We are pro-active and use positive discipline as much as possible. Our learners are awarded house points for displaying amongst other things, positive attitudes and values such as honesty, helpfulness and kindness towards others and care of the environment. We accept that children go through periods of behaviour difficulties. Negative behaviour is remediated during a special detention class. Detention classes are also held for children who continually neglect to complete their homework. Discipline is an essential part of the educational process. Problems must be addressed, confronted and resolved. Neglect can lead to more serious difficulties and problems. Through discipline children learn acceptable behaviour, are protected from harm, learn self-discipline and are encouraged to be responsible. Each individual behaviour problem is dealt with empathetically.

In order to create an atmosphere conducive to learning, we insist on constructive, positive behaviour by all members of the school community, with appropriate sanctions imposed upon those whose actions are not in the best interest if the school.

No written set of rules can cover all situations. There are, therefore, times when learners are expected to act sensibly according to understood codes of behaviour. In the event of misconduct, disciplinary action may be taken against the learner. The precise nature of the disciplinary action to be taken will be dependent on the nature of the circumstances of each case.

The educators (and the Principal and school Governing Body in cases of serious misconduct) are responsible for determining, according to the degree of transgression, the disciplinary action which will be initiated and consequently the remedial action or sanction to be applied.

This may take the form of:

• Verbal admonition or counseling
• The issue of an admonition slip
• Partial withdrawal of break privileges
• Detention ( in the case of severe offences or frequent repetition of an offence.)

Detention may be in the form of:

• remediation (completing unfinished work)
• counseling
• community service

and may last up to one hour in the case of neglect of work or one and a half hours for behavioural problems

Should the above procedures be unsuccessful, it may be necessary to:

• Interview the learner’s parents (possibly together with the learner). The interview may be conducted by the principal, educator and / or Governing Body
• Refer the matter to external advisors and / or authorities (eg. School psychololgist, South African Police etc.)

The Schools’ Act makes provision for suspension, and in extreme cases, expulsion. This applies only to most serious of offences and would involve referral to the Governing Body and subsequently Department of Education.

Any Learner organizing, planning or being involved in a contravention of the School Regulations will be appropriately punished.

Off-campus behaviour
No learner shall in any manner bring the name of the school into disrepute.

1. Behaviour on buses and in public places must be such that no inconvenience is caused to others. The school has the right to take action whenever a learner is wearing school uniform or part of it and his / her behaviour is such that it will bring the school’s name into disrepute.

2. This will also apply when learners are not in uniform but are in school parties or groups where they may be readily identified as learners of the school.

3. Appropriate action will be taken in the case of conduct that discredits the school in the eyes of the community.