HIV / AIDS Policy
The school will regularly provide a HIV/AIDS programme that takes into account the ethos and the values of the community in which the school exists. The programme will incorporate such issues as sexuality, AIDS and HIV and will be geared towards providing information and developing decision-making skills. This programme will be presented to students from Pre-primary to Grade 12 in an age-appropriate, accurate and scientific manner. The choice to reveal HIV/AIDS status lies with the individual concerned. Everyone has the right to confidentiality. Should an individual wish to disclose their status, this information would be welcomed and would at all times be dealt with in accordance with the individual's wishes. No teacher or student will be required upon entering or whilst in the school to take an HIV/AIDS test. In the event of treating emergencies and medical injuries at school, proper preventative care must be taken as laid out in First Aid principles. e.g. the use of surgical gloves. All blood should, thus, be treated as if it were potentially HIV positive. A network of contacts for counseling will be available from the school for those individuals affected by HIV/AIDS. All teachers, students and parents will be expected to act in a way that is responsible and sensitive towards the issue of HIV/AIDS. No discrimination towards people with or suspected of being HIV positive will be accepted.
This policy document has been drawn up in the context of the current National Department of Education legislation. A copy of the national policy on hiv/aids is available in the school office.
24 July 1999
minor amendment 14 August 2000
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