witnessing of the event(s).

Any CCTV footage or any other related recordings (if available) may also be used in the investigation.

Any and all such materials will be treated as confidential and for the Volksrust Christian Private School t/a Volksrust School of Hope’s own record keeping, but could be used in court or any other legal matter by the school. (Parents have NO claim on such materials, but may study their own child’s involvement in the incident in the presence of one of the Disciplinary Committee member’s without destroying/ copying/ duplicating/ recording any or all of it.)

8.15. Dealing with level 5 misconduct

The disciplinary actions taken to deal with these kinds of misconduct are solely the responsibility of the principal and the SGB:

1. Mandatory expulsion or transfer of the learner from the school.

2. Allow for criminal and/or civil prosecution processes to take effect

9. Disciplinary action

1. A disciplinary hearing takes place when a very serious misconduct has been committed.

2. The principal shall refer the problem to the SGB for a decision on a hearing.

3. The SGB must make arrangements for a hearing.

4. The SGB must ensure that a fair hearing shall take place and that it will not contravene the Bill of Rights and the Constitution.

5. The SGB shall appoint a maximum of 4 people to check whether the seriousness of the case warrants a hearing.

6. Once the SGB decides to continue with a hearing, it must appoint a 6 members tribunal (committee) to hear the case.

7. The tribunal members do not have to be members of the SGB.

10. Disciplinary hearing process

1. The tribunal shall have a formal sitting to conduct the hearing.

2. The SGB shall sanction the principal to communicate the charges brought against the learner in writing and shall inform the learner and his/her parents/guardian at least 3 days before the formal sitting for the hearing. The information shall include the date, time and venue where the hearing will take place.

3. The parents must be fore-warned that the hearing may result in a suspension and expulsion of the learner from the school.

4. The learner and his/her parents must be told that they have the right to bring evidence to the hearing.

5. The learner charged with the misconduct and his/her parents may attend the hearing but cannot be forced to give evidence.

6. Witnesses may be called to the hearing and may be questioned by all parties.

7. All participants at the hearing must have access to all documents presented.

8. Everything said at the hearing must be recorded.

9. The tribunal shall draw its conclusions on the basis of the evidence presented before them.

10. The tribunal shall make its recommendations to the SGB.

11. The SGB does not have to accept the recommendations of the tribunal and may refer some of the matters back to the tribunal for further deliberations.

11. School Rules

11.1 General School Rules

I will be in my classroom on time.

I will complete my school work every day

I will respect all who are in authority through my conduct and language

I will respect all learners (whether friend or enemy) through my conduct and language

I will respect and look after whatever does not belong to me

I will make everyone feel welcome

I will speak English only (Grade 2-9)/I will speak English according to my ability (Grade RR – Grade 1)

I will do my best to speak Afrikaans on a Tuesday

I will be honest at all times

I will comply to the classroom rules

I will not bring my own toys to school (except in case it is needed for a project)

I will help others learn by being quiet and not distracting them or disrupting the class or school

I will be ready to learn by bringing all necessary material (PACEs, stationary, homework assignments) to school

I will eat outside during breaks only (Grade 1-9)

I will keep myself clean and neat according to the Dress Code and Grooming Policy

I will keep my environment clean and neat

I will ask permission to leave the classroom and school

I will have good manners at all times

I will be a good ambassador of the school

I will use good, appropriate and respectful language

I will draw pictures on paper only

I will use school property, services and computers for what it was intended only

I will not smoke, use alcohol or take drugs

I will not hurt or threaten to hurt anyone with anything

I will not throw something that can hurt someone or damage something

I will not bully anyone, play fight or hurt anyone

I will not be in a gang or a gang leader

I will not sexually harass, make inappropriate body contact or unwelcome sexual advances

I will not be in possession of pornographic material of any kind

I will not tamper with other people’s possessions

I will not bring any electronic devices to school

I will not gamble

I will not forge signatures

I will not steal

I will not break the law of the country

11.2 Dress code and grooming policy for Learners and all staff

CLOTHING:

Clothing must meet the standards of modesty and decency and, must not be a distraction in the learning environment. Dress, language, and personal grooming should be positive and reflect self-respect. These are standards expected in the working world.

If permission is granted for the wearing of clothing other than the school uniform, learners and staff members, wearing clothing and /or insignia displaying illegal substances, offensive products, or language, representing offensive stereotypes or promoting ethno-cultural discord, will be asked to change.

With particular reference to clothing for girls and women, season-appropriate clothing must not include spaghetti strap, backless, see-through, cropped, or bikini tops. Shorts, skirts, and dresses must not be shorter than knee length. Midriffs must be covered at all times and in all positions. Skirts with see-through fabrics must be lined or worn with slips. All skirts must be worn with long or short tights. Necklines must not be low-cut. Denims (not torn) and trousers are appropriate attire. Underwear must not be visible.

Girls’ school uniform: Black shoes with a buckle must be worn and must be polished, short black socks must be folded over once, white shirt must not be tucked in, underwear must not be visible (eg dark underwear under the white shirt – wearing a white tank top over underwear under the white shirt is advised). The skirt or skort are to be knee length. During winter and cool days the school tracksuit, white shirt, green fleece jacket, black pullover, black jersey, short black socks or skort/skirt with black winter full tights are to be worn. During summer the skort/skirt with white shirt and short black socks are to be worn

With particular reference to clothing for boys and men, belts must be worn with trousers that have belt loops. Bicycle shorts are not allowed. Golf shirts, button shirts with collars and T-shirts are appropriate attire.

Boys’ school uniform: shirts must be tucked in trousers / shorts. Black shoes with laces must be worn and must be polished, a black belt must be worn with trousers and boxers may not be exposed. Long black socks must be worn folded over once only. During winter and cooler days trousers with white shirt or school tracksuit with green fleece jacket, black pullover, black jersey and long black socks are to be worn. During summer shorts with white shirt and long black socks are to be worn.

HAIR:

Female students must have neatly groomed hair at all times and must be a natural colour. All hair accessories must be lime green, grey, black or white. Hair must be worn tied back so as not to hang in eyes and affect reading / learning. No gel / “wet” look/ perms / hair coloring is permitted. No outrageous hair styles are permitted. Hair exceeding collar length are to be tied.

Female staff must have neatly groomed hair at all times. No extremes are allowed.

Male students must have neat, trimmed, conservative haircuts. Hair is to be tapered (no steps) not touching the ears or collar. Sideburns may be no lower than the middle of the ear. Very curly hair and afro’s may not exceed 2.5cm in length and must be of a natural colour. The following are not allowed: gel, “wet” look, perms, punk styles, spikes, braids, ponytails, corn rows, etc. – If in doubt, comb it down!

Male staff must have neat, trimmed, conservative haircuts. Very curly hair or afro’s may not exceed 2.5cm in length. No extremes are allowed. Male staff may wear neatly trimmed moustaches and/or beards.

JEWELRY AND MAKEUP:

All Learners: One watch is permitted. Body piercing is not permitted

For girls: Only one earring (smaller than 15mm in size) per ear – gold or silver plain studs or rings. No other body piercing is allowed. No makeup is allowed.

Female staff: Makeup and jewellery should be conservative and minimal. Only one earring per ear in the earlobe. No other body piercing is allowed.

Male staff: one watch and one ring (wedding, class, or purity rings only) is permitted.

NAILS

Both boys and girls must have neat nails. Boys nails must be kept short. Girls nails may not be longer than the tip of the finger on condition that they are clean and neat and that they do not affect the student’s academic and / or sport performance.

Clear nail varnish is permitted for grades 7-9 girls.

11.3 Conflict resolution

No matter what the provocation, any physical conflict is a Level 3 misconduct and will result in suspension. Play fighting with a physical component will be treated the same as real fighting. If the initiator of the physical conflict cannot be determined, both parties will be suspended. Learners should expect that charges will be laid by the police for any violent incident on school property.

11.4 Language Policy

To diffuse cultural barriers and create unity in the school, learners will be expected to use English as the social language at school. Any other language will not be permitted except for Grade R and Grade 1 learners who are still learning to speak English. There will be an exception of educational purpose on Tuesdays which is the day all learners are to speak Afrikaans according to their ability to improve the learner’s communication skills in the language.

12. Populating/publishing the code of conduct

1. The code of conduct will be available by means of:

• It being published on the official school website
• Per request
• The Code of Conduct booklet handed to each learner at the beginning of the year or upon a new learner’s first day at school.

2. Each and every learner at the school shall be given a copy of the code of conduct in the beginning of the year.
3. The code shall be read to younger learners at primary school level.
4. The code shall be in the official language of teaching and learning in the school.
5. The school expect the following from the learners and parents in adhering to this policy:

Every parent shall sign acceptance of the Code of Conduct as well as initial every page.

Parents are to explain the Code of Conduct to their children.

6. The school shall keep a record to prove that all learners know and understand the content of this policy by means of placing the signed Code of Conduct booklet in the learner’s portfolio.

13. Effective date of implementation

This Code of Conduct of learners of Volksrust Christian School t/a Volksrust School of Hope becomes effective and functional as of the date on which the policy was adopted and signed into effect.

14. Conclusion

The code of conduct for learners is a guiding document that provides a directive and corrective platform towards the expected behaviour and conduct of learners at our school. The code is to be adhered to by all learners of this school, at all times.