ORION ACADEMY ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular attendance is expected from every student and staff. Students and parents/guardians accept responsibility for regular attendance. It is expected that a parent will call the vice principal each day that their student is absent.

The following are valid reasons for student absenteeism:

• Sickness (including viral infections)
• Medical, Dental, Optometric, Chiropractic Appointments
• Funeral
• Legal appointments
• Justifiable Personal Reasons: parents must submit an advance written request and receive the approval of the principal. The worldwide Education Code defines justifiable personal reasons as funeral attendance, court appearance, religious holiday or ceremony observance, religious retreats, some pre-approved, work-related conferences, service on an elections precinct board, and/or participation in religious instruction of no more than one hour per week.

Other attendance related rules are as follows:

• If a student has 10 or more absences for illness, the parent/guardian must provide a note from a licensed medical practitioner validating the student’s illness or medical condition. If a note is not provided, student’s absences will not be cleared.
• An absence is excused with a teacher if it is cleared within five school days from the start of the absence. If it is not cleared within those five days, the teacher will consider it an unexcused absence. No exceptions.
• Assignments missed due to an unexcused absence or cut will be accepted solely at the discretion of the instructor.
• For the purpose of completing missed assignments, projects, quizzes, tests, and grades, an absence is excused with a teacher only if it is cleared with the vice principal within five school days of the student’s return to class.
• All missed assignments must be completed and submitted within one week after the return from an excused absence unless other arrangements are made between the teacher and the student.
• Students who have three or more unexcused absences in a grading period, may be restricted from attending or participating in extracurricular activities (this includes athletics, performing arts, student activities, dances, club activities, etc.)
• Please note that the only school sanctioned trips will be appropriately communicated to parents and guardians by the school in due time. Students will receive an excused absence if they attend said day retreat.
• Tardiness is not acceptable. It disrupts the class, hurts the morale of students who are on time, reflects negative attitude toward the class, creates disruptive problems in the hallways and on campus, and develops a habit, which could make future employment difficult. Students will be considered tardy if they are not in the classroom, in their seats when the bell rings and prepared to work. Habitual tardiness may result in further disciplinary action. All students must adhere to the tardy policy implemented by each teacher.
• If an absence has been recorded in error, please report this to the vice principal and to the teacher for correction.

 LEAVING SCHOOL BEFORE THE END OF THE SCHOOL DAY

Students may not leave campus without the school’s knowledge and permission. Students leaving school during the day must obtain a Permit to Leave from the vice principal before leaving. Permission to grant a Permit to Leave will be by telephone call to/from parent or note from the parent. A written note is preferred. Students leaving campus for only a few periods must also sign in at the gate and vice principal upon return.

ABSENCES AND GRADING 

Within a given grading period, a student with five (5) or more unexcused absences in a given subject may receive no better than a pass (D/P) grade for that period. An unexcused absence is an absence from class, which has not been excused through the vice principal by a parent, teacher, or other school official. Parents will be notified by the vice principal upon the third (3rd) unexcused absence.

During the first three (3) grading periods, a student with excessive absences (more than fifteen (15) days) beyond the student’s control may be advised on appropriate steps.

RECEIVING HOMEWORK DURING A PROLONGED ABSENCE

When a student will be out more than 2 days, parents are advised to call the vice principal for homework. Parents are to call and arrange to pick up the homework before the end of a school day Homework can be picked up from the respective teachers.

If a student will be out for an extended period, please contact the student’s counselor and/or attendance unit.

It is the student’s responsibility to check with the teacher about make-up work.

ORION ACADEMY ANTI-BULLYING POLICIES

What is Bullying?  

Bullying occurs when an individual or a group uses strength or power to hurt, either physically or emotionally, by intimidating or demeaning others. Bullying can be emotional, physical, verbal or cyber.   It is usually persistent and is often covert, and is a conscious attempt to hurt, threaten or frighten someone. Pupils who are being bullied, may show changes in behavior, such as becoming shy and nervous, feigning illness, taking unusual absences or clinging to adults. 

There may be evidence of changes in work patterns, lacking concentration or truancy from school. 

BULLYING CAN TAKE MANY FORMS INCLUDING:

• Physical bullying which can include kicking, hitting, pushing and taking away belongings
• Verbal bullying which includes name calling, mocking and making offensive comments
• Emotional bullying which includes isolating an individual or spreading rumors about them
• Cyber-bullying where technology is used to hurt an individual – for instance text messaging or posting messages/images on the internet or any form of social media
• Sexual bullying is where someone makes unwanted physical contact or makes sexually abusive comments.
• Disablist bullying occurs when bullying is motivated by a prejudice against people with any form of disability.
• Sexist bullying occurs when bullying is motivated by a prejudice against someone because of their gender

SOME WARNING SIGNS THAT A STUDENT IS BEING BULLIED

• Changes in academic performance
• Appears anxious
• Regularly feeling sick or unwell.
• Wanting to visit the nurse regularly.
• Reluctance to come to school.
• Clothes/bags torn or damaged.
• Money/possessions going missing.
• Unexplained cuts and bruises.
• Unexplained behavior changes, e.g. moody, bad-tempered, tearful. Unhappiness.
• Loss of appetite. Not sleeping. Loss of weight
• Seen alone a lot
• Not very talkative

SOME REASONS WHY PEOPLE BULLY

• Desire to appear powerful
• Unhappiness
• Feelings of inadequacy
• Difficulties at home.
• Learned behavior (They too have been bullied)

WHY DO WE NEED AN ANTI-BULLYING POLICY? 

Persistent bullying can severely inhibit a child’s ability to learn effectively. The negative effects of bullying can have an impact on a person for their entire life.  This school wishes to promote a secure and happy environment free from threat, harassment and any type of bullying behavior. Therefore, this policy promotes practices within the school to reinforce our vision, and to remove or discourage practices that negate them.

WHO STUDENTS CAN TALK TO IF THEY HAVE ANY CONCERNS ABOUT BULLYING?

• Class teacher
• Subject teacher
• Mentor
• School Nurse
• Education welfare Officer/ councilor
• Office staff
• Hostel staff
• Vice principals
• Principal

Students can feel confident that any of the above will listen to their problem. Pupils who have been bullied will be supported by:

1. Offering an immediate opportunity to discuss the experience with a class teacher or member of staff of their choice
2. Reassuring the pupil
3. Offering continuous support
4. Intentional efforts to restore self-esteem and confidence

Pupils who have bullied will be helped by:  

1. Discussing what happened
2. Discovering why the pupil became involved
3. Establishing the wrongdoing and need to change
4. Informing parents or guardians to help change the attitude of the pupil

 Responses will vary depending on the nature of the incident, but may include:

1. Counselling
2. Use of a report card
3. Involvement of external agencies
4. Monitoring by class teacher
5. Peer support/peer mentoring
6. Liaison with parents/guardian/social worker
7. Internal exclusion
8. Fixed term exclusion
9. Permanent exclusion

ANTI-BULLYING PROCEDURES

It is made clear that bullying in any form is unacceptable. It will be taken seriously and dealt with promptly

Staff Responsibilities

• To implement procedures to confront bullying in any form
• To listen to all parties involved in incidents
• To investigate incidents promptly and as fully as possible
• To take appropriate action or to refer to class teacher to do so
• To share with parents of the victim and bully, incidents of persistent and/or serious bullying
• To implement appropriate procedures for a member of staff
• To promote the use of a range of learning styles and strategies which challenge bullying behavior
• To promote open management styles which facilitate communication and consultation within the school and relevant outside agencies when appropriate
• To model the values our school believes in from the mission statement
• To promote the use of interventions which are least intrusive and most effective.

ANTI-BULLYING STRATEGIES

• Regular promotion of anti-bullying in assemblies.
• Use of CCTV within the school grounds to help with the prevention of bullying.
• A duty roster for staff so they patrol key areas before school, break, lunchtime and after school.
• Annual questionnaires to research student views on how safe they feel in school
• Self-esteem and circle time work in the school’s inclusion facilities
• Anti-bullying training for the Pastoral Leaders lessons on anti-bullying
• One to one counselling from a trained guidance councilor
• Strong teacher-student relationships so students feel comfortable in reporting any issues
• Information talks from the School Principal
• CEP(Child exploitation protection) training for staff
• Information leaflet for students and parents about E-Safety

 ANTI-BULLYING ADVICE TO PARENTS / CARE GIVERS

• A great deal of bullying is CYBER-BULLYING. Please regularly monitor your child’s use of texting, Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites. Access to these is out of the schools control when your child is not in school
• TALK to your child on a regular basis, so any problem is easier to share. Communication goes a long way.
• LISTEN to what they say, as communication is a two-way streak.
• ENCOURAGE your child to feel good about themselves, realizing that we are all different and equally important
• If you believe your child is being bullied or is a bully, talk to other adults at home or at school and explore the options. DON’T STAY SILENT
• If your child is a victim, assure them that it is not their fault and that you are going to do something to help.
• Be realistic in your expectations, sometimes on-going problems can take time to resolve
• TRY to be co-operative with our school and not be aggressive. Without a good working relationship between parents and the school the situation could deteriorate, which will not help you or them.
• ALWAYS remember that children cannot resolve bullying on their own. They NEED the support of parents/care givers and the school

REMEMBER – IT IS NOT YOUR CHILD’S FAULT

MONITORING, EVALUATION AND REVIEW 

The school will review this policy annually and assess its implementation and effectiveness.  The policy will be promoted and implemented throughout the school.  

STATEMENT OF INTENT

The aim of the anti-bullying policy is to ensure that pupils learn in a supportive, caring and safe environment without fear of being bullied. Bullying is anti-social behavior that could affect everyone; it is unacceptable. We, at Orion Academy are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our pupils so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. If bullying does occur, all pupils should be able to make reports and know that incidents will be dealt with promptly and effectively.

ORION ACADEMY CODE OF CONDUCT:

The code of conduct is broken down into two categories for the purpose of better comprehension. The broad category dictates the way in which parents, staff and students are expected to conduct themselves. The specific category breaks down expected behaviors of all parties at all points and periods during an academic year.

BROAD CODE OF CONDUCT

In the school context, staff, students and parents likewise, have responsibilities. To sustain a healthy learning environment, it is important that these parties to the education relationship acknowledge their respective responsibilities.

Orion Academy staff are expected to:

• Be punctual, well prepared and professional in their approach to education.
• Manage student performance effectively and motivate students to achieve realistic and meaningful personal goals.
• Be sensitive to the needs of their students and address learning difficulties in a positive manner.
• Praise, encourage, recognize and reward learners who strive to achieve.
• Create a classroom climate that is based on a learning partnership that makes education both relevant and stimulating.
• Set a positive example for their students to follow.
• Administer discipline correctively, with dignity and fairness.

The school prides itself on having good relations with the parents of learners. While parents must expect the school and its management to provide the best education possible for their wards with the available resources, parents must also accept responsibility to help the school achieve this goal.

Parents have the responsibility to:

• Actively support the efforts of the school and its staff to teach their children.
• Involve themselves to the fullest possible extent, in school activities.
• Make positive suggestions and contributions to improve the school’s education process and the learning environment.
• Encourage their children to participate fully in school and extracurricular activities.
• Participate in the learning process and assist their children with homework, provide encouragement, check results and communicate freely with the school.
• Not expect the school to meet their child’s every need and work with the school to overcome any student behavior that negatively affects the learning environment.
• Ensure that the students are in attendance at all compulsory attendance functions and activities, and that school timekeeping requirements are observed.
• Support the disciplinary structures and procedures in the school with the interests of maintaining an orderly and positive educational environment.

The school recognizes that every learner has the right to education and so strives to provide educational opportunities that the students and the entire community deserve. Students themselves must however, also recognize that they have responsibilities to their parents, the school, teachers, their colleagues and themselves.

In broad terms, students must therefore:

• Comply with instructions and the general rules of the school.
• Behave responsibly and not endanger the safety and welfare of others.
• Respect and care for the properties of the school and others.
• Maintain sound relations with others at school, be courteous and respect the dignity and self-worth of others.
• Be punctual and observe the timekeeping practices of the school.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude towards the opportunity to learn, and be diligent in their efforts to learn.
• Behave honestly and conduct themselves with integrity.
• Accept legitimate punishment and disciplinary action taken against them as being both necessary and corrective.

SPECIFIC CODE OF CONDUCT

1. STUDENTS’ REQUIREMENTS:

• Each student is to be equipped with the items on the checklist as prepared from time to time. Compliance must be ensured as regards specifications, color (for dresses), quality and quantity. Defaulters will not be checked in on resumption.

2. RESUMPTION:

• Every student is expected to resume on stipulated dates, latest 6:00pm. Late resumption except on health grounds (which will have been communicated earlier to the school) will attract punishment in form of manual labor for a number of days according to the length of lateness.
• A student who is absent from school until the half term without valid information from parents/guardian automatically forfeits his or her place in the school.

3. MODE OF DRESSING/APPEARANCE:

• Uniforms (school uniform, church, day and sport wears) must be sewn in compliance with the school designs. Any alteration to the approved designs by any student will be considered a serious offence. Apart from replacing such uniform, the concerned student will also be assigned manual labor.
• Students are to appear neat and tidy at all times and must wear their school uniforms correctly: ties must be correctly knotted and worn; shirts tucked in. Trousers must not be too long as to be marched on by the wearer.
• Black shoes with low heels shall be worn with the school uniform. No slippers, knocking soles or high-heeled shoes shall be worn.
• Girls are to weave their hair to at least six places. No ‘brush’ style is allowed. No attachments, hair relaxers or dyes are allowed.
• Girls shall wear tiny earrings and simple wristwatches. Other pieces of jewelry are not allowed, nor any form of make-up.
• Girls shall not wear very tight uniform or one that does not go below the knees.
• Girls’ top underwear must be black or white without inscription or colored design.
• Boys must keep their hair cut evenly low. No ‘funny’ styles will be allowed.
• Boys shall not wear moustaches, beards or sideburns.

NB: Punishments for violators include enforcement of compliance, seizure of the offensive item/material and manual labor.

4. ASSEMBLY:

• All students must be at assembly at the specified time, with their Bible and recommended hymnbook.
• Every student shall comport him/herself well during assembly and participate actively.

NB: Offenders shall be engaged in manual labor after school the same day.

5. CLASSROOM MANNERS AND RULES:

• It is compulsory for students to attend classes punctually. Lateness to classes will attract a sanction of standing for a part or the duration of the lesson.
• A student who has been reported to the Vice Principal or Principal three times for skipping classes without any good reason will have his/her parents invited and sign an undertaking of the student’s positive change, or else the student may be asked to withdraw.
• Students must listen attentively in class and allow everyone the right to learn. This is a golden rule in Orion.
• Students in a classroom in which there is no teacher should quietly engage themselves as not to disturb other classes and members of the class.
• Paper or other litter must not be left lying about. Books must be kept neatly while chairs and lockers must be arranged in an orderly manner. Classroom must be tidied up after tuck-shop.
• Classroom fittings (fans, bulbs, doors, windows, white boards) must be taken care of. They are not toys to be played with.
• Study periods are to be spent for the designed purpose, study, and not to be turned to a time to play.
• The classroom is not a place to sleep. Any student with a health condition that will make him or her sleep should go to the sick bay.

6. PUNCTUALITY:

• Students must be punctual to all functions, at all times. Response to the bell must be prompt.
• Lateness to any school activity is punishable by manual labor unless a reasonable and satisfactory explanation is given.   

7. WORK ETHICS:

• All students must establish sound work ethics to ensure the achievement of set goals and sustained academic progress. As a result, class work, assignments and projects must be done religiously and submitted as and when due. Frequent incidence of deviation from this will result in appropriate sanction, which may require inviting the parents of the erring student.

8. CLEAN ENVIRONMENT:

• It is the responsibility of all members of the school community, particularly the students, to keep the school premises and the classrooms free of litter. Everyone should pick up litter anywhere found on the school premises.
• No student should cross the lawn at any place in the school compound.
• Students shall cultivate healthy and clean toilet behavior by not leaving the toilet in a disgusting condition.

9. MANNERS:

• Students are expected to be courteous and respectful in their conduct, as expressed in greeting adults, welcoming visitors and offering help (such as carrying items for elders) where necessary.
• When walking along the corridors or entering the classrooms, students should stand aside for adults.
• No students should use foul language, for either another student or a member of staff.
• Students shall use the required set of cutlery for meals.
• No student should scramble for food of any sort.
• All students must sit down to take their meals and “tuck-shop” (refreshments at break time). Therefore, sharing the ‘tuck-shop’ should be done in the classroom.
• Any student going to the school library must know that it is NOT a room for sleeping, discussion, relaxation or recreation. No student should, therefore, make noise in the library.
• All library books used should be left on the table when student is leaving the library.

10. CONDUCT AMONG STUDENTS:

• The prefects are representatives of the school authority. They should be listened to and respected by all students. Any student who is reported to have disobeyed a prefect will be on working suspension for between a day and three days, depending on the gravity of offence.
• Any student caught fighting will be suspended for a minimum of one (1) week. If the fighting involves the use of any dangerous weapon, item or object that inflicted grievous injury on the other student, the student who has inflicted the injury will be expelled.
• Generally, any established act of bullying will attract suspension for a minimum of two (2) weeks. However, if bodily harm is caused on a fellow student, the offender will be expelled after a previous written warning by the appropriate authority.
• No student should play rough with another student if such could lead to harm or injury.
• No boy should manhandle a girl or hold her in an indecent way.
• It is an offence to provoke a fellow student by making jest, calling him/her offensive names, deliberately blocking his/her way, making insinuations about his /her parents, preventing/disturbing him/her from reading/studies, etc.

NB: The punishment for (d), (e) and (f) is manual labor for a day.

11. SCHOOL PPROPERTY:

• No classroom equipment or furniture should be removed from a classroom without the permission of a member of staff. Any equipment or furniture so moved must be returned to its proper place as soon as possible.
• Any student who loses or damages any school property will be liable to payment for necessary replacement.
• No student should dirty or scratch the walls. Any student caught shall be made to pay to renovate such area.

12. BOUNDS:

• The staff room is out of bounds to students, except on invitation by a teacher, who must be present at such time, or leave the student in the care of another teacher.
• The female hostel and female toilet (in the school area) are out of bounds to male students and vice versa.
• The following are out of bounds to students.
• Staff quarters
• School kitchen
• Examination room

NB: Under no circumstance should any student be found in these places. Violators will be suspended.

13. HANDLING CASH:

• No student should keep money while in school.
• Student pocket money or any money for special use should be handed over to the school bursar in exchange for a checkbook.

14. VALUABLE ITEMS:

• Students are advised not to bring any valuables or expensive items to school.
• All approved items must be put away and locked up in the students’ lockers.
• Cell phones or other gadgets from outside the school are not allowed with the schools premises.

15. VISITORS:

• No student should be seen with a visitor to the school without the permission of the school authority, except on visiting, inter-house sports and vacations days.
• Parents that wish to take their children away for an acceptable reason such as health, examination, interview, etc. when the school is still in session should write formally for permission to do so and approval must be given by the school authority before such student is released to either the parent(s) or someone else with a verified letter of authority.

16. TEST AND EXAMINATION:

• It is mandated for all students to take part in the tests and examinations that shall be conducted in/for their class from time to time.
• Only students who have fulfilled the promotion requirement as at the time of promotion will be promoted to the next class at the end of the academic year.

17. EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE:

• Any student caught copying the answers of another student shall have his answer sheets taken from him/her and will be given fresh answer sheets to start again, without being given extra time. He/she will still be given a week’s working suspension in school, with the accomplice.
• Any student caught with printed, written or worked materials in the examination room/hall shall have zero for that particular paper and will still go on a two-week suspension.
• Any student who gets live questions with the assistance of a member of staff before the examination and caught will be expelled on the establishment of the offence beyond reasonable doubt.
• Any student who breaks into the examination room in search of examination questions will be expelled, after the offence might have been established beyond reasonable doubt.
• Any other form of examination malpractice will attract expulsion after the offence might have been established beyond reasonable doubt.

18. STEALING:

• Every student is expected to have a number of items as spelt out in the check-in list. As a result, every student is expected to be contented with what he/she has. Any student who steals what belongs to another student will go on two weeks’ full suspension from the school.
• Any student who steals what belongs to other people in the school compound (members of staff, construction workers, parents etc.) will be expelled from the school.
• Any student who steals food item in the dining hall will be given two weeks’ working suspension.
• Any student who steals a library book will be given two weeks’ full suspension from the school. If he/she has mutilated or defaced the stolen book, he/she will replace it.

NB: A repeat of any of these acts of stealing will be punished by outright expulsion.

19. IMMORAL OFFENCES:

• Students must not engage in romantic relationship (‘pairing’). Any student found defaulting would be suspended for a minimum of two (2) weeks.
• Kissing, hugging and any other form of romantic behavior with the same/opposite sex are very unacceptable. Any student caught engaged in such will be expelled.

20. ALCOHOL, DRUG AND SMOKING OFFENCES:

• Students are not permitted to smoke cigarettes, consume alcoholic drinks or take hard drug. These substances must not be found on students and no explanation will be good enough to exonerate a defaulter. The punishment for breaking this rule is expulsion.

21. DANGEROUS OBJECTS AND WEAPONS:

• Dangerous objects such as knives, guns, pointed objects and acid must not be brought to school. Any student caught in possession of any dangerous object will be expelled.

22. COMMUNICATION:

(a) Students are given the opportunity to make positive contribution in the administration of the school. Their views should be channeled through the Students Representative Council (SRC) or the suggestion box provided by the school.

• It is an offence for any student to use the notice board or similar places to display his/her opinions. Any student so caught will be given manual labor.
• Notices on the board must not be defaced or mutilated. It is an offence for any student to write anything on such posted notices, or tear them. Offenders are liable to one week’s suspension.
• No student is permitted to take part in a demonstration or riot to register grievances. Any student caught will be expelled.

23. SCHOOL IMAGE:

• When students go out of the school, whether to write an examination, to take a flight, to represent the school in an official engagement or on a personal outing, they are expected to be worthy ambassadors of the school in words and deeds. Anything that may lead to quarrel shall be reported to the teacher(s) in charge, where it applies.
• Any student who engages in any act that can bring the school to disrepute will be given working suspension for at least a week, depending on the gravity of the act.

24. Consequences of going against the items listed in the Code of Conduct, which can vary depending on the gravity of the offence committed, are:

• Verbal Warning/Counseling
• Detention By Year Tutor/Vice Principal
• Removal of Privileges
• Internal Suspension/Working Suspension
• Expulsion

25. CONCLUSION:

Any other type of offence not listed in this code of conduct for students shall attract appropriate sanction(s) as deemed fit by the college authorities.

ORION ACADEMY DISCIPLINARY POLICY & PROCEDURES

Introduction and Objectives

The school fully supports the principles of fair discipline and the consistent application of appropriate and corrective disciplinary measures where necessary. These procedures indicates the broad standards of behavior that are expected of all students at the school, and encourages a responsible and self-disciplined approach, rather than a punitive one based on fear.

In an event where any student does not meet the afore mentioned expected norms of conduct, the school’s management will initiate corrective action. Corrective action may or may not include the application of formal disciplinary measures, which will only be applied to prevent further occurrences of unacceptable behavior or to restore the teacher/student relationship.

Further, the Procedure, much like the Code is documented and issued to ensure that corrective action and discipline are administered consistently, promptly and fairly. This procedure and code are considered important elements of the schools mode of conduct and are applicable to all students. It should also be noted that this document could also speak to the behavior of the student outside of normal school hours, should his/her conduct impact negatively on the teacher/student relationship or image of the school.

The maintenance of discipline and ensuring orderly classroom behavior are an integral part of every teacher’s job. The responsibility therefore lies with the school’s staff and management to apply these procedures in an effective and equitable manner, in the interests of the well-being of the school and all its stakeholders.

This document will be made readily available to every staff, student and parent at the school.

Please note that this procedure is not intended as an exhaustive guideline to cope with any disciplinary related issue. Rather it is intended to indicate fundamental values and principles according to which corrective action and discipline are to be effectively implemented by the school.

The school has a number of specific rules that define the kinds of behavior expected of its students.

Students will be advised of these rules and expected to conduct themselves within the structure of said rules.

In light of the fact that it is impossible for this procedure to list every possible rule infringement, the Principal and management are entitled to apply action that they believe is appropriate in unarticulated circumstances, within the guidelines provided by this procedure.

DISCIPLINARY MEASURES

The school reserves the right to exercise both informal and formal disciplinary measures, as it deems appropriate. The decision as to which procedure to follow will depend on the seriousness of the alleged infringement and any mitigating or aggravating circumstances.

Disciplinary measures that may be applied by the school include the following:

• Counselling by a staff member or Verbal reprimand
• Written punishment
• Teacher/class Apology
• Break detention
• Community service
• Parent contact or interview,
• Withdrawal of privileges or awards or prefect positions
• Disciplinary Inquiry
• Disciplinary Hearing
• Suspension
• Expulsion

Discipline should be appropriate to the offence and applied progressively.

Repeated committing of similar or related offences will result in progressively more severe action being taken, particularly where a clear pattern or trend is indicated by the student’s continued misconduct.

A serious first incident may, however, justify a severe penalty, including expulsion, and mitigate against the imposition of a lesser form of action.

A serious offence will be recorded in the student’s file for an appropriate period.

DISCIPLINARY PROCESS

Ours is a relatively simple system of discipline, based on the notion of “respect” which is heavily emphasized in our Code of Conduct. This section outlines the procedures that will be followed by the school when taking disciplinary action:

Minor infringements (LEVEL 1)

Infringements that are not considered serious, or do not require formal disciplinary action in the opinion of the relevant teacher, will be dealt with directly by the said teacher.

These are not generally recorded on the student’s record but may still require communication with his/her parents. Staff may implement these informal disciplinary measures without reference to the disciplinary committee or the Principal. Repeat offences however, must be referred to the councilor who will decide on the appropriate punishment.

The teacher in the classroom deals with LEVEL 1 offences as they occur. If the punishment is not executed, or the offence is repeated constantly, a demerit is given to the student. These demerits are forwarded to the disciplinary committee so that appropriate records of students who consistently misbehave are kept. Students who receive three or more demerits will be placed on a Formal Detention (Friday). Not attending a Formal Detention will result in the Detention time being extended. Repeated detentions could result in the execution of more serious actions against the student.

LEVEL 1 infringements include behavior that impedes on teaching such as:

• Being late for class.
• Leaving books at home.
• Being disruptive in class.
• Not using the homework notepad.
• Homework not being completed or attempted at all.
• Minor insolence.
• Eating or drinking during a class.
• Being out of class without permission.
• A failure to fulfil commitments.

Academic diligence infringements include:

• Incomplete or unduly submitted homework or projects.
• Homework left at home.
• Work copied/minor plagiarism.
• No doctor’s note for missed tests/exam.
• Poor work ethic.

Code of Conduct offences include:

• Being late for school.
• Being absent without an excuse note/doctor’s note.
• Lack of respect and manners towards adults.
• Uniform infringements.
• Unacceptable behavior within or outside the classroom.
• Minor vandalism.
• Foul language.
• Inappropriate public display of affection.
• Being out of bounds.

Recommended action:

• Verbal reprimand
• Written punishment
• Teacher/class Apology
• Break detention
• Management contact
• Compulsory Extra lesson attendance.

SERIOUS INFRINGEMENTS (LEVELS 2, 3, 4)

When a relatively more serious infringement occurs or is alleged, the staff concerned and the  Management should investigate the complaint in order to determine the appropriate disciplinary procedure to be followed.

At this stage, before the validity and details of the complaint have been established, the school will not necessarily advise the parents of a student that a complaint is being investigated. The parents will be informed if the matter escalates.

The school reserves the rights to discipline its students according to the principle of natural justice prior to expulsion. If the circumstances warrant it, the infringement will be reported in the student’s record and/or to the student’s parents or guardian who would be advised to cooperate with the school concerning misconduct.

Parents will not be informed of all infringements of school rules. They will be informed, preferably in writing, in the circumstances listed below. As much detail as necessary will be communicated to the parents:

• Where there has been a continued infringement of minor school rules.
• Where there has been an act of serious misconduct.
• Where a student is to be suspended for the investigation of an act of serious misconduct.
• Where a student is to be suspended pending the outcome of a disciplinary hearing.
• When a student is suspended, either as a form of punishment or pending an investigation into an alleged incident or pending the convening of a disciplinary hearing in which case a letter from the Principal will be sent home with the student.

The following should be noted:

The written note will or letter will be addressed to both parents, explaining to them, the status of the status. The Principal will request an interview with the parents as soon as possible. The interview in question can be postponed to enable the school to complete any investigations that may be required into the act of the alleged serious misconduct.

Any public statements by a school official will only state that an incident is alleged to have taken place, and that it is under investigation. It may indicate also, that as soon as the matter is concluded it will be communicated to the school community.

The authorities may be contacted when criminal offences have taken place.

LEVEL 2 offences are referred to the disciplinary committee who will conduct due investigation into the incident and decide on the appropriate punishment and parent contact. The committee will keep a record of all LEVEL 2 offences as well as actions taken against them.

LEVEL 2 INFRINGEMENTS INCLUDE:

• Repeated LEVEL 1 offences.
• Homework not completed or attempted at all after 1^st warning and deadline.
• Major insolence.
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• Vandalism/Damage to student property.
• Truancy from school or any lesson or College activity at which attendance is compulsory.
• Disregard for teacher and punishment.
• Major academic diligence issues.
• Sport/Extracurricular commitment.

Recommended level 2 action: 

• Detention (Friday) to complete homework
• Detention and parent contact if required
• Teacher/class apology
• Compulsory extra lesson attendance
• Detention and
• Daily report
• Letter of final warning
• Detention and Daily subject report
• Saturday detention
• Community service
• Parent contact or interview.

NB: Formal detentions not completed (more than three) may be referred to the Disciplinary Committee for a disciplinary inquiry.

LEVEL 3 and 4 offences are referred to the Disciplinary Committee who will do the necessary investigation of the incident and then make a disciplinary inquiry.

LEVEL 3 infringements include:

• Repeated LEVEL 2 offences.
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• Bullying or any form of initiation.
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• Infringement of exam rules and cheating.
• Smoking
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• Conduct that brings the school into disrepute.
• Knowingly and willfully supplying false information or falsifying documentation to gain an unfair advantage.
• Seriously threatening, disrupting or frustrating teaching or learning in a class.
• Engaging in a conspiracy to disrupt the proper functioning of the school through collective action.
• Insulting the dignity of or defaming a staff member or student.
• Distributing any test or examination material that may enable another person to gain an unfair advantage.
• Fraud, including the forging of any other person’s signature.

 Recommended LEVEL 3 actions after a Disciplinary Inquiry has been held:

• Formal detentions
• Community service
• Parent contact or interview
• Withholding or withdrawal of privileges or awards
• Exclusion from extracurricular activities
• Referral to a Disciplinary Hearing with the possibility of Suspension and Expulsion.

LEVEL 4 infringements include:

• Repeated LEVEL 3 offences.
• Criminal offences.
• Possessing, consuming and/or distributing any substances prohibited by law, e.g. Drugs.
• Possessing, consuming and/or distributing any Alcoholic products.
• Possessing and/or using any weapons, dangerous toys or other dangerous items.
• Smoking
• 2^nd offence of major LEVEL 3 offence.

Recommended LEVEL 4 action after a Disciplinary Inquiry or Hearing has been held:

• Formal detentions
• Community service
• Parent contact or interview
• Withholding or withdrawal of privileges or awards
• Exclusion from extracurricular activities
• The possibility of Suspension and Expulsion.

The Head of College and the Principal must be notified, who may involve the appropriate authorities for all recommendations for suspension or expulsion.

DISCIPLINARY COMMITTEE (DC)

The DC is constituted as follows:

1. A senior member of staff, or a suitably qualified or experienced person appointed by the school as Chairperson.
2. A relevant member of staff, possibly the Head of Pastoral Care.
3. A friend, family member or other teacher, chosen by the accused learner to be present in a supportive capacity (if appropriate).
4. Any other person, at the discretion of the Chairperson.
5. The councilor.
6. No legal representative is allowed, unless both the school and the parents agree that it is appropriate for BOTH parties to be professionally represented especially when police authorities are to be involved.

The Chairperson will conduct the inquiry or hearing, indicate to the councilor or appointed school representative beforehand what investigation, written statements and parent communication will be required before and during the inquiry or hearing, and appoint a staff member to take minutes.

Disciplinary Inquiries (DI) or Hearings (DH)

For all LEVEL 3 (DI) and LEVEL 4 (DI or DH) offences:

The councilor or a suitably appointed person will investigate any incident that has been brought to his attention, and follow up by:

• Interviewing and attaining written statements (signed and dated) of the incident from the staff member and/or all other witnesses who were involved in the incident.
• Interviewing and attaining written statements (signed and dated) of the incident from the accused student(s).
• Notifying the parents/guardian of the accused and victims of the details of incident, and that the incident is being investigated. (No later than 24 hours after the incident).
• Notifying the Principal and Discipline Committee of the incident.
• After the investigation and confirmation of the disciplinary action to be taken, notifying the parents/guardian and the accused student of the inquiry or hearing detail.

In the case of a hearing, notification must be in writing. Parents will receive an original and a copy to be signed by themselves and the accused student and then returned to the councilor who will then:

• Prepare and present the required documentation at the inquiry or hearing.
• Prepare and present the school’s case at the hearing.
• Follow up on decisions made at inquiry/hearing.
• Interview the parents of the accused and any victims after action has been taken.

Where necessary, a written notification of a disciplinary inquiry or hearing will be given to the student and parents/guardian (at least two working days’ notice). The notification must:

• State when and where the inquiry/hearing is to be held.
• State the name of the person chairing the Inquiry.
• State the substance of the complaint or complaints against the student.
• Advice the student and his/her parents or guardian that they are expected to attend the hearing as their non-attendance may prejudice their case and result in the hearing being held in their absence.

NB: The principles of natural justice will apply to both parties at the hearing, ensuring that both parties can lead evidence, cross-examine and call witnesses.

The conducting of the formal Disciplinary Hearing is of great importance and must be chaired by an objective senior school official or a suitably qualified or experienced third party.

The Hearing chairperson will be responsible for leading and managing the Hearing process, and making the critical decision as to:

• The guilt or innocence of the student relative to the allegations made
• The appropriate penalty/action to be taken, ONLY after due consideration of mitigating and aggravating factors.

To ensure that this crucial procedure is properly and fairly conducted, all Disciplinary Hearings should be conducted in such a way as to ensure that the rules of natural justice are complied with, i.e. the student and parent:

• Must properly understand the allegations being made before commencing with the hearing.
• Should be presented with all the relevant facts and information relating to the allegations.
• Must be given the opportunity to question information provided and evidence led.
• Are entitled to present their own perspective and explain/defend the student’s actions, and if appropriate, lead evidence in support of the student’s defense.
• Must be treated with dignity and respect throughout the Hearing.
• Are to be assured of the greatest confidentiality possible.
• Must be advised of the outcome [verdict] of the Hearing, the decision made regarding penalty and the reasons for such decisions.
• Must be offered the right to appeal against any decisions made by the chairperson.

Some facts to note:

• Legal representation is not permitted at an internal Disciplinary Inquiry or Hearing (to limit legal costs and to maintain privacy).
• Decisions taken shall be guided by the Disciplinary Code, but shall reflect the individual merits of each unique case.
• The chairperson will have a broad discretion to determine the manner in which evidence is led and in which the proceedings are to be conducted.
• The school reserves the right to suspend the student pending the Hearing.

Factors to consider in the convening and outcome of a Disciplinary Hearing:

• The student’s best interest must be considered at all times. This must be tempered by the responsibility of the chairperson of the Hearing to the rest of the school community.
• The strictest confidentiality must be adhered to, as most Hearings will be dealing with minors. In this regard, the school undertakes to inform only the necessary employees and officials for the continued smooth functioning of the school. The amount of information to be given to other members of the school community is left to the Principal’s discretion.
• The chairperson of the Hearing must be impartial. He/she cannot have been involved in any way in the investigation of the alleged offence, and if he/she is materially affected in any way, he/she may not chair the Hearing.
• The Hearing will be conducted in the language of instruction of the school, English. If the student or his/hers/their parents require any translation or interpretation they may provide it at their own expense.
• Separate Hearings may be convened to hear the case of different students involved in the same alleged act of misconduct.
• The investigator will inform the student(s) and his/her/their parents in writing of the charge against said student(s). Details of the time and venue of the Hearing will also be provided.
• The Hearing will be convened within seven working days of the alleged offence having been reported to the Principal, unless there are circumstances that make this impossible.
• The student(s) has/have a right to have his/her/their parents present at the Hearing. If this is impossible, the parents(s) may request in writing that another adult be present in their place. Their absence, unless with good cause, will not be allowed to delay the Hearing unnecessarily.
• The chairperson’s findings should be based only on evidence presented at the Inquiry.
• At the conclusion of the evidence on the merits, the chairperson must determine whether the student is guilty of the misconduct alleged in the notification of the Disciplinary Hearing. No finding of misconduct should be made in respect of infringements for which prior notice was not given or where there was not a proper opportunity to challenge the allegations. In the case of such a secondary complaint(s), a second Inquiry conducted in the same informal manner and subject to the same principles as the first, should be held to determine the appropriate sanction for that complaint.
• After the completion of the Disciplinary Hearing, any findings made should be communicated in writing to the student’s parents or guardian by the chairperson. If the student is found guilty of any misconduct, the chairperson must briefly state the reasons for the finding and the sanction imposed. In the event that the sanction is expulsion, this notification must include a reminder that the student has the right to appeal to the Principal in writing within five days of the hearing’s outcome being communicated. An appeal will be conducted by a person or persons appointed by the Board.
• The chairperson must ensure that a record or summary of the evidence led at the Inquiry is kept. The school must keep copies of the record and all documentation used at the Inquiry for at least three months after the conclusion of the Inquiry.
• If the student has been suspended pending the completion of the Hearing process, the submission of an appeal will not affect the suspension which will remain in place until the appeal has also been concluded.
• The appeal should be conducted within five school days of receipt of the appeal motivation.
• When the appeal tribunal has made a decision, after giving due consideration to the matters raised in the appeal, the written finding must be provided to the parents or guardian of the student within five days of the finding having been made.
• Decisions taken shall be guided by the Disciplinary Code, but shall reflect the individual merits of each unique case.
• A decision shall be reached within five working days of the Hearing, and presented, in writing, to the parties concerned. Students shall have five working days to respond to the decision of the Disciplinary Committee, said time commencing on the date of receipt of the letter. The student shall sign for such letter.
• Parents shall receive an original and a copy of the original letter. The copy is to be signed by the parent and returned to a member of the Disciplinary Committee the next school day.
• All correspondence is to be filed in the student’s file, and copies of such correspondence shall be given to the relevant staff (counsellor) and all concerned parties.

COLLECTIVE DISCIPLINARY ACTION

The above disciplinary procedure is principally designed to deal with instances of misconduct by individual students. Allegations of misconduct by a group or groups of students, or involving several alleged infringements of a similar nature, constitute collective misconduct.

Collective misconduct may be dealt with more effectively on a collective basis. A single investigation and Disciplinary Hearing may then be held, subject to the principles set out above, adapted where necessary.

In a collective Disciplinary Hearing, individual students still should be given the opportunity to demonstrate that their circumstances differ from the rest of the group.

The school reserves the right to adopt either individual or collective procedures as it deems appropriate.

APPEAL REVIEW PROCESS

The Principal or Head of school will in all results act and chair the “Appeal Court”.

The student’s parents have the right to appeal against any formal disciplinary action imposed by the school.

Lodging an appeal against a decision to suspend or expel the student after a Disciplinary Hearing has been conducted, only entitles the student to an appeal review. Typical grounds for such an appeal review may include:

• The disciplinary procedure was not properly followed.
• The decision on guilt was not considered correct or fair.
• The decision regarding action to be taken was considered inappropriate.
• Mitigating factors were not properly considered.
• The Enquiry chairperson was considered to be biased, did not apply his/her mind, or supposedly made a subjective decision.
• The learner was not in a position to properly present his or her case.
• New and relevant evidence can be presented which may affect the decisions made.

SOME NOTABLE POINTS:

The parent[s] wishing to appeal must motivate their appeal in writing, detailing in full, their grounds for the appeal. The request for appeal must be submitted to the school within five days after the Hearing chairperson’s decision has been communicated to the parents so as not to delay proceedings.

If the learner has been suspended pending the completion of the Hearing process, the submission of an appeal will not affect the suspension which will remain in effect until the appeal process has also been concluded. In the case of any other formal disciplinary action being imposed by the Hearing chairperson, the imposition of such action will be held in abeyance pending the appeal process.

1. The student’s basic right to an appeal against disciplinary action does not ordinarily mean that all the matters raised at the Disciplinary Hearing will be “re-heard”. The appeal procedure is generally limited only to reviewing the decisions made, and is based on the grounds and motivations lodged in the appeal motivation. A full appeal re-hearing is ONLY necessary when the Disciplinary Hearing process is considered to have been materially defective by the person responsible for the appeal review, or if the decisions reached at the Hearing are considered to be potentially suspect.

Should it become obvious that a full re-hearing for a fair appeal, usually due to a defective Disciplinary

Hearing process or substantial new evidence having come to light after the Hearing, a full Appeal

(Re-)Hearing should be conducted in accordance with the principles highlighted above, chaired by a new chairperson.

2. The school will elect an appropriate person or panel to conduct the appeal review, or re-hearing if considered necessary. The review, or re-hearing should wherever possible, be conducted within five (school) days of receipt of the appeal motivation. When a decision has been made by the Review or Hearing chairperson/panel, after consideration of the matters raised in the appeal, a written finding must be provided to the parents within a further five days, and a copy of the finding placed in the student’s file for safekeeping.

The findings should indicate the review’s response to the specific matters raised in the appeal motivation.

The conclusion of the school’s appeal procedure is the final step in the school disciplinary process and marks the exhaustion of internal disciplinary measures.

 Head of School’s request to withdraw the student from the school

If the punishment contemplated is expulsion from the school, the Principal may request an interview with the parents/guardian. The purpose of the discussion is to conveying the conclusion of the disciplinary committee given the incident of Serious Misconduct and considering the rest of his record at the school.

The Principal will ask the parents/guardian to remove the student from the school.

In any interview discussion with parents, the school should have a witness present, e.g. the Principal’s Personal Assistant/School Secretary can play this function.

The amount of information to be given to other members of the school community is left to the Head of

School’s discretion. The Principal will announce the findings and sanctions of all Disciplinary Inquiries and Hearings during an assembly to the student body, as well as through the school newsletter to the parent body.