Mission and Vision & Code of conduct – Burgher Right Primary School

Mission

To ensure that quality learning and teaching take
place in the classroom every day.

Vision

Ensuring that all learners at our school do well
and leave our institution with the values, knowledge, skills and qualifications that will give them the best chance of success in adult life.

Code of Conduct

THE CODE OF CONDUCT IS APPLICABLE TO ALL LEARNERS ATTENDING BURGHER RIGHT SCHOOL.

OBJECTIVE
To establish a disciplined and purposeful environment in order to facilitate effective teaching and learning at Burgher Right School.
VISION
To develop our learners to become well adjusted citizens so that they are able to play a positive role in our community.
MISSION
We aspire to develop the potential of each child through a competent, dedicated staff in partnership with parents and the community.
PURPOSE OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT
The purpose of this code of conduct is to maintain and improve the quality of
the learning process through effective teaching and learning by:
• promoting positive discipline
• developing self discipline
• establishing exemplary behaviour.
Instilling positive values and attitudes
LEGISLATIVE FRAMEWORK
• This code of conduct has been developed according the South African
Schools Act, 84 of 1996.
• The code of conduct upholds and promotes the spirit and objectives of the
Bill of Rights contained in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa,
1996, which is aimed at the protection of everybody’s rights.
• The code of conduct is binding upon all learners, their parents and teachers
and they are required to adhere to the code of conduct
Learner attendance policy.
SCOPE
The code of conduct must be adhered to:
• On the school property before, during and after school hours
• At all school events, both within and outside regular school hours.
• In any situation, on or off school property, where the learner is recognisable
as a Burgher Right Learner.
CORRECT SCHOOL UNIFORM
Burgher Right Primary is proud of its uniform and all learners are expected to
comply with our uniform code. The uniform is intended to identify the school in a distinctive way, and to ensure that the child wears presentable, durable and comfortable clothing. In these times of rising costs, a good uniform may represent a substantial outlay, but with reasonable care, should give long service. Please mark all removable items of clothing. A list of uniform items is set out below .
SUMMER
1. GIRLS
  1. Grade 1 – 6
    1. • Grey skirt
    2. • White shirt
    3. • Black shoes and short black socks
    4. • Red jersey
  2. Grade 7
    1. • Grey skirt
    2. • White shirt
    3. • Black shoes and short black socks
    4. • Red jersey
  3. Religious attire:
2. BOYS
  1. Grade 1 – 3
    1. • Grey shorts
    2. • White shirt
    3. • Black shoes and socks
    4. • Red jersey
  2. Grade 4 – 7
    1. • Grey long pants
    2. • White shirt
    3. • Black shoes and socks
    4. • Red jersey
Burgher Right School recognises and respects all religions and is simultaneously also protective of the school ethos and code of conduct.
In an effort to accommodate our Muslim learners, the school management Team and Governing Body decided as follows: Upon a female learner reaching puberty (Grade 6), she would be permitted to wear a short black Hijab to complement the school uniform. Properly fitting long grey school pants and white long sleeved shirt. (Winter clothing)
WINTER
1. GIRLS
  1. Grade 1 – 7
    1. • Grey skirt / Grey long pants
    2. • White shirt
    3. • Black shoes and short black socks
    4. • Red jersey
    5. • School track suit
  2. LEADERS UNIFORM
    1. GIRLS
      1. • Grey skirt / Grey long pants
      2. • Blue shirt
      3. • Black shoes and short black socks
      4. • Red jersey
      5. • School track suit
2. BOYS
  1. Grade 1 – 7
    1. • Grey long pants
    2. • White shirt
    3. • Black shoes and socks
    4. • Red jersey
    5. • School track suit
  2. LEADERS UNIFORM
    1. BOYS
      1. • Grey long pants
      2. • Blue shirt
      3. • Black shoes and socks
      4. • Red jersey
      5. • School track suit
DRESS CODE
1. Not conforming to the hair and uniform rules will be seen as transgression of the code of conduct. This will be treated as a serious misconduct
2. Sports practices / Physical Education
3. • Red golf shirt and black shorts, black socks and plain black takkies(Tommies).
4. • School track suit.
5. • All learners must wear PE Clothes on days they have PE.
General rules
1. • Socks must be neatly folded, not rolled down or folded to appear as ankle socks
2. • If ski pants are worn under the school skirt they must be short enough so as not to be visible, regardless of activity. Only black ski pants are allowed.
3. • Length of the skirt to be no shorter than 4cm above the knee.
4. • Shirts should be tucked into pants / skirts
5. • Black belts are to be worn with long pants
Hair
1. • No hair gel, conditioner, sugar water or anything that gives texture to hair.
2. • No highlights or hair colour.
3. • No hair extensions/wigs allowed.
4. • NO FANCY HAIRSTYLE PERMITTED
5. • No dread locks allowed
6. Boys:
  1. • Ears must be open, hair to be above ears (school boy cut).
  2. • Fringe length to be above eyebrows.
  3. • Hair may not touch collar at the back.
  4. • Hair must be neat and tidy.
  5. • No fashion styles/patterns to be shaved. No “Mohawk” styles allowed.
  6. • No shaving of eyebrows is allowed.
  7. • No braids allowed for boys.
7. Girls:
  1. Rules apply to all learners regardless of hair type. Braided hair is treated as long hair and length and fringe rules apply.
  2. • If hair touches collar it must be tied back into a plain pony-tail.
  3. • When hair is tied back, do not leave long bits at the side or back untied. • Any loose hair that can hang in the face must be clipped back. • Do not tie only the top half of the hair and leave the rest loose. • Fringes may not hang in the face / eyes (also braided fringes).
  4. • Only plain red/white/ black hair accessories may be used.
  5. • No large hair accessories to be used- keep them small, plain and neat. • Plain “crocodile” clips may be worn (black/red/white).
  6. • Hair must be neat and tidy.
Make-up
1. • No make-up to be worn. No permanent make-up to be applied.
2. • Nothing that gives colour or shine to the lips may be used (no lip gloss/Vaseline etc.). For dry lips, only a plain non-shiny lip balm is allowed.
Jewellery
1. • Boys may not wear earrings.
2. • No nose/belly/eyebrow or tongue rings.
3. • No finger rings (not even signet rings).
4. • Watches must be plain. No costume jewellery watches. If a watch is more “jewellery” than “functional” (e.g. Very big, bright colours) the learner will be asked to remove it. Watch colours to be conservative (gold, silver, black,dark blue, brown, red, white).
5. • If key chains are worn they must be worn under the school uniform, not visible.
6. • No bangles, bracelets or armbands to be worn.
7. • No neck chains, beads or any type of jewellery to be worn around the neck.
8. • No religious/cultural jewellery, objects or decorations may be worn.
9. • The only earrings that may be worn by girls are:
10. · Plain round studs in gold or silver. No patterns, shapes, stones or colours. No big round studs (maximum size = 4mm).
11. · Plain round sleepers in gold or silver. No patterns or colours.
12. Nothing hanging on the sleeper. No thick sleepers or hoops (maximum size = 14mm).
Miscellaneous
1. • No visible tattoos (permanent or non-permanent).
2. • No nail colour to be worn.
Civvies Day Clothes
1. Civvies clothes – denim with appropriate shirt for school. The learners must be modest, neat and presentable at all times. Hair and jewellery rules still apply on civvies days.
General rules:
1. • Regular fit normal grey long pants (no alterations)
2. • Short pants/skirts/dresses must not be very short.
3. • No crop tops to be worn. Blouse/T-shirt must be comfortably below the waist band of pants/skirt.
4. • Blouses/T-shirt neck line must not be revealing.
5. • No underwear to be visible.
6. • Girl’s shoes to be comfortable. Heels must not be very high (5cm – maximum height).
SCHOOL BAG
1. Only partitioned (4 or 6 partitions – available at school) suitcases or hard suitcases are permitted. Please ensure that the senior size bag is used for grades 4-7. NO soft satchels are permitted. Please note that learners who use a trolley bag are required to have the specific school bag on a trolley. No fancy/namebrand bags allowed.
EXPECTATIONS OF A BURGHER RIGHT LEARNER
1. • Respect peers, teachers, parents and visitors.
2. • Be polite and helpful at all times.
3. • Show loyalty towards our school.
4. • Always work neatly and do homework.
5. • Take care of text books.
6. • Keep classes neat and tidy.
7. • Participate in extra mural activities of the school.
ABSENTEEISM
1. Absenteeism will be closely monitored and appropriate follow up actions will be taken as stipulated in Section 3 of the South African Schools Act.
2. • Learners must produce a letter from their parents/guardians if they are absent from school, as well as for late arrival / early departure.
3. • If a learner is absent for 3 or more days they must bring a valid medical certificate.
4. • Learners leaving early on a Friday, or any other day, are responsible for finding out about, and catching up on, work that has been missed.
5. • A learner who is absent on the last day of school (T erm 1-3) when reports are handed out must produce a letter from the parent explaining the reason for this absenteeism before the report is issued. This report will only be issued at the beginning of the new term, and only to the specific learner (not to parents/guardians/siblings).
6. • Absenteeism during tests/exams without a valid medical certificate will result in the learner forfeiting the test/exam mark.
UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOUR
1. In General
  1. • Late coming will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Learners who are persistently late will be dealt with severely. If a learner is late an adult must accompany the learner and report to the office.
  2. • Not adhering to the school dress code.
  3. • Not obeying prefects, media monitors or scholar patrol.
  4. • Chewing gum or eating in class.
  5. • Playing and/or running on the stairs, verandas or corridors.
  6. • Littering.
  7. • Interrupting a teacher when he/she is talking to other people.
  8. • Playing in the toilets.
  9. • Failure to give or return written communication between the school and the parents (circulars, letters, etc.).
  10. • Talking during assembly.
  11. • Inappropriate physical contact between learners is not allowed on the school premises.
  12. • Cell phones are not allowed. The school cannot accept responsibility and/or accountability for cell phones brought to school. Random searches will be conducted. Any cell phones or electronic devices will be confiscated. – Please see the Learners’ Cell Phone policy in section 15.
2. Bullying.
3. In the Classroom
  1. · Disruption of the learning and teaching process will result in the removal of the learners from class and parents will be informed immediately.
  2. · Not writing down homework or homework not signed by parent on a daily basis.
  3. · Failure to do homework and to hand in work timeously.
  4. · Not making sufficient effort in his/her school work.
  5. · Arriving late for lessons without a valid reason.
  6. · Disrespect towards the teacher.
  7. · Dishonesty or talking during assessments/tests/exams.
  8. · Homework left at home.
  9. · Textbooks/workbooks/files not at school.
  10. · Misuse of school equipment.
  11. · Misuse of textbooks.
4. PLACES THAT ARE OUT OF BOUNDS DURING BRAKES, BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL (UNLESS ACCOMPANIED OR SENT BY A TEACHER) – LEARNERS TO PLAY AT DEMARCATED PLAYGROUND
  1. · On the passages in front of classes
  2. · Near the teachers or visitors cars.
  3. · In classrooms.
  4. · In the foyer, administration block, or the aria around the administration block.
  5. · In the hall.
  6. · At the staff quarters.
5. · No hard cricket balls, soccer balls or rugby balls aloud.
6. · No assembly at the tuck shop
7. CHANGING OF CLASSES
  1. · Learners must lead of as instructed, in single file, keeping left.
  2. · Suitcases must be carried on the back by both straps or by hand. Only partitioned suitcases or hard/ rigid suitcases are permitted.
  3. · No talking in line when changing classes or at assembly points.
  4. · Using the up stair for up and the down stairs for down
8. LEARNERS’ CELL PHONE POLICY
  1. Preamble
    1. · This policy is aimed at managing and controlling the use of cell phones at Burgher Right School. · We as a school acknowledge and respect the needs for parents to communicate with their children. However we are aware of the fact that the use and abuse of cell phones poses social, ethical and safety consequences.
    2. This policy is used to discourage learners from bringing their cell phone to school.
    3. · This policy prohibits the use of cell phones at Burgher Right School.
  2. Legislative framework
    1. · Regulations for safety measures at public schools, GN 1040, GG22754 of October 2001.
    2. · The South African Constitution ( Act 108 of 1996)
    3. · South African’s Schools Act ( ACT 1089 of 1996)
    4. · The policy aligns itself to the Copyright laws of South Africa.
  3. Definitions
    1. · “LEARNER” one who is enrolled at Burgher Right School.
    2. · “TEACHER” a professional person who teaches at Burgher Right School.
  4. Introduction
    1. Cell phones are useful devises that are almost indispensable for adults these days, but they are potentially extremely disruptive and dangerous in the hands of a child. The teachers at Burgher Right School are extremely concerned about the social and emotional problems that arise from the misuse of cell phones.
  5. Objectives/Rationale
    1. We prohibit the use or the carrying of a cell phone in our school for the following reasons:
      1. · Learners who carry or use cell phones in public, particularly in travailing to and from schools have become the targets for criminals.
      2. Thefts of cell phones in schools are a president problem.
      3. Cell phones are used to cheat in tests and examinations. The Departmentof Education stipulates that it is an irregularity for cell phones to be taken into an exam venue.
      4. · Cell phones are multi-functional and learners tent to access and use these features in class (music, videos, games, mms, sms), thus becoming distractive. This results in low levels of self-discipline, poor concentration and poor work ethic.
      5. · Cell phones allow learners to access and distribute pornographic material.
      6. · Cell phones make learners vulnerable to approaches by undesirable individuals or groups including criminals and paedophiles.
      7. · Cell phones carry private data which may become assessable to undesirable individuals or groups when phones are lost, borrowed or stolen.
      8. · Cell phones are used by learners to communicate with their parents in case of school emergencies. This sends parents to the scene of an emergency and can impede effective evacuation procedures.
      9. · Learners are using cell phones to abuse fellow learners and tarnish their images.
      10. · Parents become abusive towards teachers and other learners when cellphones are confiscated, lost or damaged.
Statement of application
1. · Cell phones are prohibited at Burgher Right School.
2. · Learners who have emergencies may request the assistance of the secretaries to telephone their parents/guardians. Trivial reasons for contacting parents will not be tolerated.
3. · In case of an emergency, a cell phone may be brought to school but the following procedure will be followed:
4. · The cell phone, together with a letter from the parents/guardian, will be handed in to the register teacher for safe keeping.
5. · If a prefect or teacher suspects a learner of having a cell phone, it will be reported to the principal immediately and the learner will be searched.
6. Failure to comply with the above mentioned rules will lead to the cell phone being confiscated.
Procedure to follow after a cell phone is confiscated
1. · The cell phone will be removed from the learner’s position by a teacher.
2. The teacher will escort the learner to the secretary’s office.
3. · The cell phone will be labelled with the following details:
4. · Name of learner
5. · Date cell phone was confiscated
6. · Model of the cell phone
7. · Serial number
8. · The above details will be entered into the cell phone register.
9. · The learner must sign the register to acknowledge that the details are correct.
10. · Confiscated cell phones will be locked away in the safe in the strong room.
11. · Confiscated cell phones will only be handed back to the parent/guardian of the learner at the end of the term. Parents will be expected to collect the cell phone personally.
12. · Parents will sing the register to acknowledge the receipt of the cell phone.
13. · Second time offenders will have their cell phone confiscated until the end of the year.
14. · Repeat offenders will have to appear before a disciplinary commity.
15. · The possession of a stolen cell phone will result in immediate disciplinary action being instituted against the offender.
Liability
1. The school will not, under any circumstances, engage parents in discussions resulting from the confiscation of a learner’s cell phone.
2. We, the school, will not take any responsibility for the theft or loss of a cell phone brought to school, no matter what the circumstances. This includes the lost or theft of a cell phone that may be handed in to teachers and/or coaches for safe keeping, as well as to cell phones which has been confiscated from learners who use them in a defiance of the school rules.
SCHOOL AND PARENTAL ROLE IN DISCIPLINE
1. Burgher Right prides itself on its good value systems and strict discipline. We believe that good discipline, inside and outside of the classroom, are beneficial to all learners as it facilitates the teaching and learning process, and also contributes to the overall development of the child.
2. It is important that parents understand that discipline begins at home and that we, at Burgher Right can only build on the foundation that has been laid by the parents. The school CANNOT be your child sole or primary disciplinarian.
3. The duty of the school is to keep the parents informed of their child’s behaviour at school. This is done via the diary (own responsibility) (merit and demerits) in the inter-sen phase, and the message book in the foundation phase. It is imperative that parents check their child’s book on a regular basis (at least once a week). This will assist parents to see if the child needs assistance and encouragement and to adjust negative behaviour patterns if necessary.
4. Parental involvement encourages a child to apply him/herself academically and socially, and allows the child to develop into a well-adjusted and responsible member of the family and community.
5. Parents are required to sign demerits / Detention letter that are given as this is the only indication to the teacher that the parent is aware that a demerit / Detention has been given or that unacceptable behaviour has taken place.
Merit, Demerit and Detention
1. Class teachers have a merit / demerit list of each learner in the class on which merits or offences are recorded. Once a learner has 10 merits the learner will receive a certificate for good behaviour or participation (given on teachers own discretion)
2. When a learner receives 10 Demerits the parents will be informed by letter. This letter will give the specific Friday and time (13:50 – 17:00) on which detention will take pace. It is expected from the parent to sign this letter and to make sure that the learner does attend the detention class.
School times
1. Starting time:
  1. 7:30 for all
2. School end:
  1. Grade R at 13:00
  2. Grade 1 & 2 at 13:15
  3. Grade 3 – 7 at 13:45