CODE OF CONDUCT

FOR
LEARNERS

January 2018
Code of conduct for students.
The personal appearance and dress of students must fit in with the norms generally accepted
by the community served by school, and as set out in the printed uniform prescriptions.

Students must attend school for the full academic day. They may not leave the school site
without the permission of the principal.

Students may not leave the school premises early for no reason. If a student needs to go
home early for whatever reason, the parent must give a suitable reason in writing. (If no letter
has been received, reception will have to communicate with the parent by phone before a
student may leave the school premises early.)

If a student is absent, his or her parents must furnish the principal with an acceptable reason
for the absence. (preferably a doctor certificate) Kindly inform the school, first thing in the
morning before 09:00, if the child is absent from school.

Students are required to obey the reasonable instructions of the staff.

While under the supervision of the school, a student may not damage or endanger the
physical welfare of another person or animal.

No weapons, implements or materials which can cause bodily harm may be in the possession
of students at school or while under the supervision of the school.

Students may not have in their possession, nor use, cigarettes or any tobacco products, other
drugs, alcoholic beverages or objectionable printed or recorded matter or objects, when on
the school's premises, when in school uniform or when under the supervision of the school.

School property, or the property of others, may not be taken, damaged, defaced or
polluted.

Students must participate in the educational programme prescribed by the education

department, unless exemption has been granted by the department.

Students may not use any facilities or equipment of the school, including those for sport, nor
be on the school grounds, outside school hours without the principal's permission.

Students may not bring discredit to the name of their school in any way.

Students may not sexually harass, bully, fight with, or tease other students or members of
the school community.

January 2018
Vision
* We send well balanced, well-educated and winged young adults
into the world by offering them the main stream curriculum in an
alternative and creative way
* Together we make the difference

Mission
* We are committed to quality education

* Delivering excellent service to learners, parents and the general

public.

* Creating a place where each individual can discover themselves

and reach their full potential.
* We encourage overall maximum growth

* Encourage balance between academics and the personal

growth/welfare of each child (and teacher).

* A place where teachers commit themselves to grow, change

and adapt with the school and the needs of learners.

* To create a place where teachers are encouraged to be

balanced (body, mind and soul) in order to help the child to
discover their full potential.

January 2018
PREAMBLE

The school is committed to providing an environment for the delivery of quality teaching
and learning by
• Promoting the rights and safety of all learners and teacher
• Ensuring learners’ responsibility for their own actions and behaviour’s
• Prohibiting all forms of discrimination and intolerance.

The Code of Conduct of MONDEOR ECO SCHOOL (Pty) Ltd in accordance with the
Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (Act 108 of 1996) and the South African Schools’
Act (SASA) (as amended) strives to uphold and protect the rights of learners as individuals
and as group. The Code of Conduct spells out the rules regarding learner behaviour at
school and describes the disciplinary system to be implemented by the school concerning
transgressions by learners. It is applicable to the learner not only when at school but at all
times and places for as long as the learner is enrolled at the school.

Section 8(4) of the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996 (SASA) (as amended) provides
that all learners attending a school are bound by the Code of Conduct of that school.

All learners attending the school are expected to sign a statement of commitment of the
Code of Conduct.

The administration of the Code of Conduct is the responsibility of the Disciplinary

Committee of the School.

THE PRINCIPLES UPON WHICH THE CODE OF CONDUCT IS BASED

1. The best interests of the learner are its primary consideration

2. The Code of Conduct focuses on positive discipline
3. It is not punitive and punishment-orientated
4. It seeks to promote self-discipline
5. It seeks to suit the developmental level of the learner
6. It strives towards the establishment of a culture of tolerance and peace
7. It strives to establish a sustainable learning environment conductive to high quality
achievements.

THE ROLE OF PARENTS / GUARDIANS

The ultimate responsibility for learners’ behaviour rests with their parents/guardians. It is
expected that all our parent/guardians should
1. Support the school at all times
2. Require their children to adhere to school rules
3. Accept responsibility for learner misbehaviour
4. Take an active interest in their children’s curricular and co-curricular activities
5. Make it possible for children to complete their homework
6. Attend related meetings, official parent/guardian evenings and other intervention-related meetings
7. Be actively involved and accept the invitation to join all official school activities where
parent/guardian involvement is required.

January 2018
SCHOOL RULES

The school rules are intended to establish a disciplined and purposeful environment to
facilitate teaching and learning at school. Nothing shall exempt a learner from complying
with the school rules. Ignorance of school rules is, therefore, not an accepted excuse.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

1. Learners are always expected to behave in a courteous and considerate manner

towards each other, Monitors, members of staff, parent/guardians and visitors to the
school, and ultimately to respect themselves.
2. Learners and parent/guardians are expected to abide by the school rules with regard
to appearance and behaviour when representing the school both during school hours
and after school hours. Learners may not say or do anything that will discredit
themselves or the school, as both learners and parent/guardians are ambassadors
of the school.
3. No learner has the right at any time to behave in a manner that will disrupt the learning
activity of other learners or will cause another learner physical or emotional harm.
4. The school will contact parent/guardians when a learner’s behaviour becomes a
cause of concern and will Endeavour, in a spirit of constructive partnership to resolve
the problem.

VALUABLES AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS

1. The school will not be held responsible for theft or damage to personal belongings
on school premises. This includes cell phones, books and clothing, digital devices,
large sums of money and valuables.
2. If a parent/guardian requests a learner to pay school fees on his/her behalf, such
fees must be paid in to the relevant secretary not later than the register period every
day.
3. Learners may not bring computer games, iPods or similar electronic devices to school
4. Cell phones (with or without earphones) may not be used to play music during school
hours accept with the permission of an educator or the principal.

GENERAL RULES

1. All litter must be placed in refuse bins or wastepaper baskets.

2. Wilful damaging, vandalizing or neglect of school property and the property of others
(either by writing or by a physical act) is prohibited
3. Any act of cheating in class work, homework, informal and formal tests or internal
examinations is prohibited. Furthermore, copying of and/or borrowing another
learner’s work is forbidden except with special permission by the relevant subject
teacher.
4. Disruptive, unruly, rude and/or offensive behaviour will not be tolerated.
5. The timeous handing in of work is the sole responsibility of each learner.
6. Each learner will respect the beliefs, culture, dignity and rights of teachers and of all
other learners, as well as their right to privacy and confidentiality.
7. Language that is seen as pejorative, discriminatory or racist is prohibited, both
towards teachers and learners.
January 2018
 8. Any act that belittles or humiliates a teacher or another learner’s culture, race or
religion is prohibited.
9. All learners have the right to an education free of interference, intimidation and/or
physical abuse.
10. Each learner will respect the property and safety of other learners and members of
staff
11. Fighting or threatening of other learners as well as members of staff is forbidden.
12. Each learner will respect those in positions of authority
13. Any learner in a position of authority will conduct him/herself in a manner befitting
someone in authority. He/she will respect the rights of other learners and will not
abuse such authority bestowed upon him/her through his/her position.
14. The possession of, copying, reading and/or distribution of offensive material
(including pornography) is strictly prohibited on the school grounds and at school
functions.
15. The possession of or copying of test and exam papers prior to them being written, is
strictly prohibited on the school grounds.
16. All learners participating in sport must strictly abide by the rules of relevant sports
code.
17. If a learner is injured or falls ill during school hours, it must be reported to the office
immediately.
18. Strangers or people not connected to the school may not be on the school grounds
without the Principal’s permissions.

RULES GOVERNING PLACES

1. The school is a place of safety and a “weapon free zone” and laws pertaining to
public spaces are applicable.
2. No dangerous objects or illegal drugs as defined in the South African Schools’ Act
(SASA) of the Safety Regulations shall be brought onto and/or used on the school
property. This includes knives, firearms and any sharp object.
3. Alcohol is not permitted on the school premises o during any school activity.
4. The possession of and/or consumption of illegal chemical substances and drugs
on school grounds or at school functions are prohibited including anabolic steroids.
5. The school area may not be entered after hours, or during weekends, or holidays
without the Principal’s permission.
6. The staff room, staff work room and Photostat rooms are out of bounds

January 2018
 BEHAVIOURAL TRANSGRESSIONS

Contracts relating to positive behaviour will be signed by all learners, Gr. 8 – 12 at the
beginning of the academic year.

1. Level one: to be dealt with by the respective subject teacher: (the

parent/guardian must be contacted after the third consecutive
transgression)
*Shouting and screaming during class rotations *Written warning
*Talking repeatedly during instructional time *Performing tasks under supervision
*Continuous late-coming for class *Temporary isolation of learner
*Graffiti on walls, desks *Detention during break
*Violation of dress code *Cleaning of grounds/classroom
*Eating during instructional time *Confiscation of unwanted items (e.g. cell phones)
*Hiding others’ school cases/uniforms *Parents/guardians phoned to come and fetch the
*Littering of classroom/school grounds learner
*Non-cooperation in class (defiance)
*Back-chats teacher (disrespect)
*Cell phones in class
*Spitting
*Farting
*Making inappropriate noises in class
*Failing to carry out a reasonable request
relating to school work
*Books left at home/homework not done on time or
copied

2. Level two: to be dealt with by the specific Phase Disciplinary Head: (the
parent/guardian has to be contacted after the third consecutive
transgression)
* Use of vulgar language *Verbal warning
*Bunking classes (truancy) *Written warning
*Leaves school grounds without permission *Counselling
*Bullying/threatening other learners *Find out reason and make appropriate arrangements
*Damage the property *Repair or replacement of property
*Defiance/disregard for authority *Temporary suspension (removal) from class
*Disrespectful behaviour in class leading to *Sit an additional detention session
frustration of teaching and learning/disruption *0(zero) for test (plagiarism) and warning letter
of classes
*Misconduct during (at) an assembly
*Continual interferences with another
learner(s), causing physical or mental
discomfort
*Failure to attend detention without prior
arrangements made
*Plagiarism of any work or cheating/attempted
cheating in class test/assignment

January 2018
 3. Level three: to be dealt with by the Principal’s tribunal – a formal disciplinary
hearing
where the Principal with the Phase Heads will hear each case: (the
parent/guardian has to be contacted)
* Disrespect of other learners and/or members *In-school suspension
of staff, questioning the authority of the *Out-of-school suspension
appointed admin and professional staff *Suspension from school activities
members, Prefects and monitors, and bringing *Final written warning
the school’s name in disrepute *Refer learner to professional intervention
*Serious disruption of classes, during formal *Monetary compensation
contact sessions, making it impossible for
teaching to take place
*Falsification of documents
*Threatening the safety of others (including
causing bodily harm to another person and
intimidation including cyber bulling)
*Fighting (where the intend of the person is to
cause physical harm)
*Hurting others on purpose (where the intend
of the person is to cause physical harm)
*Verbal abuse of a teacher
*Forgery of signature parent/guardian/teacher
*Vandalism (the malicious damage of property)
– school,
*Possession of dangerous objects and weapons

4. Level four: to be dealt with by the Disciplinary Committee of the School: (the
parent/guardian has to be contacted)
* Repeated offences relating from levels 1 – 3 *Referral to professional intervention
*Racist remarks towards other *Final written warning
*Hate speech *Community service
*Discrimination : Gender/race/religion *Out-of-school suspension
*Possession, use and/or distribution of *Monetary compensation
chemical or stupefying substances (including *Suspension from school activities
being drunk at school/school functions, or *Compulsory attendance of a life skills program
devices relating to this misconduct, e.g. *Progress monitoring report for a minimum of 2(two)
Hookah) weeks

*Forming of and/or participating in gangster

activity (informal organizations which could
have a harmful influence on the ethos of the
school)
*Disruption of the entire school (e.g. bomb
threats or threatening the life-support systems
of the school: fire hydrants, etc)
*Sexual harassment (verbal, cyber, written and
Physical)

January 2018
 5. Level five: to be recommended for expulsion by the Head of Department of
Education, Western Cape, following a formal disciplinary hearing by the
Disciplinary Committee of the School where a learner has been found guilty
after due process has been followed:
5.1 Repeated offences relating to levels 1 – 4
5.2 Possession and/or distribution of pornographic material (printed and electronic)
5.3 Performing sexual acts on school premises or at school activities
5.4 Murder and assault with the intent to cause serious bodily harm on the school property
or school-related events
5.5 Possession of weapons (fire arms, knifes, etc) on school grounds or at school functions
5.6 Poisoning or attempting to poison another person on the premises or school-related
functions
5.7 Indecent exposure
5.8 Rape (including attempted rape and indecent assault/any sexual contact or intercourse
by minor in nonconference with the Children’s Act re sexual behaviour of minors)
5.9 Robbery (on school grounds or at school functions/learners, teachers, parent/guardians
or visitors falling prey)
5.10 Engaging in a conspiracy to disrupt the proper functioning of the school through
collective action (illegal strikes or other non-compliant activities) resulting in sound
education not taking place.
5.11 Involving/attempting to involve outsiders in dispute between learners (without
permission, e.g. Cosas or any other representative bodies not having permission to
raise their thoughts on current matters)
5.12 Breaking and entering (e.g. stealing of exam materials)
5.13 Public indecency (overwhelming public display of affection)
5.14 Financial fraud / embezzlement
5.16 Sedition any form of illegal strike action/meeting/campaign, political activity other that
acts complying with prescribed education
5.17 Dealing in forbidden or contraband substances (on school grounds and at a school
functions)
5.18 When a learner is found guilty by a Court of law for breaking the laws of the country and
sentence has been passed by the legal presiding authority

ISSUES PERTAINING TO HEARINGS

• Written notice of hearing must be given at least (5) days prior to the date of the hearing,
which could imply temporary suspension from classes, excluding formal scheduled tests,
examinations and orals which count towards the term/year mark.
• When a notice is issued to a learner, the learner must acknowledge receipt of the notice
by signing it. The parent/guardian has to sign such a notice as well. The signing of this
receipt is NOT an admission of guilt.
• If a learner does not appear at a hearing, the hearing will be conducted in his/her absence.
A written verdict will be issued to the offender who must acknowledge the content of it by
signing the document.
• The disciplinary Committee of Mondeor Eco School will consist of at least the following :
▪ *The Chairperson/Deputy Chairperson
▪ *Two SGB (parent/guardian) representatives
▪ *the School Principal or a delegated
member of staff *The Grade Head
• The hearing must be attended by the learner, and he/she may request other learners to
attend or his/her defence.
• The following rights of the learner will prevail at a hearing:
▪ *the right to a formal hearing
▪ *the right to be present at the hearing

January 2018
 ▪ *the right to be given time to prepare
his/her case *the right to be given
advance notice of the charges
▪ *the right t be represented at the hearing by an internal
representative *the right to be assisted at the hearing by
parent/guardians, if under-age
▪ *the right to ask questions on any evidence produced, or on
statements of witnesses *the right to call witnesses to testify on
behalf of the learner
▪ *the right to an interpreter or legal aid (to be requested in writing
by the learner, 24 hours prior to the hearing)
▪ *the right to request a review of the disciplinary action taken
against him/her if sufficient grounds exist.
• The Principal will ensure that all documentation related to the offence is kept, and that the
disciplinary measures are imposed.

LOCO PARENTIS
• The school is compelled to refer behaviour that constitutes a criminal offense to the SAPS
for further investigation
• If the learner’s behaviour is a threat to him/herself or other learners, the school reserves the
right to take the necessary steps to find alternative placement or treatment for the said
learner.
• The school reserves the right to refer a leaner for counselling if his/her behaviour is deemed
to be socially unacceptable.

SEARCH
The principal or an educator, upon reasonable suspicion (supported by sufficient information)
has the legal authority to conduct a search of any learner or property in possession of the earner
for a dangerous weapon, firearm, drugs, or harmful dangerous substance, stolen property, or
pornographic material brought on to the school property. A search may be performed in terms of
the following Acts of general application: Control of Access to Public Premises and Vehicles Act
(Act 53 of 1985), Drugs and Drug Trafficking Act (Act 140 of 1992), Arms and Ammunition Act
(Act 75 of 1969), Education Laws Amendment Act (Act 24 of 2005 and Act 31 of 2007), as well
as Government Gazette Notice 1440 of 2008.

During a search human dignity shall be observed and learners shall be searched in private by
persons of their own gender, in the presence of at least one other person. A record shall be kept
of the search proceedings and the outcome. All the stipulations pertaining to disciplinary
proceedings applicable to learners as set out in the South African School’s Act (Act 84 of 1996),
as amended, is incorporated and included in this Code of Conduct.

January 2018
 LEARNER COMMITMENT (CODE OF CONDUCT)

I, ………………………………………….., in Year……………………….., a learner at

Mondeor Eco School of Skills, understand the rules and their implications and herby
commit to:

• Abide by the Code of Conduct and Disciplinary System

• Behave in a courteous and considerate manner and respect other learners,
the prefects, all members of the staff and visitors to the school.
• Treat everyone with respect regardless of differences in culture, religion, ability,
race, gender, age, sexual orientation or social class.
• Take responsibility for my learning by attending regularly and punctually and
completing all my assessment tasks on time.
• Cooperate with my teachers and other School staff.
• Assist in making the School a safe place for all.
• Seek help if I need it.
• Let the School know if I feel my rights have been infringed, or if I experience any other difficulty.

ALL THUS done and signed on __________________________________ at ______________________

_________________________________ _________________________________________
STUDENT REGISTER TEACHER

_________________________________ _________________________________________
PARENT PRINCIPAL

January 2018