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DISCIPLINE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

1. AIM AND OBJECTIVE

1.1. The Discipline Policies and Procedures are not intended to emphasise transgressions or

rigid rules and regulations. We believe that what needs to be instilled through the Discipline

and Procedures Policies is to prepare a way of thinking, relating and behaving, which will lead

to the achievement of the outcomes detailed in the Code of Conduct.

1.2. To create and instil a sense of self–discipline and order within the school, where all learners

will have the opportunity to grow and develop in a structured and positively controlled

environment.

1.3. Disciplinary Procedures - In keeping with the outcomes, we wish to achieve a constructive

approach to discipline - emphasising the values set out in the Code of Conduct. This implies

that all parties will recognise that there are consequences attached to behaviour, and that

condoning inappropriate behaviour is not in the interests of the school, the individuals in it or

the community at large.

1.4. All disciplinary action must be:

Fair

Reasonable

Appropriate to the offence committed by the learner

Relatively immediate

Acceptable and humane in nature

What follows below is a general list of rules and behaviour that further explains our Discipline

Policies and Procedures, and what you can expect from certain criteria.

2. GENERAL MISCONDUCT

neglect of schoolwork;

lateness;

poor class attendance;

truancy/bunking;

misbehaviour impacting on the school’s image;

misbehaviour during assemblies, functions, sport events, productions, and exhibitions;

inappropriate or sloppy dress;

littering;

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ignoring or violating security arrangements;

behaviour that demonstrates a lack of respect for others and for self.

2.1 Disciplinary procedure for general misconduct

Prefects, all school employees, the Principal and the HOD’s have the right to reprimand

learners and inform them of the punishments for future transgressions.

In the case of schoolwork-related problems, educators may and should take the first steps

on their own to deal with these. These steps may include verbal warnings, written warnings,

detention, extra work in the applicable area and/or contacting the learner’s parents.

Prefects, all school employees, the Principal and the HOD’s must report general

misconduct to the class teacher.

Any steps taken to deal with the misconduct must be reported via the Discipline Report

(ADDENDUM C) and emailed to the parents/guardians, Principal, HOD and School

Administrator. A copy of the Discipline Report will be added to the child’s personal file.

The class teacher must take the following disciplinary action:

- Officially reprimand and warn the learner verbally, or through written demerits; or

- Start a process of mediation; or

- Learners who persist with general misconduct, become guilty of serious

misconduct and will be handed over to the Principal for more serious actions,

including recommendations of suspension and expulsion.

2.2 Serious misconduct:

drug and alcohol abuse;

violence,

the bringing of weapons to school,

vandalism,

and theft;

smoking;

serious misbehaviour at school assemblies, functions, sport events, productions and

exhibitions;

the possession and distribution of inappropriate materials;

disruption of the learning process and organisation of the school;

victimisation or slandering of educators, learners, and staff members;

repeated violation of the Code of Conduct or associated rules.

2.3 Disciplinary procedure for serious misconduct

All serious misconduct must be reported directly to the class teacher, by educators or

student representatives.

Start a process of mediation; and, with repeated offenses, and serious misconduct,

recommend suspension or expulsion.

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This report will be forwarded by the class teacher, to the HOD and Principal;

Disciplinary action taken by the class teacher, Principal and HOD may include:

- After the mediation process, the learner may be placed on break detention or

playground detention in order to give the learner the opportunity to rectify his or

her behaviour; (see Mediation Procedure.

- Suspension of the learner for repeatedly breaking the Code of Conduct or for

any serious misconduct. The period of suspension may not exceed one week,

and this is subject to the terms and conditions set by the school under

SUSPENSION being met by the learner and parents, to return to school.

- The expulsion of the learner in the event of serious misbehaviour, particularly after

having been given the opportunity to rectify his or her behaviour. The learner will

be suspended from the school until a decision for expulsion is made by the

disciplinary committee.

- The disciplinary committee will consist of three members and will be constituted

as follows:

o the chairperson must be the Owner/ Principal of the School or a

delegated representative from the school.

o the two other members will be the HOD and a delegated

representative from the school.

- The class teacher will represent the “school” and present evidence via

documentation of mediation procedures, verbal and written warnings, witnesses,

video footage and outcomes of follow up meetings.

- The parent/legal guardian/representative of choice will represent the “child”

and can present evidence via documentation of mediation procedures, verbal

and written warnings, witnesses, video footage and outcomes of follow up

meetings.

- The Disciplinary Committee must ensure that learners are granted a fair hearing.

This means that the accused person understands the allegations against him or

her, and is given a fair opportunity to respond to those allegations. The

disciplinary committee should weigh the evidence carefully and make its

decision without malice or prejudice against any person. The committee may not

discriminate directly or indirectly against the accused on the basis of race,

gender, birth or religion.

3. DISCIPLINARY POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

The following behaviours are deemed as punishable offences. They are graded according to

Levels and degree of seriousness with Level 1 offences being the least offensive, and Level 3 the

highest.

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Each level will carry a degree of punishment that is:

Fair

Reasonable and

Appropriate to the offence committed by the learner

3.1 LEVEL ONE OFFENCES

Punishable by one (1) demerits per offence

3.1.1 CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR:

Speaking to friends while the teacher is teaching.

Standing up in class while the teacher is teaching.

Not having brought the correct writing instruments, laptops or books to class and resultantly

interrupting the class once the class has commenced.

Not listening while the teacher is teaching.

Disruption of the class while the teacher is teaching.

Interrupting the teacher while teaching by shouting out and not raising their hand to talk in

class.

Books forgotten at home.

Tests/Test Books not signed.

Reply slip/ indemnity forms etc. at home.

Homework book not signed (if applicable).

Homework not done\Incomplete homework. (1 demerit per day and 10% per day – max

50% per week off mark)

Incomplete assignments\projects. (1 demerit per day and 10% per day – max 50%)

Chewing gum.

3.1.2 PLAYGROUND BEHAVIOUR:

Entering classrooms during break, without a teacher’s permission.

Bullying a fellow learner (This is addressed under Discipline Policies as well, as it carries

demerits, and does not always need a Mediation Session)

o Name Calling.

o Teasing.

o Showing of rude signs or gestures.

o Bad Language.

o Gossiping.

3.1.3 ON THE SPORTS FIELD:

Not attending practices

Not attending matches

Non-sportsman like behaviour

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3.1.4 CULTURAL ACTIVITIES:

Not attending practices

Not attending rehearsals or performances

Inappropriate behaviour

3.2 LEVEL TWO OFFENCES

Punishable by one (2-5) demerits per offence

3.2.1 CLASSROOM BEHAVIOUR

Copying of homework.

Littering in class.

Coming late for class

Eating in class

Writing on or defacing another learner’s property (or school property)

Throwing objects at other learners.

Playing with toys in class.

Bunking a period.

Damage to handbooks or school supplies.

3.2.2 GENERAL BEHAVIOUR

Absence without permission.

Soiling the bathroom.

Disrespect towards an educator.

Throwing wet toilet paper against the ceiling.

Flushing full toilet rolls down the toilets.

Coming late for school.

Dishonesty.

Bad manners.

Disobedience.

Dress code offence.

Swearing.

Chronic absence.

Don’t care attitude.

3.2.3 PLAYGROUND BEHAVIOUR

Littering on the playground.

Damaging school property.

Playing dangerous games.

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3.3 LEVEL THREE OFFENCES

Punishable by one (5-10) demerits per offence

Assault.

Fighting.

o Pushing

o Hitting

o Kicking

o Pinching

o Biting

o Tripping

Serious damage to property.

Possession of pornographic, erotic or inappropriate material.

Possession of a weapon.

Theft.

Aggressive behaviour.

Dishonesty in a test or an examination.

Serious disruption of class routine.

Disregard for authority.

Swearing at an educator.

Smoking.

Actions of any sexual nature.

Use of alcohol or habit forming substances.

Regular bunking of school.

Vandalism.

Destructive behaviour.

Writing obscene letters containing swearwords or unacceptable drawings.

Insolent behaviour.

Rejection of the ethos of the school.

4. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE AND POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR LEVEL ONE OFFENCES

Internal disciplinary procedure within each classroom resides under the control and

supervision of the class teacher at the time.

Minor transgressions, misbehaviour and offences pertaining to work and task completion

are handled internally and independently with the direct co-operation of the parents

where necessary.

All minor transgressions must be noted on the Demerit Chart.

Once a month, a full Discipline Report must be sent to learners’ parents and a copy must

be entered into the Learner’s Personal File.

The class teacher will check the Demerit Charts once a week to look out for repeated

misbehaviour that should be reported earlier than the one month scheduled report. Should

any misbehaviour stand out, it will be communicated to the parent.

When punishment work is issued it is recommended to issue work academic in nature and

not the completion of lines.

Learners may not be barred from attending classes for an extended period of time without

the express permission of the principal.

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Five (5) Low Level offences committed by a learner will result in that learner going into a

Mediation Process. (See Mediation Process ADDENDUM D)

Educators are not permitted to keep classes after school without prior notification to

parents.

5. DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE AND POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR LEVEL TWO OFFENCES

Internal disciplinary procedure within each classroom resides under the control and

supervision of the class teacher at the time.

A sum of five (5) demerits (added together) or a once-off five (5) demerits given for more

serious offences, will result in that learner going into a Mediation Process. (See Mediation

Process ADDENDUM D)

A standardized policy for the maintenance of disciplinary structures within the grade

resides under the direct control of the grade’s Head of Department. A weekly report is sent

to the HOD by each teacher, and a monthly meeting is held by the HOD with teachers to

discuss Demerit Charts.

After a third mediation process – and another five (5) demerits - this means getting a total

of twenty (20) demerits in the same term, the learner and his/her parents will be requested

to attend a meeting with the class teacher/HOD. Suspension will happen at this point, and

transgressions and intervention strategies will be discussed. (according to the Procedures

discussed under Suspension ADDENDUM E)

6 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE AND POSSIBLE CONSEQUENCES FOR LEVEL THREE OFFENCES

Internal disciplinary procedure within each classroom resides under the control and

supervision of the class teacher at the time.

Control of Level 3 offences resides with the Principal and HOD’s.

Level 3 offences committed by a learner will result in immediate parental contact and

intervention.

Learners guilty of misconduct of an extremely serious nature will be referred to the Principal

and HOD’s for a final decision on punishment.

Learners found guilty of serious misconduct/defiance by the Principal and HOD’s could

face suspension from school as a disciplinary measure for a period not exceeding 7 school

days, and this is subject to the terms and conditions set by the school under SUSPENSION

being met by the learner and parents, to return to school.

Recommendations for expulsion of a learner from school by the class teacher will be sent

to the Disciplinary Committee for a hearing. (See Procedures for a Disciplinary Hearing

ADDENDUM F)

The hearing outcome and minutes of the hearing will be entered into the Learner’s

Personal File.

7 DISCIPLINE REPORT

Ruimsig Academy will make use of a Discipline Report (ADDENDUM A) when a class teacher has a

mediation session with a child.

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1. A Mediation Session will be held between a child and his class teacher or the school

mediator, when a total of five (5) demerits have been reported. These demerits could be

an accumulation of Level 1 and 2 offences or a once-off serious offence. This can happen

during break time or after school.

2. Parties refer to the child and the class- or subject teachers involved.

3. If the mediation session happens after school, the parents of the child and all parties

involved will be emailed before 14h00 and be notified thereof.

4. The mediation will happen as soon as possible after five (5) demerits have been

accumulated.

5. The teacher/ school councillor will make every effort to conduct and/or finish the

mediation during school break times.

6. The child involved has to understand the problem and possible solutions before mediation

is finalised.

7. All parties will make themselves available for the duration of the mediation procedure, and

should the mediation be required to continue after school hours, parents of parties involved

must allow this time in their own schedule, the child will not be excused from the process.

8. An interview with the child will take place in which the problem or incident is explored.

Should a teacher other than the class teacher or councillor be involved, in that they were

the ones who issued the demerits in question, the class teacher/ councillor will conduct an

interview with these teachers to clarify any issues.

9. Once the class teacher/councillor has a full understanding of the situation, the parties will

jointly identify solutions and find a resolution to the problem.

10. Actions of resolution will be put in place that the child, under guidance, identifies themself,

and the class teacher/ councillor’s role will be that of mediation and guidance.

11. A Discipline Report (Addendum A) will then be compiled by the class teacher, councillor

detailing the reason for mediation (demerits and reasons for demerits), as well as solutions

offered by the child.

12. The report will then be sent via email to the parents of the child, as well as the

Administrator, HOD and Principal of the school. A copy of this report must be printed by

the School Administrator and added to the child’s personal file.

IMPORTANT:

Parents will not be involved during this stage of mediation, other than receiving the reports

as mentioned above.

Parents are not permitted to discuss the matter with any of the parties involved before

mediation has taken place and a full report has been sent through.

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Parents are requested to give their full cooperation to help all parties through the process

of mediation in order for the children to learn through this process.

This process is meant to help a child understand the reason for their transgression, and what

they themselves need to do to rectify the issue. It is an incredibly effective method of

solving negative behaviour , but for this method to succeed, all parties have to adhere to

the rules, and give the children time and space to:

o Learn from their mistakes

o So as not repeat their behaviour

7.1 HOW ARE PARENTS EXPECTED TO DEAL WITH DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS REPORTED VIA A

DISCIPLINE REPORT

Should a parent be made aware of discipline problems involving their child at the school, parents

are requested to pay close attention to the following:

1. See if your actions lead to the discipline/demerit, or if a change in your actions could

prevent disciplinary action or demerits, for example:

a. Arriving at school on time.

b. Ensuring the child adheres to the correct uniform or dress code

Your child will suffer the consequences for these offences, but ultimately you as parent are

responsible for this.

2. Are you as parent able to assist your child at home in the form of homework or

assignments? Could you ensure that the afterhours school work is completed timorously?

3. When it refers to a general discipline problem, for example:

a. disrespecting teachers,

b. disrespecting fellow learners,

c. Vandalising other people’s or the school’s property, etc.

You are requested to talk to your children about respecting themselves, their friends, their

elders and their own and other people’s property. This kind of education is better learned

when it comes from home, evidence has shown that children learn better from examples

which they experience at home.

4. Get involved immediately – do not delay or ignore an incident, early intervention will most

likely keep the incident from escalating.

8. STEPS AND CONSEQUENCES TAKEN BY SCHOOL

Once a child have five (5) accumulated Level 1 or Level 2 demerits or more, a Discipline Report

will be filled in by the class teacher, following any of the following steps:

8.1 Five (5) accumulated Level 1 or Level 2 demerits

A first written warning will be given to the child, and emailed to the parents, Principal, HOD

and School Administrator, and copied into their Personal File.

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8.2 Ten (10) accumulated Level 1 or Level 2 demerits

A second written warning will be given to the child, and emailed to the parents, Principal,

HOD and School Administrator, and copied into their Personal File.

8.3 Fifteen (15) accumulated Level 1 or Level 2 demerits

The child will not be allowed to have break time for a week. During the break time, the

child will be required to write 3 different letters:

Letter 1: Explaining the reasons for each of the demerits received.

Letter 2: offer possible solutions for stopping repeat behaviour.

Letter 3: An apology letter to the teachers involved asking for forgiveness and explaining how

he/she will resolve the problem.

8.4 Twenty (20) accumulated Level 1 or Level 2 demerits

The child will not be allowed break time for a further week. During break time, the child will

have to write 3 different letters. (as above)

A second week will be added to the first letter writing week.

During this week, the child will be allowed on the playground, but will be under the direct

supervision of the staff on duty on the playground. They will be sitting in a designated area where

they are not allowed to interact with any other children on the playground. This week will teach

them that if they cannot follow the Code of Conduct, they miss out on play.

8.5 Twenty five (25) accumulated Level 1 or Level 2 demerits/ Level 3 offences

Immediate Suspension of 1 week.

The learner and his/her parents will be requested to attend a meeting with the class

teacher/HOD/councillor. Suspension will take place at this point, and transgressions and

intervention strategies will be discussed with parents.

8.6 Thirty (30) accumulated Level 1 or Level 2 demerits/ Repeated Level 3 offence after

suspension:

Disciplinary Hearing

If found guilty, immediate Expulsion

ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS

6.1 A register system is in place to control class attendance. Absence from school requires a

note from a parent or guardian or a doctor’s certificate which is to be handed in to the class

teacher. If possible, this should be done in advance or alternatively on the day of return and

should be clearly marked with the learner’s name and grade. Absence from a class requires

written permission from the relevant educator.

6.2 The only accepted excuse for absence from tests or examinations is due to ill health and

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requires a doctor’s certificate, which must be handed in to the class teacher. Any other reason

should be discussed with the class teacher before the test or examination.

6.3 Learners who feel ill during school hours and are unable to continue normal lessons must

report to the class teacher. The class teacher will then give the child a note, signed by the

teacher of the class in which the learner requests permission to leave. This note must be taken

to the School Administrator, who will contact the child’s parents. The child will wait in the sick

bay until feeling better or picked up by parent.

6.4 A learner who has to leave for a doctor’s or dentist’s appointment or other reason must

produce a note from the parent or guardian the day before (if possible). This is to be handed

to the class teacher personally. Where possible, the learner is expected to return to school. If

possible, parents and guardians are urged not to make such appointments during school

hours.

6.5 Learners may leave the school grounds during school hours only with a letter of permission

from the class teacher, (ADDENDUM B) as well as a letter from a parent or guardian stating the

reason necessitating the child’s leaving. This note must be handed in to the School

Administrator, who will then ensure that the learner leaves with an authorised person. The

letter will be added to the child’s personal file.

6.6 In all the above mentioned absences from school, the following rules apply:

6.6.1 All missed tests must be written. An appropriate time must be set with the

class/subject teacher at their convenience and as soon as possible on return of the

child to school.

6.6.2 It is the responsibility of the student to find out what work they missed during their

time of absence – this includes class and homework – and must be handed in on

time. Should the child have missed the deadline, permission from the class/subject

teacher must be obtained for late submission.

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ADDENDUM A

DISCIPLINE REPORT

DATE:________________ CLASS TEACHER:___________________________

PARTIES INVOLVED: _____________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

AMOUNT OF DEMERITS FOR THE WEEK: ___________

REASONS FOR DEMERITS:

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

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RESPONSE FROM CHILD:

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

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ACTIONS TO BE TAKEN AS SUGGESTED BY CHILD:

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CLASS TEACHER RECOMMENDATION:

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

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_________________________________________________________________________________________

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DATE: __________________ CLASS TEACHER SIGNATURE: ________________________

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ADDENDUM B

RUIMSIG ACADEMY STUDENTS CODE OF CONDUCT

As part of this pledge uphold the school’s Code of Conduct, I promise the following:

To uphold the four cornerstones on which our school’s foundation is laid.

PEOPLE – to respect my fellow students, educators, parents and community

PASSION – to be passionate about my school and role I play in it

to be motivated and determined to do my best

PREPARATION - to prepare and be prepared to realise my full potential

to be organised and self-disciplined

to work, interact and communicate with others

PROFESSIONALISM - to do everything I do with a professional approach

to be task-oriented

to be constructive in interactions with and criticism of others

to maintain a positive image of myself and my school

to keep to deadlines and be punctual

to take pride in the image I present to the world

to take pride in the presentation of my work and that of others

to understand that every action has consequences

to maintain a professional approach at all school functions, sport meetings,

exhibitions and assemblies

to take responsibility for the appearance and upkeep of my school buildings,

grounds, and facilities

I promise to support Ruimsig Academy’s policies and procedures on discipline

I understand what behaviour is against the Code of Conduct and the seriousness of these offences

I promise to accept the consequences of my behaviour and work towards rectifying it

STUDENT NAME AND SURNAME: ___________________________________________________________

GRADE: ___________ CLASS TEACHER: _____________________________________

_____________________ ______________________

STUDENT SIGNATURE: TEACHER SIGNATURE:

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ADDENDUM G

RUIMSIG ACADEMY PARENTS

Supporting the Code of Conduct and Discipline Policies and Procedures

As part of this pledge I promise the following:

I promise to adhere and follow the policies and procedures set out in the Discipline Policies

and Procedures.

I promise to listen to my child and suggest certain strategies to prevent repeated

behaviour.

I promise to allow the school to investigate and report back to me as described in the

Discipline Policies and Procedures.

I promise to do everything in my power to assist my child in preventing repeated behaviour,

by looking at my own actions and what I can do to stop this behaviour.

I promise to set an example to my child/ren and teach them how to implement the Four

Cornerstones of Ruimsig Academy into our household.

I promise to allow my child to take accountability for their actions.

PARENT NAME AND SURNAME: ___________________________________________________________

MY CHILD’S NAME, SURNAME AND GRADE: ___________________________________________

_____________________ ______________________

PARENT SIGNATURE: TEACHER SIGNATURE: