1. Introduction
This document is the code of conduct of (insert name of school), as approved by the governing body on (insert date). The governing body has consulted the school's parents, learners and educators on the content of the code of conduct. The code of conduct has been drafted in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996; the South African Schools Act, Act 84 of 1996 ('SASA'); the National Education Policy Act, Act 27 of 1996; Guidelines for a Code of Conduct for Learners (General Notice 776 in Government Gazette 18900 dated 15 May 1998) and other applicable regulations and legislation.
2. Objective
Although the State is obligated to make education available and accessible, this must be enhanced by the dedication and commitment of responsible role players, namely educators, learners and parents. This code of conduct is intended to promote such dedication and commitment.
This code of conduct aims to establish a disciplined and purposeful school environment, which is dedicated to promoting and maintaining the quality of the learning process.
The code of conduct endorses the school's mission statement.
Learners and their parents/guardians are expected to acquaint themselves with the school's code of conduct and its provisions. As soon as learners are enrolled at the school/hostel, they are subject to the code of conduct, and must strictly adhere to it. Should learners transgress or violate the code of conduct, they will be acted against in accordance with the disciplinary procedure for learners.
3. Code of conduct
General rules
3.1 Learners shall be good ambassadors of the school, and shall conduct themselves in accordance with the school's code of ethics at all times.
3.2 While wearing the school uniform, or any part thereof that is sufficient to establish a link with the school in the public eye, or while representing the school, either directly or indirectly, as participants, supporters, assistants, spectators or otherwise, learners shall refrain from any conduct that could bring the school, staff or their fellow learners into disrepute.
3.3 In their interaction with the principal, educators and other staff of the school, learners shall be courteous and respectful at all times.
3.4 In their interaction with one another, learners shall practise self-restraint, and shall display mutual respect and tolerance.
3.5 A school educator shall have the same rights as a parent with regard to controlling and disciplining the learner according to the code of conduct, both during such learner's school attendance as well as at any school activity.
3.6 Learners may not eat or drink in the classroom, school hall or library. The chewing of gum during school activities is prohibited.
3.7 The use of cellphones during school activities is strictly prohibited. .
3.8 The smoking, possession and/or use of tobacco products, liquor, other alcoholic substances or drugs during any school activity, or when learners are dressed in school uniform, is strictly prohibited.
3.9 In case of a reasonable suspicion that learners have violated this code of conduct or the laws of the country, the school principal or an educator is entitled to search such learners and/or the property in their possession for any dangerous weapons, guns, drugs or other harmful and dangerous substances, stolen goods or pornographic material that the learners may have brought onto the school grounds.
3.10 For transgressions that may lead to suspension and/or expulsion, see the full code of conduct.
4. Class rules
4.1 The class educator shall formulate class rules upon the adoption of this code of conduct, after having consulted the learners in the class as well as their parents.
4.2 The class rules must be compiled in writing and –
4.2.1 immediately be tabled to the principal and school governing body;
4.2.2 be displayed in a legible format in a prominent spot in the classroom; and
4.2.3 be made available to all learners and their parents.
4.3 Learners are expected fully and promptly to comply with the class rules as well as any verbal instruction given by the class educator or any staff member that is reasonably essential to give effect to this code of conduct and/or for the sound and professional management of the school.
4.4 Any violation of the class rules shall be regarded as a violation of this code of conduct and school rules.
5. Rules with regard to appearance and school wear
5.1 School wear
5.1.1 The prescribed school wear shall be worn during school hours as well as other school activities, as determined by the governing body.
5.1.2 School wear must be clean and neat at all times. As for vests, boys may wear only plain white vests, which may not be visible under any circumstances.
5.1.3 Clothing rules
Boys:
Winter: Prescribed track suit and tekkies or a grey shirt, long grey trousers, grey socks grey jersey and black school shoes.
Summer: Short grey pants and grey shirt. Grey socks and black shoes or barefoot.
Sports wear: Black PT-short and red Valies golf shirt
Girls:
Winter: Prescribed track suit and tekkies or grey long pants and white socks with black school shoes. Grey jersey and/or red windbreaker. Red school dress, black stockings or grey knee-high socks.
Summer: Red school dress, short white school socks, black school shoes or barefoot.
Sports wear: Black PT-short and red Valies golf shirt
5.2 Appearance
6. Sports and extracurricular activities
See full code of conduct
7. School property
7.1 For what is perceived to be 'school property', see the full code of conduct.
7.2 As the school has been developed and erected for the use of all learners who attend it, all learners are obligated to do everything in their power to protect the school's property in order for it to be utilised to the benefit of all current and future learners of the school.
7.3 No learner may remove any school property from the school grounds without the prior consent of the principal or an educator of the school.
7.4 Learners may not handle, damage, mark, deface or destroy any property of the staff of the school, fellow learners, visitors to the school, or members of the public. This rule applies to property on the school grounds, in the immediate vicinity of the school, at or near the venue of any school activity, as well as any vehicle with which learners are transported, and the property contained therein.
7.5 Learners may not damage, deface or destroy any school property.
8. School leaders
8.1 The school leaders, in conjunction with the staff of the school, are responsible for general school discipline.
8.2 All learners shall obey any reasonable instruction from a school leader, and shall support and cooperate with the school leaders in properly executing their duties.
9. School notices
9.1 All learners are obligated to hand to their parents all school notices that were distributed to learners for such purpose by the governing body, principal or an educator of the school, as well as promptly return to the class educator any acknowledgement of receipt that was to be completed by the parents.
10. School work and homework
10.1 There shall be an orderly atmosphere in the classroom at all times. Learners may not disrupt or hinder teaching.
10.2 Learners must promptly carry out instructions in class.
10.3 All learners must have and maintain such homework book as may be required by the principal or class educator.
10.4 All learners must do their prescribed homework and promptly return it to the relevant educator by the due date.
10.5 All learners must do their prescribed homework enthusiastically, diligently and with dedication in order to develop a consistent work ethic.
10.6 Learners are obligated to catch up as soon as possible on any work that they have missed.
10.7 Learners shall move swiftly and in single file from one class to the next. Chatting in groups or visits to the restroom between classes are not allowed.
11. Tests and examinations
11.1 All learners are obligated to abide by the tests and examinations that educators may require.
11.2 Learners shall refrain from any form of dishonesty when tests and examinations are conducted.
12. Punctuality
12.1 Learners are expected to arrive on the appointed time at the beginning of the school day and the start of any other school activity. When learners arrive late, they must provide a written apology from their parents. Learners who arrive late must first report to the office before proceeding to their particular class.
(School may insert school hours here)
13. Absence from school
13.1 Learners may be absent from school in exceptional cases only, and only with the written consent of the principal, or his/her representative if the principal is not available.
13.2 When any learner is absent from school without an acceptable excuse, it shall be regarded as truancy, which is strictly prohibited.
13.3 Learners who are absent from school for one to three consecutive days must upon their return to school submit a written explanation by their parents.
14. Environment
14.1 Learners have the right to a safe environment and school that are conducive to education.
14.2 Learners may not litter on school grounds or in school buildings.
14.3 Learners who attend any school activity as spectators or supporters are expected to leave the grounds they have occupied in a neat and clean condition, and must ensure that all litter is picked up and placed in garbage bins.
14.4 Learners must leave restrooms in a clean condition.
14.5 Any action or failure by learners that constitutes or could constitute a health risk to other learners must be avoided.
14.6 The application of slogans (graffiti), stickers, posters and the like to any surface at the school is strictly prohibited, unless it is done with the principal's consent.
14.7 Learners shall comply with any reasonable instruction from the principal, any educator, or a school leader with regard to maintaining a clean and hygienic school environment.
(See the full code of conduct for a detailed outline of the school rules.)