Code Of Conduct

Acorn Oaks Comprehensive High School

Attendance and Punctuality

Regular school attendance is essential to the learner’s academic progress. All learners are required to attend school regularly and to be on time for classes in order to benefit academically and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline and responsibility.

The School will co-operate with parent(s)/guardian(s) at every opportunity. The administration, staff and counselling departments will work with the learner in co-operation with the parent(s)/guardian(s) to solve problems that lead to poor attendance. However, we recognise that the family, and in the final analysis, the learner, must assume the responsibility for regular school attendance.

Unless otherwise stated, the appropriate school uniform must be worn at school and on school trips/excursion. There are a number of evenings or Saturday occasions when learners are expected to support a school activity and may be required to attend in school uniform.
It is expected that learners will arrive at school on time and that lateness will be the exception.

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LEARNERS

RIGHTS OF LEARNERS:

To learn and be taught in a safe environment
To attend classes free from verbal and physical interference by any other person.
To receive tuition according to the core curriculum and standards required by the provincial Education Department.
To receive regular feedbacks reflecting academic progress.
To make responsible use of all school facilities.
To receive appropriate counselling for personal and educational problems.
To express their opinions on issues in a reasonable manner
To attend school free of drugs, weapons, drunkenness, bullying, intimidation or victimization.
To attend a school free of sexual harassment.

THE RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEARNERS:

Learner should undertake to learn.
Attend all classes daily and on time.
To do all class work, assignments and homework.
To be in possession of appropriate working materials.
To be responsible for their own work.
To respect all persons and property.
To refrain from abusive language and inflammatory actions.
To conform to all normal, acceptable standards of personal cleanliness and neatness.
To protect school property.
To refrain and report any removal of school property from the premises.
To refrain and report the use of drugs, assault, carrying of dangerous weapons, criminal or illegal activities, intimidation, bullying, drunkenness, smoking or being in possession of pornographic material.

MISCONDUCT WOULD BE DEALT WITH ON THE FOLLOWING LEVELS:

A 1. Level 1 misconduct – Violation of general classroom discipline.

Failing to attend classes on time.
Leaving classes without permission.
Copying someone else’s work and presenting it as its own.
Failing to complete homework and class work.
Failing to comply with instructions of educators.
Dishonesty and cheating.

2. Possible punishments for Level 1 misconduct.
(Carried out by class educator)

Verbal warnings.
Extra work (constructive).
Small menial tasks (cleaning the class, picking up papers)

B 1. Level 2 misconduct – Minor violation of school codes and rules

Frequent repetition of Level 1 misconduct.
Possession and/or use of cigarettes.
Using abusive or vulgar language.
Being dishonest during examinations.
Disturbing the smooth flow of a lesson.
Breaking school property and writing on the walls.
Theft.
Forgery of documents and signatures.

2. Possible punishments for Level 2 misconduct
(Carried out by higher school authority e.g. HOD)

Any of the level 1 punishments.
Disciplinary talk with the learner.
Talks with parents and learner.
Written warnings.
Behavioural contracts – learner state in writing what he/she has done and how he/she will improve.
Daily report (taken around by learner and signed by educators)
Duties that contribute to the improvement of the school environment (cleaning, gardening, administrative tasks).

C 1. Level 3 misconduct – Serious violation of school codes and rules

Frequent repetition of Level 2 misconduct.
Minor injury to another person.
Gambling.
Possession and/or use of alcohol or being under the influence of alcohol.
Severely disruption of the smooth running of classes.
Possession and distribution of pornographic material.
Possession of dangerous weapons.
Possession of drugs, narcotic substances.
Theft and vandalism.

2. Possible punishments for Level 3 misconduct.
(Carried out by higher school authority e.g. HOD and Principal or referred to an outside counselling agency like Kidz Clinic, SANCA etc.)

Any of the above punishments.
Suspension from school related activities (extra-mural activity).
Final written warning (in preparation for suspension).
Referral to a psychologist, counsellor or social worker.
Community service (with the approval of the Provincial HOD).

D 1. Level 4 misconduct – VERY Serious violation of school codes and rules

Frequent repetition of Level 3 misconduct.
Threatening others with dangerous weapons.
Intentionally causing physical injury to another person.
Being in possession of and/or selling drugs, narcotic substances and/or alcohol.
Sexual abuse.
Forgery of documents with serious results.

2. Possible punishments for Level 4 misconduct.
(Carried out by higher school authority e.g. Disciplinary committee of the School Governing Body)
Any of the above punishments.

Limited suspension from all school activities up to 5 school days at a time. (Refer to the education regulation).

E 1. Level 5 misconduct – criminal offences of the code of conduct and other laws
Frequent repetition of level 4 misconduct.

Intentionally causing physical injury to another person.
Intentional use of a dangerous weapon.
Sexual harassment.
Robbery or theft.
The burglary and trespassing of a place that was locked.

2. Possible punishments for Level 5 misconduct
(Carried out by the SMT as well as the Department of Education)

Application to the Department for expulsion or transfer from the school’
Civil or criminal prosecutions may follow.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS WITH REGARDS TO LEARNERS:

Receive regular academic reports regarding their child’s progress’
Their child attends school every school day and is punctual.
Their child is healthy and neat when he/she comes to school.
Provide their child with resources, basic equipment and learning materials needed to complete the schoolwork.
Refrain from abusive language or inflammatory behaviour.
Try to promote positive relations between their child, educators, other parents and their wider communication.
Discuss report cards, work assignments and home works with their children.
Become actively involved in the affairs of the school by placing their talents and expertise at the disposal of the school.
Pay their school fees as determined by the School.
Bring to the attention of the school any problem, condition or circumstance that effect their child’s learning.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF EDUCATORS:

Report regularly on duty and are punctual.
Are well prepared to perform their educative tasks.
Respect all persons and property.
Refrain from abusive language.
Conduct themselves in a responsible and professional manner.
Abide to the rules set out by the school and procedures set out by the Provincial Department of Education.
No teacher is allowed to exclude a learner from education in his/her class (e.g. sit outside the class when he/she is busy teaching)
They must try to maintain a classroom and school atmosphere, which promotes good behaviour and effective teaching.
They must promote sound communication channels between home and school.
They must adhere to the code of conduct set by SACE.

MISCELLANEOUS:

If the learner is guilty of breaking/damaging school property, then the parent on behalf of the learner shall replace or pay for such breakages or damage of such school equipment or property.
Classrooms, corridors and school grounds must be kept clean. NO LITTERING is allowed.
Food may only be consumed at break times.
Eating in class and chewing gum is strictly forbidden.
No ball games may be played anywhere near or in the school buildings.
All clothing, stationary etc. must be marked properly – the school will take no responsibility for any lost items.
Cell phones will be confiscated if used during school hours and will only be handed to the parents of such a child.
The school will take no responsibility for any loss of cell phones, portable devices or electronic equipment as well as toys.
No learner is allowed to bring MP3 players. Ipods, tape recorders and other electronic equipment as well as any other toys to school to play with during school hours. It will be confiscated and only be handed back to the parents of such a child.
Closed circuit television cameras: – Any offence by a learner from the school or any body else, recorded on these cameras, will be used as evidence to prove guilty or not.

End of Code

Common School Routines

1. Entering a classroom Line up quietly outside the classroom – Girls on the right and boys on the left facing the door (Teacher). → Lead in one line at a time. → Stand behind your chair and greet the teacher. → Follow instructions for seating and unpacking.
2. Leaving a classroom (for Break/toilet) Upon the teacher’s instruction: Tidy your work area. → Stand behind your chair. → Lead off quietly in groups as per teacher instruction walking one behind the other. Ensure that uniform and appearance are neat.
3. End of Day Upon the teacher’s instruction: Tidy your work area. → Stand behind your desk. → Store chairs. → Greet the educator. → Lead off quietly in groups as per teacher instruction, walking one behind the other.
4. Leaving a classroom during contact time: Ask for permission, collect permission tag. → Move quickly and quietly to your destination. → Wash and dry hands if you have been to the toilet. → Return to class immediately. → Return permission tag.
5. Tests and Exams: Prepare your work area. → Put up a divider if required. → Listen carefully to instructions. → Remain silent throughout the session. → Submit papers as per teacher instructions.
6. Assembly and Singing: Line up quietly in two lines (Girls on right and boys on left) at your assembly area. → Enter the premise quietly one class at a time. → Take spacing and stand quietly. → Follow instructions. → Pay attention to the presenters. → At the end of assembly, stand quietly and lead out in silence as per instruction.
7. After Break: At the signal (HAND BELL OR SCHOOL BELL), move quickly and quietly to your classroom. → Line up quietly. Girls on right and boys on left. → Listen to messages if there are any. → Enter quietly when invited by educator. Girls first and then boys.
8. Visitors to the classroom: On instruction from the teacher: Stop what you are doing. → Greet the visitor: Good morning Ma’am/Sir. → Continue with your work.
9. Visitors to school during contact time: Smile and greet the visitor: Good morning Ma’am/Sir. → Check whether the visitor is wearing a visitor’s badge. → If not, ask the visitor to report to the office or tell a teacher immediately.
10. On the corridor/walkways: Walk in lines. → Keep left. → School bag on left or on back. →
11. Using computers/watching TV: Follow teacher’s instructions. → Respect the school equipment.
12. Visiting the Reception /Staffroom: Only done early in the morning before classes or during break time. → If sent by a teacher/educator, carry a gate pass.

Drug and Substance Abuse Policy

The Government Notice No 1040, South African Schools Act (84/1996), declares all schools drug free zones. This means no substance abuse, possession of illegal drugs on school premises or being at school under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs is allowed.
Substance abuse / illegal drugs means any unlawful, intoxicating or stupefying substances, these include tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs, dagga and other hard drugs.
Substance abuse is prohibited and severe action will be taken against perpetrators. However, those who admit to having problems with substance abuse, will be helped and counselling will be made available.
If a learner has in his / her possession any of the above mentioned at school, on a school outing or is identified as a Acorns-Oaks Comprehensive High School learner, that learner will be punished, even more so if he / she is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
1. Purpose and Scope
The aim of this policy is to encourage all learners to abstain from using any drugs (other than those which are medically prescribed), including alcohol and tobacco. This document should be given to each learner and his / her parents / guardians are required to sign it as acknowledgement that they have read and understood it, and that they have agreed to abide by its policy.
2. Position
The school does not tolerate:

the use or possession of any illegal or prohibited substance;
the possession of drug-related equipment such as cigarette papers, pipes,
matches, lighters, bottle ends, foils or other;
performance enhancing drugs;
the inappropriate use of solvents, inhalants, aerosols and similar agents;
the consumption of alcohol and the smoking of tobacco.

If any learner is involved in dealing or selling any of the above mentioned substances, action will be taken either through the police or a disciplinary hearing.
The school will respond to substance abuse with serious punishments, but also with a humanitarian view. Our approach will be one of prevention education. The school undertakes to educate (through guidance lessons, life skills) to inform (using outside speakers, exhibitions) and to guide and support (counselling, peer-counselling).
3. Procedure
Anybody found in possession of or using any of these substances either on school property, or when in school uniform, or when under the supervision of the school, or attending school-related functions including sport outings, tours and social events, will be subject to the following procedure:

The learner will be required to have a drug test administered.
If a learner tests positive for a substance use, the learner will first be interviewed by senior school management or the school counsellor to determine the nature and extent of the learner’s involvement with drugs (casual experimentation / habitual use / dependence / dealing, etc.) and determine the appropriate response.
The learner’s parents will be informed of the alleged involvement and will be required to attend a meeting at the school with the Principal, senior staff management, and a School Governing Body representative.

On the basis of the meeting, the school will take the necessary action:

Inform the parents of a pending disciplinary hearing.
Disciplinary action against the learner may follow if, in the opinion of the hearing, this is warranted by the nature of the learner’s involvement with drugs. The results of such disciplinary action may include the provision of support, including counselling, to a range of punishments which may include recommendation for expulsion.

Please Note!

Drug testing and searches will be done when substance abuse or the possession of illegal substances is suspected.
In the case of illegal substances, the matter will be reported to the South African Police Service.
Dealing in drugs or involving others in their use will normally result in a recommendation that the pupil be expelled from the school.

4. Prescription drugs
The school needs to be informed if any leaner needs to bring prescription drugs to school. Learners are not allowed to bring more than one day’s dose to school.
5. Addiction, treatment and help
The school understands that addiction is a medical problem. Any learner who asks for or is identified as needing assistance in coping with drug use, will be expected to attend appropriate counselling.
This will be done in consultation with the parent(s) / guardian(s) and any cost incurred shall be paid by the learner’s parent(s) / guardian(s).
Learners who experience problems with substance abuse or related matters, learners who need help and ask for it, will be treated in confidence and will not be discriminated against in any way. Learners who have voluntarily gone to rehabilitation or attended drug education programmes will be allowed to return to school with certain conditions. Part of being helped / counselled will include signing
an agreement / contract and agreeing to random testing.
The drug policy is for the benefit of all parties concerned. The aim of the policy is to assist, educate and guide learners, and to help those who want to be helped or who need help. The school will assist in the rehabilitation efforts of learners.

Policy For The Handing In Of Assignments

The school’s policy for not handing in work:
For learners to know what is expected of them it is necessary that all staff follow the same procedure when collecting work etc. to be marked.
This procedure is to be adhered to for all learners to be treated fairly. This will also ensure that learners will know what is expected of them and that meeting deadlines is imperative and a good quality to learn for future use in the work place.
It is therefore a requirement for all staff to follow the following procedure:
ACADEMIC DETENTION
The reason for this detention is to ensure that all learners complete or do the project as required and not simply receive a zero when it was not handed in.

Give set dates at the start of each term for assignments / tests etc. to learners
Stick to set dates unless it is absolute necessary to change a date. This notification must be written on the board and learners regularly reminded of this.
When collecting work, learners must either sign or educator must tick on a class list that the assignment was handed in on time. Records must be kept in the mark book or educators portfolio.
Should a learner be ill on the due date then the parent must arrange for the task/project to be delivered at school on the due date or the learner / parent must email the project to the relevant subject teacher.
Handing in procedure:

–       Project/assignment not in on due date – call/sms to parents
–       Project/assignment not in on second day then 25% deducted off marks
–       Project/assignment not in on the third day then the academic head must be informed to follow up with the learner.

All staff are to keep to this procedure mentioned above.
Should a learner not adhere to handing in the assignment/project then the learner will be required to attend an Academic Detention.

–       The educator must inform the Academic head immediately that the project is still outstanding.
–       DT will only be given if the educator has followed the correct procedure of contacting parents etc. Proof of this correspondence must be provided to the Academic Head.
–       The learner will be placed into Friday DT for two hours.
–       The learner will be required to either complete or work on the project/assignment during the two hours.
–       At the end of the session the project/assignment will be handed in: complete or incomplete.
–       Should the project/assignment not be completed then the learner will forfeit the marks for the outstanding work.