Code of Conduct

LEARNER’S PLEDGE:

As a student, I pledge to be

  RESPECTFUL
  of the rights and safety of the School learning community;

  RESPONSIBLE
  in my academic, behavioral, and personal choices;

  RELIABLE
  as a partner in the process of my education.

BEING RESPECTFUL OF THE RIGHTS AND SAFETY OF THE HORIZON HIGH SCHOOL LEARNING COMMUNITY MEANS THAT I WILL:

- Strive to be tolerant of others and eliminate harassment.
- Solve disagreements in a responsible and non-violent manner.
- Work toward keeping school free of drugs, alcohol, tobacco, gangs, weapons etc.

BEING RESPONSIBLE IN MY ACADEMIC, BEHAVIOURAL, AND PERSONAL CHOICES MEANS THAT I WILL:

- Participate in my education by taking a course of study that will prepare me for my future.
- Use appropriate language and dress in the classroom, hallways, on school property and at school functions.
- Keep the hallways, parking lots, and school property LITTER FREE.
- Refrain from graffiti and damaging school property.
- Protect school property and report any damage to the valid school authority.

BEING RELIABLE AS A PARTNER IN THE PROCESS OF MY EDUCATION MEANS THAT I WILL:

- Arrive punctually at school and at all lessons.
- Come to school prepared by doing assigned homework timeously and neatly.
- Complete all academic work honestly without cheating or plagiarizing.
- Assume responsibility for educational decisions and difficulties and seek advice or help as needed.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEARNERS AND PARENTS

Students shall be extended the following rights and learners and parents are expected to take the responsibilities related to them

RIGHTS OF LEARNERS

According to the Constitution of South Africa, all learners have the right to education. These rights include inter alia, the right to:

- Be treated with respect and dignity.
- Express opinions verbally or in writing.
- Be educated in a safe school environment
- Attend school unimpeded
- Have no interference by others when attending class
- Obtain schooling subject to the guidelines dictated by the DoE
- Receive regular progress reports
- Have authorized access to all school facilities
- Receive counseling for personal or academic problems, provided that such facilities are available
- Take part in patriotic events. Should such activities go against any religious belief or personal convictions, a learner will be excused from such events
- Be excused from any activity which go against religious belief, by submitting a request in writing
- Attend a school where there is no drunkenness, intimidation, bullying or victimization
- Attend a school where there are no illegal drugs, weapons or alcohol
- Have private control of their possessions unless there is reasonable cause to believe that illegal or harmful substances or materials are in possession of the learner and are being used to jeopardize the well being of others.
- Receive fair and reasonable consequences for violation of school rules.
- Organize and/or participate clubs and student organizations.
- Acknowledge that academic performance be the only criterion for academic assessment.
- Be free of discrimination and racial, ethnic, religious, personal or harassment from school personnel and students.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEARNERS

Learners undertake to:

- learn
- attend all classes daily and on time
- be in possession of the required materials
- respect all persons
- respect school property
- Express opinions and ideas in a respectful manner so as not to offend or slander others and to refrain from using obscenities or personal attacks.
- do all academic assignments, projects, including homework
- Attend all assigned classes, complete all assignments to the best of one’s ability and participate in all activities conducted in relation to the class. Avoid dishonest or irregular practices in test and examination situations.
- conduct themselves in a safe and responsible manner
- conform to acceptable standards of personal hygiene and social decorum.
- refrain from any act of vandalism or damage or misuse of school property
- refrain from disruptive, undisciplined or uncooperative behaviour both outside and inside the classroom
- abide by the rules of the school as well as those of individual teachers
- practice tolerance i.e. racial, cultural and religious tolerance and to respect the personal convictions of all
- refrain from the use of drugs or any other illegal substance
- Be aware of all rules and regulations relating to student behaviour and conduct oneself in accordance with those guidelines.
- Inform school personnel regarding contraband, illicit activities, or weapons that could result in an unsafe situation.
- refrain from carrying dangerous weapons, involvement in illegal activities, bullying, harassment, smoking or being in possession of offensive material.
- Not have prohibited items on one’s person or stored in personal or school assigned property. If school personnel have reason to believe that prohibited items are in a student’s possession or stored in personal or school assigned property, it shall result in a search of one’s person, personal or assigned school property, and seizure of such items.
- Be familiar with the school policies and procedures regarding search and seizure. Be familiar with school rules.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS

The school believes that a positive and constructive partnership between the School and a pupil’s parents or guardian is essential to the fulfillment of the School’s mission. Thus, the School reserves the right not to continue enrolment or not to re-enrol a pupil if the School reasonably concludes that the actions of the parent or guardian make such a positive, constructive relationship impossible, or otherwise seriously interfere with our accomplishment of our educational purposes.

It is expected that all school parents will:

- Accept that by taking up a place at the school, they have considered and have agreed that there will be an optimal match between the needs of their child, their own expectations, and the philosophy and programmes of the school.
- Share with the school any religious, cultural, medical, or personal information that the school may need to best serve their child and the school community.
- Help and encourage their children to develop strong spiritual and moral values.
- Recognize that effective partnerships are characterized by clearly defined responsibilities, a shared commitment to collaboration, open lines of communication, mutual respect, and a common vision of the goals to be achieved.
- Provide a home environment that supports the development of positive learning attitudes and habits that are consistent with those of the school.
- Take an active interest in their children’s work and progress.
- Involve themselves in the life of the school, through volunteerism and other means, to promote the best interests of their children.
- Respect the school’s responsibility to do what is best for the entire community, while recognizing the needs of each individual child.
- Familiarize themselves with and support the school’s policies and procedures.
- Ensure that the children abide by the school rules.
- Avoid gossip and rumours, and if in doubt, consult with the school for definite information.
- Seek to resolve problems and secure information through appropriate channels (i.e., teacher/tutor, hostelmaster, the appropriate Deputy Principal, or finally the Principal – in that order).
- Treat everyone with respect and maintain an educational, rather than adversarial tone, in the face of the inevitable conflicts and challenges.
- Join the school society once their sons have left school as a way of maintaining a connection with the school.
- Acknowledge that their payment of tuition is not an investment of ownership in the school, with related controls, but rather an investment in the educational process of their child.
- Educate their children about illegal substances such as alcohol, smoking, drugs etc with respect to its dangers, social responsibility and parental expectations.
- Take responsibility for any gathering of their children and friends at their home or one organized by the parent at another venue.
- Report any unauthorized use of substances which may occur to the parents of all the children involved.
- Fulfill all financial obligations.

Absenteeism and Tardiness

LEAVE TAKING

- Students are strongly discouraged from missing school as it may compromise their academic progress.
- In the case of an EMERGENCY, first inform the Form Teacher then Deputy Principal.
- All medical appointments should be scheduled for after school. LEAVE WILL NOT BE GRANTED FOR MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS.
- All transport arrangements must be made prior to the learner arriving at school.

AUTHORIZED ABSENCES

Authorized absences are categorized as follows:

- Illness
- Participation in school related activities
- Bereavement
- Verifiable family emergencies
- School-sponsored functions
- Any other absence approved by the school administration
- Suspension as recommended by the Disciplinary Committee

An absence must be justified by professional documentation (doctor, dentist, etc.) or other criteria as approved by the Principal.

REPORTING ABSENCES

- Parents/Guardians are required to telephone the Secretary by 8h30 on the day that their child/ward is absent. A letter/medical certificate explaining why your child/ward was absent must be handed to the Form Teacher, the first day that the child returns to school.
- Students who become ill or are injured while at school are required to go to the office so that parents/guardians can be notified.
- A permission form to leave school early will be issued to the student which must be signed by the parent/guardian and returned to the Form Teacher on the day of return.
- It is the student’s responsibility to complete all outstanding work on her return.

UNAUTHORIZED ABSENCES

Unauthorized absences are categorized as follows:

- Leaving the premises without authorization from the Administration office.
- Excuses such as oversleeping, car trouble and “missing the bus”.
- Truancy, defined as an unauthorized and invalid absence from school.
- Absence in excess of 2 periods occurring in a day.

Any absence not deemed appropriate by the Principal or other school administrator.

CONSEQUENCES OF BEING ABSENT AND TARDY

Absences

All absences will be counted across the entire YEAR.

Parents and students will receive telephone calls and mailed warnings as absences accumulate.

Students may not exceed 5 absences in one term.

Upon the 6th UNAUTHORISED absence, the form teacher will contact the parent. If the absenteeism continues, then the parents will be called in to have a meeting with the form teacher and Deputy Principal.

Failure to attend school regularly may result in the learner being transferred to an alternative educational institution.

Students may receive a failing grade in a class if they accumulate 10 or more unexcused absences in a term. Prior to assigning a student a failing grade, the student or student’s parent/guardian will be given a reasonable opportunity to explain the absences.

Students are not entitled to submit assignments and tests missed due to unexcused absences or to receive marks for such work when it is submitted.

Each unexcused absence will be penalized with 3 demerits.

Tardies

An unexcused tardy is the absence from class in the morning when the bell rings or during the day between classes. The School’s main gate will be closed at 8:00 and any students arriving later than 8:00 without a valid excuse, will be denied access to the school premises.

Each unexcused tardy will be penalized with 1 or 2 demerits (2 is for an assembly) and continuous tardiness will result in direct DETENTION.

After arriving late on 3 occasions in a week, students will be asked to report to school DC, thereafter the parents/guardians may be called.

Upon the 8th unexcused tardy, there will be a mandatory meeting with the student’s Form teacher and parents. This meeting will be scheduled to occur the morning after the family is contacted by the school.

Students may not exceed 14 unexcused tardies in the term. On the 15th tardy reported, the student and parent will be called in to explain the tardiness. Continuous failure to be punctual may result in transfer to an alternative educational institution.

Merit – Demerit System

School utilizes a merit – demerit system. Merit points are accumulated when the learner demonstrates a positive contribution to the school and Demerit points are accumulated when a learner disobeys the school rules. When the learner accumulates a certain number of points then the consequences are as follows:

Merit Points
Neat and tidy school work 2
Neatness of the uniform 2
Cooperative behavior 2
Special effort for a class work 2
Improvement in tests 2
Keeping the area neat and tidy 2
Helpfulness 2
Self initiative (Responsibility) 2
Full Attendance in a Term 3
Top three in a test 3
Good Representation of school 3
Participation in National Olympiads 3
Bronze Medal in Provincial or National Olympiad 3
Silver Medal in Provincial or National Olympiad 4
Full mark for a test 4
Showing leadership quality 4
Pupil of the Month 5
Top three in class per term 5
Sport Achievements 5
Gold Medal in Provincial or National Olympiad 5
Participation in National Olympiads and competition 7
Bronze Medal in International Olympiad 8
Silver Medal in International Olympiad 12
Gold Medal in International Olympiad 16

Rewards for Merit Points:
20 Merit points: Red Badge + Cold drink

40 Merit Points: Blue Badge + Civvies for One day

80 Merit Points: Gold Badge + Free Lunch Voucher

100 Merit Points: Merit Certificate + Movie Voucher

120 Merit Points: Merit Certificate + R100 Gift Voucher or a free excursion.

150 Merit Points: Merit Certificate + Free Camp Voucher

200 Merit Points: Merit Certificate + 5% bursary for the following year.

Merit points also cancel out demerit points.

Demerit Points
Level Explanation Min. Points
1 Late coming to school or classes 1
1 Screaming or being noisy or excessive talking 1
1 Rocking chairs 1
1 Combing hair in class 1
1 Violating school uniform and dress code 2
1 Wearing non-regulation accessories e.g. jewelry 2
1 Not attending school excursions / sports days or any other compulsory school activity 2
1 Disregarding library, tuck shop kitchen rules 2
1 Disobeying prefects 2
1 Lack of necessary material (books or stationery items etc.) 2
1 Not turning homework or assignments on time 2
1 Not complying with school uniform including PE kit 2
1 Not being in the assigned location 2
1 Late to assemblies 2
2 Arguing continuously 2
2 Displaying unsportsmanlike actions on the sports field 2
2 Clowning about 2
2 Bringing toys, games and cards to school 2
2 Disregarding the feelings of others 2
2 Disobeying the school sports rules 2
2 Antagonistic behavior towards learners 2
2 Interfering with or annoying other learners 2
2 Interrupting a teacher during class or class activities 2
2 Running around in the class or in corridors 2
2 Disruptive behavior in class or any other areas in school 2
2 Bringing any stereo, tape decks, radio, CD players etc. 2
2 Derogatory name-calling or mocking or teasing 2
2 Attention-seeking behavior 2
2 Not returning Reply Slips or not relaying information viz. Circulars, notices, letters etc. 2
2 Eating/drinking in class or chewing gum 2
2 Disturbing and hindering the progress of others 2
2 Uncooperativeness or avoiding work 2
2 Littering or Spitting 2
2 Pushing, Play-fighting or Horseplay 2
2 Leaving the classroom during lesson time without permission. 2
2 Misbehavior outside the school 2
2 Sleeping in the class, wasting time in class or refusal to follow instructions 2
2 Telling tales/lying 2
2 Absent from school without valid excuse 3
3 Unauthorized use or removal of school property 5
3 Swearing 5
3 Rudeness and verbal abuse 5
3 Deceitful and dishonest behavior 5
3 Lying and tale telling on a regular basis. 5
3 Continuously not meeting deadlines for homework, projects, assignments etc. 5
3 Plagiarism, copying of information in homework, assignments and projects 5
3 Avoiding classes by ‘bunking’ lessons. 5
3 Bringing non-regulation cell phones/electronic devices or using cellular phones at the school premises. 5
3 Consistently disregarding the school uniform regulations/dress code after warnings. 5
3 Continuously Being disruptive and displaying attention-seeking behaviour 5
3 Playing Truant or absence without leave from school. 5
3 Intentionally not conveying official correspondence to Parents / Guardians. 5
3 Interfering with the possessions of others including contents of desks, uniform, bags, pencil cases. 5
3 Not attending detention. 5
3 Selling or trading something without authorization 5
3 Talking back to the teacher in a disrespectful tone. 5
3 Disregarding Media Centre & Library rules / procedures. 5
3 Disregard and disrespect for the property of learners 5

Note: For any misconduct not covered in above Section, punishment will be met out at the discretion of the DC.

Result of Demerit Points:
10 demerit points: detention

20 demerit points: community work

40 demerit points: consultation with parents/guardian (yellow letter)

80 demerit points: written warning (orange letter) and possible 1 day Suspension

100 demerit points: written warning (red letter) and possible 2 days Suspension

120 demerit points: Final Warning and 3 days Suspension

150 demerit points: POSSIBLE EXPULSION at the discretion of disciplinary committee.
Star College Cape Town is an Independent, English Medium School, established by Horizon Educational Trust. We follow the Curriculum from the Department of Education and aim to be academically strong, producing excellent results in the National Matric exams as well as National and International Mathematics, Science and Computer Olympiads
Horizon Educational Trust © 1999 - 2022 / All Rights Reserved
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