Preamble

Holy Cross School is based on the scripture, vision, mission and values as set out below:

“Bavumeleni abantwana beze” “Let the children come to me”

Matthew 19:14

Vision

Holy Cross School is founded on and driven by love. We strive to put the flourishing of our

children at the heart of everything we do.

Mission

Holy Cross School is an independent school committed to our Anglican tradition of inclusivity,

diversity, and respect for all.

At Holy Cross School we strive to provide an education that is child-centred, holistic, and

enriching.

We seek to balance spirituality, play, hands-on experience, and focused academic work.

We value reading as the gateway to broader learning.

We hope to nurture children to have a strong sense of self-worth and autonomy and to think in

creative, independent and critical ways.

We respect and value the nature that we are blessed to be surrounded by.

We are rooted in our heritage but recognise it as a dynamic and evolving starting point from which

we engage in globally relevant learning.

We hope to be a catalyst for positive change in the lives of our children and of our community, and

we are particularly committed to serving those whose need is greatest.

Core Values

• Care (for ourselves, for each other, for the environment)

• Curiosity

• Courage

With these values and aspirations in mind, our code of conduct seeks to foster and environment

where children and adults can be caringly committed to the education of all of our children. An

environment in which people find fulfilment. An environment in which everyone feels respected. An

environment of care and belonging.

In general, all members of our school community, staff, parents and learners are expected to treat

themselves, each other and our natural and human-developed environment with kindness and respect.

Specific rights, responsibilities and obligations are listed below. A further detailed (but not

exhaustive) list of expected behaviours can be found in our protocol for handling behaviours that

don’t align with the Holy Cross Values, Vision and Mission.

Statement:

In the school context educators, support staff, parents and learners all have responsibilities. To

sustain a positive, orderly, and disciplined learning environment, it is important that these

parties acknowledge their responsibilities and work within a framework of rules to create an

atmosphere of professionalism, security and structure.

Purpose:

1. The South African Schools Act (No. 84 of 1996) requires that the governing body of a public

school “adopt a Code of Conduct for the learners aimed at establishing a purposeful and disciplined

school environment, dedicated to the improvement and maintenance of the quality of the learning

process”.

2. It further states that “nothing contained in this Act exempts a learner from the obligation to

comply with the Code of Conduct of the school attended by such a learner”.

Holy Cross School

3. The Code of Conduct of the Holy Cross School obligates the learners, staff, and parents to

accept responsibility in the fostering of an environment of mutual respect and adherence to a

prescribed set of norms and standards.

Definitions:

SGC- School Council

Principal – Head of the School HOD – Heads of Department

Application:

School Council, Principal, Heads of Department, Teachers/Educators, Support Staff, Student

teachers, Volunteers, Parents, Learners.

This Code of Conduct is based on the ISASA – CODE OF CONDUCT document.

1. STAFF: Rights and Obligations

As enshrined in the South African constitution, we all have a right to live and work with dignity.

Holy Cross staff thus have the right to be treated with dignity by colleagues, parents and

learners.

All staff members (teachers, support staff, volunteers, student teachers and any other person

working for the school) undertake to:

1.1. Be punctual, well prepared, and professional in their approach to education

1.2. Uphold Holy Cross School’s Values and Vision and Mission Statements.

1.3. Be respectful of all colleagues and learners.

1.4. Follow instructions from the principal or a member of staff designated to represent the principal including but not limited to the Heads of Department (HODs)

1.5. Be aware of their contractual obligations to Holy Cross School, especially in attending all school functions and meetings, and being prepared to work outside the normal school hours when required.

1.6. Be prepared to assist with the implementation of the Holy Cross School upkeep and maintenance program without additional remuneration.

1.7. Set a positive example for children to follow.

1.8. Refrain from working under the influence of intoxicating substances.

1.9. Refrain from smoking on school premises or in school vehicles.

1.10. Refrain from swearing or using any abusive language towards adults or children.

1.11. Familiarise themselves with all documentation pertaining to employment contracts and grievance procedures.

1.12. Administer discipline correctively and without physical or verbal abuse.

1.13. Adopt an appropriate dress code (practical and professional).

1.14. Be sensitive to the needs of the learners.

Educating staff

In addition to the above, Educators/Teachers at the School subscribe to the SACE Code of

Professional Ethics. Refer to the following webpage:

Sace Code of ethics brochure FINAL.indd

The Holy Cross School’s educators and teachers further undertake to:

1.15. Manage learner performance effectively and motivate learners to achieve realistic and meaningful personal and educational goals.

1.16. Be sensitive to the educational needs of the learners and address learning difficulties in a positive manner.

1.17. Praise, encourage, recognise, and reward learners who strive to achieve.

1.18. Create a classroom climate which is based on a learning partnership which makes education both relevant and stimulating.

2. Parents/Guardians: Rights and Obligations

Like staff members and learners, parents have the right to be treated with respect and dignity.

Enrolment at Holy Cross School is subject to parents’/guardian’s acceptance of all

the code of conduct and other conditions of enrolment.

Holy Cross School

Parents are required to read, complete, and sign the Holy Cross Memorandum of Agreement and

Parents/Guardian’s Code of Conduct on admission of their child to Holy Cross School. They must

accept legitimate disciplinary measures taken by the school as being necessary.

Parents have the responsibility to:

2.1. Treat all members of the Holy Cross Family (staff, learners and other parents) with respect

2.2. Actively support the efforts of the school and its educators to teach their children.

2.3. Involve themselves fully in school activities.

2.4. Make positive suggestions and contributions to improve the school’s education process and the learning environment i.e. work as a team with the teachers to ensure the child’s/ward’s success at school.

2.5. Support the disciplinary structures and procedures of the school, and the reasonable efforts by the school to apply discipline effectively, fairly, and free of abuse.

2.6. Encourage their children to participate fully in school.

2.7. Establish healthy home routines for their child/ward.

2.8. Participate in the learning process and assist their children with homework, provide encouragement, check results, and communicate freely with the school.

2.9. Not expect the school to meet their child’s/ward’s every need.

2.10. Clearly mark all children’s items (clothing or others).

2.11. Use WhatsApp or SMSs to communicate with the school.

2.12. Ensure that the learner is in attendance of all compulsory attendance functions and activities, and that the school’s conduct and timekeeping requirements are observed.

2.13. Support their children to attend school on all school days during term time and not to take avoidable time off for holidays or routine medical appointments. A learner may not be absent for 3 or more days without a medical certificate. If the learner missed assessments, they will not be repeated at a later stage and will be indicated as absent or not assessed on the learner’s report unless a medical certificate is provided.

2.14. Ensure that children are at school 15 minutes before the official start of the school day each morning and that they are collected punctually at the end of school. All learners using the school transport or other taxis systems must be at the designated stops or at their gates punctually.

2.18. Avoid discussing a problem they might have with the school and/or the teachers in the presence of their child/children or other staff members, rather make an appointment to see the principal to discuss the issues of concern.

2.19. Attend all termly parent meetings and school functions.

2.20. Come to school when asked to do so for a meeting with teachers, HODs or the principal.

2.21. Communicate effectively with the school. Read, take note of and respond promptly to school notices that are sent home with the child or are sent out on WhatsApp. (See section on communication below.)

2.22. A parent/guardian has an obligation to pay all monies that shall be required by the school through decisions made by the school council. This includes school fees, money to replace broken or lost items belonging to the school (including books) and any other monies that the council deems

appropriate.

2.23. Deposit money into school the account and submit evidence to the school.

2.24. Place all money in a clearly labelled envelope if sending cash payments to school and inform the office to expect the money.

3. Learners: Rights and Obligations

As stated in the SA Constitution, every learner has the right to education. The school strives to provide the educational opportunities that its learners and the community deserve. Learners themselves however must also recognize that they have responsibilities to their parents, the school, their educators, their fellow learners, and themselves. Learners therefore must accept and comply with the school’s code of conduct and rules, and its conditions of enrolment. They must accept legitimate disciplinary measures taken when they contravene the code of conduct as being necessary.

General Rules: Learners at this school are expected to:

3.1. Embrace the core values of care (for oneself, others and the environment), curiosity and courage.

3.2. Respect the rights of others:

I. Behave responsibly and not endanger the safety, welfare, and rights of others

II. Respect and care for the property of the school and others

III. Maintain sound relations with others at School, be courteous and respect the dignity and self-worth of others i.e. do not harass, threaten violence, or use force to intimidate, abuse, coerce or interfere with others, with school activities and/or with school property; avoid aggression or intimidation towards others which includes refraining from aggression in social media spaces; do not bullying others (emotional, physical or any sort of bullying); do not encourage other students to break school rules intentionally.

3.3.Respect the authority of the school:

I. Comply with instructions from all staff, general rules of the school and class rules.

II. Always do schoolwork and/homework. Never demonstrate oppositional behaviour towards staff members.

III. Respect the teaching process (i.e. do not disrupt the class, disobey the teacher or cause a continuous disturbance while others are trying to learn.)

3.4.Respect the school premises and environment

I. Respect the buildings, property, natural environment and facilities and prevent any misconduct in this regard; report any misconduct that you see.

II. Respect the staff vehicles / possessions (i.e. do not cause any damage, do not take something that does not belong to you without permission.)

3.5. Possess self-respect that is supported by a neat appearance and suitable behaviour:

I. Observe school uniform rules.

II. Behave honestly and conduct themselves with integrity

III. Refrain from smoking (including vaping and e-cigarettes) using alcohol or drugs

IV. Be punctual.

3.6.Participate in the school’s activities as far as possible:

I. Demonstrate a positive attitude towards the opportunity to learn and be diligent in efforts to learn.

II. Take part in all school events.

4. General:

4.1 FOOD:

I. Parents must provide a good breakfast before school.

II. Every child must bring a healthy lunch to school which should consist of a sandwich, or left-over supper, and/or fruit, vegetables.

III. No sweets, fizzy cooldrink, fruit juices, chips or sugar treats of any kind are permitted in the lunch box.

IV. An empty water bottle must be sent to school with the child. Holy Cross School has quality spring water in its taps.

V. The lunch box and water bottle must have the child’s name clearly marked.

4.2 HOMEWORK:

I. Homework must be done by the child and be supervised by a parent/guardian.

II. Homework should preferably be done at the same time every day.

III. Homework must be done properly, and the homework book signed.

4.3 COMMUNICATION/INTERACTIONS WITH THE SCHOOL:

I. Communicate respectfully at all times.

II. Join the school and class WhatsApp groups.

III. Support the school and your child’s teacher

IV. Inform the school of any change or upset at home

V. Communicate with the office and the teacher - keep in touch.

VI. At least one parent/guardian must attend the parents’ meeting held every term. It is very important to attend the meetings as important decisions that may pertain to your child are discussed.

VII. Do not phone the teacher during teaching hours rather contact the office first and the teacher in the afternoons when s/he is not teaching.

VIII. Notify the school of any changes in your contact details: telephone, cell, email, etc.

IX. Please do not make comments in the schoolbooks or write a complaint in the homework diary in the space that is needed to write down the homework - rather write a note and seal it in an envelope and staple into the diary marked for the teacher’s attention or send a private WhatsApp or text message to the teacher.

X. Important notices from the school to the parent must be read and followed.

4.5 SCHOOL DAYS

I. A school day may be cancelled for reasons beyond the school’s control.

II. The school will attempt to make up for any cancelled days but are not beholden to do so and that day will not be refunded.

III. School term dates will be decided by the SGC based on those of the Department of Basic Education and ISASA, but the Council has the right to alter them if necessary.

Please approach the principal should you have any problems with any of the above- your query will be kept in confidence and the SGC will endeavour to solve any issues raised.

Related documents and information (these policies and rules may be requested from the office):

1. More detailed rules for learners:

Refer to: Holy Cross Disciplinary Protocol and Procedure (published below).

2. Rules regarding appearance and uniform:

Refer to: General School Policies: School Uniform Policy (SP: 1.5).

3. Paying of school fees:

Refer to: Financial Management Policy (SP: 3).

4. Transport and lifts:

Refer to General School Policies: Holy Cross School Transport Policy (SP: 4.2).

5. Cleanliness and health:

Refer to General School Policies: Holy Cross Health and Safety Policy (SP: 4).

Holy Cross School Disciplinary Protocol and Procedures

In accordance with our vision, mission and core values, along with our code of conduct, Holy Cross

School expects our learners to behave in a way that is respectful of themselves, others (including

staff and other learners) and the environment. Hereunder is a list of specific behaviours that we

would like to see at school. This list should be seen as a guideline as to how to behave in line

with the code of conduct and not as an exhaustive list.

Examples of the consequences for acting outside of the expectations of the code of conduct are also

laid out below. This is again not an exhaustive list of all possible consequences but rather a

guideline of the procedures that learners and families can expect to take place.

While consistency is important, each individual and individual case will be assessed on its own merits bearing in mind (inter alia) equity, precedent, exceptional home and medical circumstances, and each child’s personal discipline journey.

Behaviours we would like to see and would not like to see at Holy Cross School:

Given the expectations of learners as laid out in the Code of Conduct (headings listed in bold below) further examples are given of the kinds of behaviour that would and would not be acceptable)

1. Embrace the core values of care (for oneself, others and the environment), curiosity and courage

Children are encouraged to be kind to themselves and one another, play in healthy mutually joyful

ways, ask questions, tend the plants, take delight in the natural beauty that surrounds us, respect

the rights of others, courageously do their best even when things are difficult for them ; let an

adult or adults know if someone is the victim of bullying or sexual harassment; encourage each

other to be caring.

Children should not

a. Purposefully damage property belonging to others or threaten to do so.

b. Purposefully hurt others, write hurtful notes or violate others by name-calling or hurtful personal comments.

c. Fight (Physical violence or threats of violence)

d. Steal - this includes possessions and work eg copying of homework/cheating during tests/exams (Both parties the borrower and the student).

e. Hide the possessions of others.

f. Use a laser beam in class.

g. Run in the passage outside the classrooms in Foundation phase or in the building in Intermediate phase.

h. Sexually harass anyone. This includes

• Sexual misconduct towards other learners / teachers).

• Sexual touching (private parts).

• Kissing or other advances or behaviour of sexual nature that are inappropriate at school.

• Display of unacceptable objects or symbols.

2. Respect the authority of the school:

Children are encouraged to listen to the requests and instructions of staff members (provided those

requests and instructions are lawful and moral); obey the school rules; be where they are meant to

be when they are meant to be there; report misconduct to the necessary authority figures when it is

appropriate to do so; provide parents with the necessary feedback / letters when needed.

Children should not

a. Go to specify places where they are not meant to be or be absent from specific places where they are meant to be e.g. being outside class during class-time without the necessary permission or leaving the school premises during school hours.

b. Bringing personal toys (except yo-yos, skipping ropes, balls, marbles and cards), cell phones, or their own money to school (except with permission on special days).

c. Behave in ways that are not in line with the Christian nature of the school, or in line with the code of conduct.

d. Disrupt events or classes.

3. Respect the school premises, facilities and natural environment

Children are encouraged to be caring, gentle and respectful of the books, buildings and equipment

belonging to the school. Children are also encouraged to appreciate and take care of the grounds

and gardens.

Children should not

a. Force their way into any school buildings or onto the school property

b. Damage any school property or possessions.

c. Litter in or outside school buildings (or preferably anywhere at all)

d. Misuse the toilet facilities

e. Waste water

f. Vandalize or damage school property including furniture.

g. Play with firehoses or fire extinguishers

4. Possess self-respect that is supported by a neat appearance and suitable behaviour:

Children are encouraged to have confidence in themselves and treat themselves with the same respect

that they treat others; behave in a way that would make their parents and teachers and their future

selves proud; behave in a way that upholds the Christian ethos of the school, look neat when it is

appropriate to look neat.

Children should not

a. Be dishonest (this includes, stealing and lying).

b. Use bad language (this includes swearing and the use of vulgar or offensive terms or remarks that are offensive (e.g. racist, sexist, homophobic, xenophobic etc.)

c. Bring to school items that are inappropriate for their age and in a school setting such as drugs, alcohol, weapons, knives, dangerous materials, alcohol, cigarettes, vapes or e-cigarettes, pornographic material or items related to witchcraft).

d. Relatedly, behave in ways that are inappropriate for their age or in a school setting e.g. drinking alcohol or smoking.

5. Participate in the school’s activities as far as possible:

Children are encouraged to participate with enthusiasm, curiosity and courage in all aspects of school life. This includes working diligently at their school work and homework; and participating in chapel and plays and sport and clubs and outings. They are encouraged to make full use of the unique opportunities that arise at Holy Cross because of our local and international partnerships and to throw themselves into everything that they do with vigour. They should bring with them to school everything that they need in order to participate fully (e.g. stationery, homework, books, sports clothes, etc.)

Children should not

a. Be absent from classes or sporting/cultural/service events or other activities without a valid reason.

Notes:

Classroom rules are determined by each grade with their teacher/s at the beginning of every year.

These rules must align with the principles of the Code of Conduct, and should therefore be observed in the same way as the rules listed here should.

Learners are expected to adhere to the school code of conduct and the school protocols both on and off the premises. Whenever a learner is in school uniform, the learner represents the school.

Whenever the learners is at an event or on an outing, or traveling to school, and event or an outing that has anything to do with school (whether in uniform or not), the learner is representing the school and is expected to behave accordingly.

Consequences and grievance procedure:

Holy Cross School is a Primary School and will therefore apply appropriate measures for children whose ages range from 4 – 13 years. At Holy Cross School, we apply the Christian principle of LOVE before any other form of consequence. However, we do follow procedures that aim to create an “intervention team” to assist a learner to learn socially acceptable behaviour. Parents/guardians are always part of the team.

Protocol for handling behaviours that don’t align with the values, vision and mission of Holy Cross School:

Holy Cross School is committed to constructive discipline and WILL NOT condone any corporal punishment.

1.1. Each class determines its own rules and consequences. These are adhered to always.

1.2. If a learner breaks a school rule:

• s/he is first dealt with by the class teacher.

• Ongoing or more serious matters are brought to the attention of the HOD

• In the case of a serious matter s/he is reported to the principal who will deal with the learner.

• If the case is of grave concern, the principal will investigate the matter further and suitable punishment will be handed out.

• Parents will always be informed and in serious matters will be called to the school for an intervention consultation with the principal, and the other staff members where appropriate.

• If these steps fail to improve the behaviour of the learner, the learner can be suspended for an appropriate length of time under the parents’ supervision.

• Learners may also be suspended pending investigation of a matter, or where the principal believes that they pose a potential danger to themselves, other learners or staff members.

• More serious matters may require a disciplinary hearing conducted by a committee appointed by and representing the school council.

• In an extreme case where the safety and happiness of most the learners is at stake, the learner can be asked to leave the school permanently.

Possible Consequences

Being moved to a different place in the classroom Being asked to complete additional work

Being asked to leave the classroom A letter of apology (or multiple letters)

Being moved to a different classroom or a different place in the school Cleaning of the classroom

Collection of litter or other items around the grounds Being kept in at break

Being given extra work to do at break Being taken out of fun activities Being banned from outings

Being banned from certain teachers’ classrooms

Internal suspension

External suspension (with or without compulsory community service hours)

Other consequences at the discretion of the school or council disciplinary committee (such as

compulsory psychological counselling)

Expulsion from the school

Please note that, like the list of possible transgressions, the list of possible consequences is by no means exhaustive but gives examples of the types of consequences that may occur.

2. Grievance procedures:

• Parents/Guardians can contact the Principal to arrange a time for a consultation

• The meeting will be attended by the Principal, the Parent/Guardian, and the class teacher or HOD and, if necessary, the child.

• If the Parent/Guardian is not satisfied, s/he may submit a written request to the School Governing Council to request further intervention.