BRACKENFELL HIGH SCHOOL - Hoërskool Brackenfell

1 1 BRACKENFELL high SCHOOL REVISED CODE OF CONDUCT 20 OCTOBER 2016 The aim of a code of conduct By implementing disciplinary structures to create a climate of education and learning within the SCHOOL so that all learners may receive effective education, have the right to dignity and justice. To ensure the safety of all. To give a well defined explanation of the behaviour and the actions expected from all learners to ensure change if necessary. To ensure consistent and uniform actions are taken with regards to transgressions to create a sense of well being and safety for all learners since all know what is expected from them. To serve as a guide to ensure fair and reasonable actions to be taken. To ensure the daily functioning of the SCHOOL and all activities within, are done in a systematic way.

2 To ensure a safe environment for learners and staff. To support the vision and mission of the SCHOOL . SECTION 1 1. BACKGROUND BRACKENFELL high SCHOOL is a public SCHOOL as implied under Section 12, read together with Section 52 of the South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act No. 84 of 1996). Subject to Section 16 of the Schools Act, the governance of every public SCHOOL is vested in its governing body. In accordance with Section 8 of the Schools Act the governing body must adopt a code of conduct for the learners after consultation with the learners, their parents and the educators of the SCHOOL . This code of conduct must be aimed at establishing a disciplined and purposeful SCHOOL environment, dedicated to foster efficient teaching and study in the SCHOOL . The governing body has consulted with the parents, learners and educators of the SCHOOL regarding the content of the code of conduct and has taken into consideration the guidelines for such code of conduct as published by the Minister of Education.

3 Aims and principles of the code of conduct: The code of conduct flows from the mission statement and forms the background against which the rules of the SCHOOL must be seen and understood. It indicates what each person is allowed to do in order that a safe and secure atmosphere may be created where everyone can be happy and where education and learning can continue unhindered. 2 2. INTERPRETATION OF TERMS In this code of conduct, unless the context indicates otherwise, the following words have the meanings indicated against: "governing body": governing body (GB) of the SCHOOL , established in accordance with the Schools Act disciplinary committee": also referred to as the "Tribunal", consists of 3 parents of the GB. Other persons involved are the vice principal (responsible for discipline) as prosecutor, SCHOOL psychologist (if necessary), grade head of the relevant grade, and an educator, as assigned by the principal, will manage the administration of the 'interim hearing'.

4 The grade head can also act as prosecutor in the place of the vice principal. The full functioning of the Tribunal is contained in Appendix D. "disciplinary hearing": the hearing consisting of designated members of the governing body and of the persons assigned and authorised in accordance with a decision of the governing body to represent the governing body in the execution of its functions in compliance with the Schools Act and this code of conduct. "disciplinary head": the serving vice principal or acting vice principal responsible for discipline, also acting as prosecutor in the disciplinary committee and hearings. "dangerous weapon": any weapon or device that can be used to inflict bodily harm or can cause temporary paralysis or unconsciousness or can cause damage to property "learner": any learner properly admitted and enrolled at BRACKENFELL high SCHOOL "minister": the Minister of Education "educator": any educator, including the principal and vice principals, who undertake educational duties at the SCHOOL from time to time "provincial department": the Provincial Department of Education of the Western Cape Province "rights and responsibilities": the rights and responsibilities of the various interest groups of the SCHOOL as set out in Section VII of the code of conduct " SCHOOL ": BRACKENFELL high SCHOOL "principal".

5 The serving principal or acting principal of BRACKENFELL high SCHOOL " SCHOOL property": Includes the following: the grounds and buildings occupied by the SCHOOL and any attachment to such grounds and buildings as well as: all other property, including equipment, books, stocks, vehicles and so forth, that the SCHOOL possesses as property, or owns or stores as tenant. 3 "Schools Act": the South African Schools Act Number 84 of 1996 "Tribunal": members of the governing body who handle a misconduct hearing. It may also be co opted members or a specially appointed person who handles a specific case for and on behalf of the GB. 3. REVISION OF CODE OF CONDUCT The governing body when necessary may revise this code of conduct. 4. AMENDMENT This code of conduct may only be revised after consultation with the educators, parents and learners of the SCHOOL .

6 Amendments will come into effect when the GB accepts it and makes it known in writing to the educators, parents and learners of the SCHOOL . 5. INTERPRETATION Any difference of opinion regarding this code of conduct will finally be settled by way of a ruling by the governing body. SECTION 2 1. PREAMBLE The conduct and behaviour of the learners of BRACKENFELL high SCHOOL are controlled by the SCHOOL rules (see prospectus) as well as by the unwritten rules and practices that have developed over the years and that are contained in the traditions, practices and ethos of the SCHOOL . The GB of BRACKENFELL high SCHOOL takes as its basis that each learner has the right to education and that no learner's conduct may be of such a manner that another learner is deprived of that right. 2. THE FUNDAMENTAL RULE All rules set out hereafter are expounded and interpreted against the background of the comprehensive rule that a learner's appearance, behaviour and conduct must at al times be in compliance with the written and unwritten rules of the SCHOOL and, in SCHOOL uniform or without, must honour the SCHOOL , and in all respects be without detriment to any other learner.

7 3. RULES OF CONDUCT SCHOOL uniform and personal appearance It is expected of learner's to wear the official SCHOOL uniform and at all times to be neat and clothed in compliance with the SCHOOL uniform rules. 4 Policy in terms of SCHOOL uniform ( in agreement with suggested criteria of the National Education Department) 1. Introduction SCHOOL uniforms aim to keep the cost of clothing for SCHOOL down The aim is to ensure and support discipline. It may not be used to keep learners out of SCHOOL or deny entry to the SCHOOL . The cost of the uniform must take the prosperity of the community into consideration. A wide interpretation must be given to the requirements regarding the uniform. This is in terms of the type of material and make and the restrictions must be reasonable.

8 Clothing for physical education must be simple and universally available. A short, t shirt and suitable footwear are the only requirements. No learner must be excluded from such activities, but normal safety criteria must be considered. Clothes must take the local climate into consideration. Purchases of clothes from local manufacturers must be encouraged. Uniforms must be implemented with input from the parents to ensure successful implementation. 2. Process The Governing Council must submit changes as well as a policy regarding the changes to the parents. The policy must describe the colour, style, availability and line. It must indicate the following: Estimated costs. Process that must be followed. Role of learners in high SCHOOL . Final decision must be taken at the budget meeting.

9 New learners must be given enough time to switch to new uniform. 3. Boys Summer uniform Black SCHOOL shoes (not chamois leather/suede or fabric) Grey short or long pants. Short must not hang over the knees. White, short sleeved open neck SCHOOL shirt with the SCHOOL 's badge on the pocket. up to are compulsory. SCHOOL 's pull over jersey (Optional) 5 SCHOOL blazer (Optional) SCHOOL 's rain jacket (may only be worn over the SCHOOL blazer on rainy days.) The rain jacket may not be worn instead of the blazer. Long sleeved jersey only to be worn underneath blazer - never alone over shirt. Winter uniform Black SCHOOL shoes (not patent leather or material finish) Grey short pants or long pants. Short pants have to end above knees. White long sleeved SCHOOL shirt with tie. SCHOOL blazer SCHOOL rain jacket (may only be worn on top of blazer).

10 Rain jacket should not replace blazer. Long sleeved jersey only to be worn underneath blazer - never alone on top of SCHOOL shirt. Only SCHOOL scarves are allowed. No other clothing of any kind, except a rain coat, may be word with the SCHOOL uniform as prescribed in the rules. This includes caps and gloves General rules concerning appearance Tattoo marks: No tattoo marks should be visible when learner is wearing his/her SCHOOL uniform or sport clothes. Learner should wear a blazer or cover the tattoo marks with a flesh coloured plaster. No make up is allowed. Learners may wear all official SCHOOL lapel badges attained through achievement, RCL, Class captain, Top 20, etc. These are usually badges with a red background. Only two of all other badges associated with organisations, spirit building, sport, etc.