Code of Conduct for Pupils

Principle:

The Bridge House Code of Conduct is guided by the following set of principles: • The purpose of discipline is to change behaviour, appropriately and positively. • To create an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance. • To assist students in building strength of character and a worthwhile value system. • To assist students to develop a passion in a particular field. • To encourage independent thought, to make informed decisions and to accept responsibility for and the consequences of these decisions. • To have a disciplinary approach that encourages self-discipline. • To generate a happy and encouraging environment that promotes the desire to be an integral part of Bridge House.

Behaviour Goals:

• Regular school and class attendance

• Adherence to the uniform code

• Punctuality

• Tolerance, acceptance and goodwill

• Courtesy

• Respect for individuals and property

• Co-operation and participation

• Reasonable decision-making

• Constructive critical thinking

• Diligence in study

• Good sportsmanship

• The pursuit of excellence

• Trustworthiness and honesty

-Respect for the whole environment

At all times Bridge House pupils are expected to behave, act and dress in a way that brings credit to themselves, the school and the wider community.

Unacceptable behaviours:

At no time is it acceptable for a pupil to indulge in behaviour that is regarded as antisocial by the school community and includes specifically, inappropriate behaviour as listed below.

• Drugging

• Consumption of Alcohol

• Sexual Activity

• Smoking

• Bullying

• Insolence

• Vandalism

• Theft

• Repeated misbehaviour

• Carrying of weapons

• Initiation

• Use of offensive language

• Gender, religious or other discrimination

Transgression of the specific rules that apply in the laboratories, library and other specialist facilities and in the computer centre as referred to in the IT Computer Users Agreement.

These behaviours apply while at school, or when it is possible to associate the pupil with the school.

Judgement about behaviour:

Final judgement rests with the Head of College, who may involve staff members and the SRC members as consultants in reaching fair judgement in serious cases. The Head of College may delegate responsibility for judgement, where appropriate, in certain matters, to heads of phases, class teachers, and other teachers and/or SRC representatives.

Consequences:

No corporal punishment or other unjust punishments are allowed.

In less serious cases, the consequence for inappropriate behaviour, as ruled by the teacher or SRC representatives must be appropriate to the offence. Consequences could include detention, community service and repair of damage caused. Notification of a detention must be served with 24 hours warning. Parents must accept that this may inconvenience them by having to fetch their child at a later time. Costs of repairs may be levied on the school accounts.

In line with the current practice in labour law, first warnings can be of a verbal nature, followed by first, second and third written warnings. The warning letters will be placed on the pupil's file, for a period commensurate with the nature of the offence. Parents may be asked to sign acknowledgement of these warning letters. In serious cases, a final warning may be issued without any previous warnings having been given.

In more serious cases, the consequence of unacceptable behaviour will be that parents will be called in, and/or the suspension of the pupil from the school for a period, and/or the expulsion of the pupil from the school.

The Head of College will keep a record of serious offences and letters of warning will be sent to parents, if appropriate.

In very serious cases, the Head of Bridge House School may summarily expel a pupil without any warnings having been given. Parents of an expelled pupil have the right of appeal to the Board of Governors.

Disciplinary Procedures Guidelines: This Code of Conduct is to be read in conjunction with the Disciplinary Procedures Guidelines as found on the school webpage. www.bridgehouse.org.za

The Boarding House rules are available as a download by clicking on the file below

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