St Monicas Code of Conduct

ST. MONICA’S DIOCESAN SCHOOL Code of Conduct

Building protecting relationships

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023

2 CONTENTS

I. Introduction

II. School Charter (Introduction, Mission, Vision, Values & Commitment)

III. Disciplinary Code for Learners

IV. School Rules and Regulations

V. Very Serious Misconduct and Possible Sanction VI. Notice: Parent / Guardian Declaration

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023

3 I. Introduction

What is the core business of a school? The core business of a school should be to discipline children. The word discipline is derived from “disciple” which means follower who has learnt from and been influenced by someone. With regard to teaching, we are dealing with a learner - teacher relationship where the immature learner must be taught and influenced by the mature teacher. The teacher will facilitate the development and acquisition of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values. Acquiring knowledge and skills are important, but should always be secondary to character building and self-discipline (attitudes and values). How do you discipline a child? To make a disciple, the teacher must teach and train a child. Teaching is to tell, explain, show and demonstrate. Training is to correct, practice, check and take further action. What are the essentials of discipline? The ultimate aim is to develop self-discipline; the ability to govern one self according to principles. Therefore the “Cause and Effect” principle is the foundation for all actions taken – the child must learn that all decisions or actions have a short term and / or long term consequence. To discipline a child is a (i) controlled (ii) process forming the (iv) attitude and (v) values of a child to what is acceptable to (vi) God and (vii) society. The attitude of the person disciplining a child must always be:

Positive Encouraging Fair Firm Controlled Is there place for School Rules, Punishment and a Code of Conduct? With the Code of Conduct for learners we aim to promote orderly and effective teaching and also to guide the learner towards the development/acquisition of self-discipline, values, morals and acceptable behaviour. It is therefore obvious that discipline is an educational concern and that disciplinary measures should at all times be justifiable. The exercise of discipline must satisfy the educational demands of insight, confidence and authority. It is important that the teacher, in a professional manner, sees to it that a proper educational detachment with the learner is maintained. It must be kept in mind that the teacher as an adult is the educator and that the child as a pupil, is on the path to adulthood. According to the cause and effect principle certain behaviour can lead to punishment or reward. Punishment should always be used as a tool to correct behaviour and not to cause hurt. What is the aim of the ‘Building and Protecting Relationships with Learners’ policy? Our school primarily aims to create opportunities to discipline the child. Our code of conduct, rules, regulations and teacher-learner relationship focuses on the individual child and his / her developmental needs as evident in different situations in our school activities. It gives guidelines and principles for the professional educator to follow when disciplining the child. It is the professional’s duty - at all times - to use this policy in the best interest of the child and the school.

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023

II. School Charter Introduction Discipline is primarily the parents’ responsibility which is delegated to the teachers of the school. It is therefore essential that the school and parents have the same objectives in mind and co-operate to achieve them.
This booklet serves as a guideline for parents, teachers and learners of St. Monica’s Diocesan School. It is only a summary of the school’s Discipline Policy entitled ‘Building and Protecting Relationships with Learners’.
The disciplinary process and procedures we follow are included in the document ‘Building and Protecting Relationships with Learners’ and is available to parents on request.
Disciplinary measures applied in response to learner misconduct will require that the educator or school officials involved exercise their own judgment in deciding on the appropriate and fair action to be taken. The action taken must reflect the severity of the misconduct and must be progressive. Informal action for minor transgressions is generally applied at educator level.
Informal action includes: counselling by the educator, head of department or school head, detention or time punishment, community service or other action that may be deemed appropriate.
Formal action includes: a warning or demerit recorded, parental contact and interview, suspension ( internally and / or externally), hearing and expulsion.

Mission Statement St. Monica's Diocesan School is an English medium, non-racial, co-educational school, providing a solid foundation (spiritually, emotionally, intellectually, physically and socially) that prepares the child for life in a digitally inter-connected, multi-cultural, dynamic global environment and develops the child to his/her full potential in order to face the future with confidence. The school operates out of Christian values and in order to achieve the above Mission Statement is committed to:

The well-being of and respect for all of its stakeholders
Small classes
Parental involvement
A diverse and significant academic programme valuing excellence
Quality extra-mural activities
Promoting and Inspiring Enthusiasm for Learning

Vision Statement To be the first choice of school students, parents / guardians and employees. This is underpinned by our Christian ethos as a Church school, our school values, high level of academic results, excellence in teaching and learning, highly qualified staff, sporting excellence, a diverse cultural programme, tradition and ethos, our preservation of independent status, leadership development, which all contributes to a differentiated value offering. Guiding Values of St Monica’s Diocesan School i. Ethos

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023

5 We have a Christian Ethos at school. ii. Safety We recognize the right of everyone involved with the school to feel safe - physically and emotionally. The atmosphere at the school must be friendly and ‘homely’. iii. Orderliness For the sake of efficiency and clarity we believe that activities should be planned and structured. The school community is therefore responsible to contribute to orderliness. iv. Personal Success and Educational Excellence Each person must be encouraged to reach his / her potential academically, extra-murally and spiritually. Educators and parents will be dedicated to provide opportunities so that our children develop a love for work and learning. v. Learner-Centred Education Learner-centred education focuses on the individual’s needs and abilities, and allows diversity to be recognized within a spirit of discipline and acceptance, without compromising the integrity of the School. vi. Biblical Stewardship Principle Out of our relationship with God flows our responsibility to be good stewards of all our resources CORE VALUES

RESPECT
INTEGRITY
EMPATHY
EXCELLENCE
ACCOUNTABILITY

COMMITMENT

To give effect to these values and objectives all staff, learners and parents make a commitment to abide by and support the policies as adopted and as amended by the Board of Governors. The School Charter does not replace but informs the school rules and policies of St Monica’s Diocesan School. All members of the St Monica’s Diocesan School community are entitled to due process as outlined in the school rules and policies. This commitment in no way negates the individual’s rights as enshrined in the constitution of our country. Management and Staff of the School are committed to: • Instilling into each learner a sound spiritual and moral attitude, based on the values of love, justice, compassion, respect, honesty, acceptance, empathy and tolerance. • Developing a curriculum of excellence. • Setting the highest standards of work and behaviour for all learners. • Protecting the dignity of all who are a part of our school community. • Creating a loving and caring environment for the learners. • Fostering strong communication with parents as the basis for close co-operation. • Conducting ourselves in accordance with the Code of Professional Ethics of the South African Council for Educators.

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023

Listening to parents and learners and understanding any concerns raised.
Providing the appropriate time and place for full and confidential discussion.
Establishing reasonable expectations for solving any issues or problems.
Establishing a written action plan for any proposed or agreed solution.
Reporting and reviewing the action plan.
Providing an opportunity to a parent or learner to work towards a solution.
Recognising that:

− Parents have a depth of experience with the learner. − Parental and educator perspectives may justifiably differ. − Parents have multiple time commitments.

Parents/Guardians are committed to:

Helping and encouraging children to develop strong spiritual and moral values.
Taking an active and supportive interest in the School’s aspirations.
Taking an active interest in children’s work and progress and in this regard attending parents’ meetings.
Supporting the values, authority and discipline of the school.
Ensuring children abide by the school rules.
Reading and committing themselves to the relevant policy documents that pertain to them at this school.
Fostering strong communication with educators as the basis for close co-operation.
Listening to educators.
Holding discussions with educators at a time and place that permits full and confidential exploration of issues:

− Concerns will be directed at the educator only. − The issue / problem will be articulated clearly and fully. − Educators will be afforded the opportunity to work towards a solution, which will require sufficient time.

- Recognising that: − Educators are trained professionals. − Educators’ perspectives may differ from parents’ perspectives. − Educators have multiple time commitments. Learners are committed to: • Behaving and acting in a manner which reflects the values of the school. • Respecting and being courteous and co-operative with educators, other school staff, other learners and visitors, at all times. • Attending school regularly, and on time. • Aiming to achieve their highest standard in all areas of school life. • Completing all homework and assignments with pride and to their highest level of competence. • Wearing the correct school uniform and appearing smart at all times. • Respecting the feelings and property of other people, both in school and in the community. • Caring for the buildings, furniture, equipment and grounds of the school. • Supporting and abiding by the school rules that apply.

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023 7 The absence of a specific guideline in this School Charter does not relieve an individual of his or her responsibility to behave in what would be considered a fair and reasonable manner in all situations related to the school. III. Disciplinary Code For Learners

The following set out the expected standard of conduct for learners:
Learners will comply with instructions and the general rules of the school.
Learners will behave responsibly and not endanger the safety and welfare of others.
Learners will respect and care for the property of the school and others.
Learners will maintain sound relations with others, be courteous and respect the dignity of other persons.
Learners will be punctual and observe the timekeeping practices of the school.
Learners will demonstrate a positive attitude towards learning and be reasonably diligent in their learning efforts.
Learners will behave honestly and conduct themselves with integrity.

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023

IV. School Rules and Regulations 1. GENERAL SCHOOL RULES 1.1. Each person associated with the school has the right to: a) work and to learn without any disturbances; b) be treated with courtesy and respect; c) work in a clean, safe and orderly environment. Plants, trees and gardens may not be damaged. The beauty of God’s creation must be preserved and enjoyed. d) a fair hearing on alleged offences. 1.2. Both learners and staff are expected to be punctual and on time with regard to responsibilities and instructions. 1.3. Buildings, furniture and equipment must be treated with respect. 1.4. Respect for all areas where admission is not permitted as arranged per meeting and announcements

Learners may not linger untimely in classes and buildings.
Learners may not run along verandas or in buildings. 1.5. Foul language is inadmissible. Ethical and moral values must be impressed upon the child and firmly laid down at home and at school. 1.6. Each person’s language, culture and religious convictions must be respected. 1.7. Politics may not be practised in the school. 1.8. A learner must at all times be neat in his/her appearance. 1.9. Learners, parents and staff must be motivated to be proud of their school. 2. SPECIFIC SCHOOL RULES 2.1. Times:

Learners must be at school at 07H35
The first bell will ring at 07H40
Pre-School and Gr 0 close at 12H00 from Monday to Friday
Grade 1 and 2 close at 13H00 from Monday to Friday
Grade 3 closes at 13H30 on Monday to Thursday and at 13H00 on Friday
Grade 4 to 12 close at 14H30 on Monday to Thursday and at 13H00 on Friday Office hours: 07H30 to 15H30 Monday to Friday 2.2. Announcements
Announcements will be made by the class teacher on all days except the days when assemblies are held.
On assembly days announcements will be made by the responsible person.
All announcements must be recorded in the Assembly Announcements Book. 2.3. Class interchanging

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023 9

During class interchanging (for PET, Library, Computers) the learners must move swiftly and quietly to their classes.
Learners must walk in single file.
Learners must keep to the left when walking along verandas.
Learners may not speak or be boisterous during this time.
No learners may be in the classroom during break without the permission of the teacher.
Learners must see to it that they do not arrive late for the following class. 2.4. Lining up for Assembly

On assembly days learners must line up at the assembly area.
Monitors / Prefects to assist with control and discipline.
Learners stand in orderly lines and all teachers to maintain control.

2.5. Assembly

Assembly is a devotional period and silence should thus be observed.
Teachers (assisted by prefects) are to ensure that silence is maintained.
Learners are given the opportunity during assembly to report back on excursions or school activities.
Medals and certificates may also be handed out during assembly to learners who have achieved well in activities both in and out of school.

2.6. Extra-Curricular activities

During extra-curricular activities the general and specific school rules (where applicable) apply to all learners.

2.7. Sports meetings

After sports meetings the learners must leave the fields clean. The sports organisers and teachers involved are responsible for organising the cleaning up.
Learners who participate in the sports meetings must handle the equipment with responsibility and under no circumstances is the equipment to be damaged.
Learners representing the school on the sports field must at all times be clothed in the correct sports attire.
Learners should strive after a healthy sporting spirit at all times. Misconduct on or next to the sports field will not be tolerated.

2.8. Permission to leave class

During periods, a learner may not leave the classroom without the permission of the teacher.
Learners who have been allowed to leave the class during periods must carry their permission cards.

2.9. Toilets

Toilets must at all times be left neat and clean.

2.10. Tuck Shop

The tuck shop will be open during breaks. The tuck shop will close five minutes before the end of each break.

2.11. Library

Learners who are able to read and have the necessary responsibility to care for books, may sign books out.
A learner who borrows a book must see that the book is returned or renewed every week.

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023

Learners may seek assistance and guidance from the teacher in the library.

3. DRESS CODE AND GENERAL APPEARANCE 3.1. Uniform
Learners are expected to wear the official School uniform and appear neat and tidy at all times.
No additions to the uniform that are not in accordance with the regulations will be allowed.
No colouring of hair or wearing of exotic hairstyles is allowed.
During events that allow the wearing of casual wear, learners should wear neat, presentable clothes. Beachwear, tight-fitting clothes, clothes that are see-through and / or too revealing are not allowed. Hair, shoes and accessories should ne neat at all times.
Only learners that have applied, submitted relevant supporting documents and receive the necessary permission from the School Governing Body, may deviate from official School uniform for religious and cultural reasons as contemplated in this Code of Conduct.

3.2 Hair – Girls

Hair touching the collar must be tied back.
No extravagant hairstyles, coloured or artificially waved hair is permitted.
Elastics, ribbons or other clips must be white or black.
Hair adornments must suit the school uniform.
Hair must always be neat and tidy.
Fringes may not hang over the eyebrows.
As head lice are highly contagious, a girl with this problem must remain at home until the matter has been attended to.

3.3. Hair - Boys

Boys’ faces must be clean – shaven.
Hair must be neat, clean, off the collar, above the eyebrows and off the ears.
Extravagant and/or coloured hair is not permitted. No gelled hairstyles are permitted.
As head lice are highly contagious, a boy with this problem must remain at home until the matter has been attended to.

3.4. Jewellery

No jewellery, accessories (eg. body piercings or adornments), coloured contact lenses or visible tattoos are allowed.
Learners may not wear chains, bracelets or rings (unless prescribed for medical purposes).
Only small gold/silver studs or small gold/silver sleepers may be worn as earrings.
Only girls may wear earrings.
Neither beads nor studs may be worn on earrings.
Confiscated jewellery will be held back for the day and the learner may thereafter retrieve such from the teacher concerned.
Earrings must be worn on the lobes and not on the auricles. A learner may only wear ONE pair of earrings at any time.

3.5. Nails and Make-up

Nails must be kept short and neat and may not be longer than the finger tips.
Learners may not wear nail varnish.
No make-up is allowed.

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023

11 4. SCHOOL UNIFORM ( Available from the school uniform shop)

4.1. Grade 1 – 7 Summer Uniform Girls

Red and white checked dress (available at school), short white socks, black shoes. If it is cold, a plain black jersey may be worn. A St Monica’s bucket / sunhat may only be worn outdoors with formal and sport uniform.

Boys

Black shorts, white short-sleeved shirt, long black socks and black lace-up shoes. If it is cold, a plain black jersey may be worn. A St Monica’s bucket / sunhat may only be worn outdoors with formal and

sport uniform.

Winter Uniform

Girls

School tracksuit, long-sleeved button-up white shirt and school tie. A plain black jersey may be worn under the tracksuit top if it is cold. Black shoes. St Monica’s beanie may be worn. A St Monica’s bucket / sunhat may only be worn outdoors with formal and sport uniform. Boys

School tracksuit /Long grey pants, long-sleeved white shirt, school tie. A plain black jersey may be worn under the tracksuit top if it is cold. Black lace-up shoes. St Monica’s beanie may be worn. A St Monica’s bucket / sunhat may only be worn outdoors with formal and sport uniform.

4.2. Grade 8 – 12 Summer Uniform Girls

Short-sleeved white school blouse (available at school), school blazer (available at school) black skirt(available at school), short white socks and black shoes. If it is cold, a black / jersey / sleeveless pullover for grade 8 to 11 and a cream jersey/sleeveless creampullover for grade 12 (available at school). A St Monica’s bucket / sunhat may only be worn outdoorswith formal and sport uniform.

Boys Long grey pants, long black socks, white open-necked short-sleeved shirt, black lace-up shoes and a school blazer. If belts are worn, they must be black with plain buckles. If it is cold, a black/wine jersey /sleeveless wine pullover for grade 8 to 11 and a cream jersey/sleeveless cream pullover for grade 12 (available at school). A St Monica’s bucket / sunhat may only be worn outdoors with formal and sport uniform.

Winter Uniform

Girls Long-sleeved button-up white shirt, black skirts (available at school), winter stockings, school blazer(available at school) school tie (available at school), black shoes, plain black/wine jersey/sleeveless wine pullover for grade 8 to 11 and a cream jersey/sleeveless cream pullover for grade 12 (available at school). St Monica’s beanie may be worn. A St Monica’s bucket / sunhat may only be worn outdoors with formal and sport uniform. A plain black coat with no branding and plain buttons may be worn over the uniform. If belts are worn, they must be black with plain buckles. Boys

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023

12 Long-sleeved button-up white shirt, school tie, long grey pants, long black socks, black lace-up shoes, plain black/wine jersey/ sleeveless wine pullover for grade 8 to 11 and a cream jersey/sleeveless cream pullover for grade 12 (available at the school). St Monica’s beanie may be worn. A St Monica’s bucket / sunhat may only be worn outdoors with formal and sport uniform. A plain black coat with no branding and plain buttons may be worn over the uniform. If belts are worn, they must be black with plain buckles.

The new winter jacket (2023) may be ordered by Grade 8-12 learners.

4.3. Grade 1- 12

Sport Uniform – Girls and Boys

St Monica’s red sport t-shirt, black shorts (or skorts, which are available at school, for girls orblack tracksuit pants for grade 7 – 12 boys and girls which are available at school), long red sportsocks with two white stripes at the top, lace-up takkies. Red school cap / black St Monica’sbucket hat may be worn during sport period.
Takkies worn for sport must be black, white, navy, grey, red or any combination of these colours.No neon or brightly coloured takkies are allowed.

4.4. General

Boys and girls using sports uniforms from the school remain responsible for such uniforms. Any sports uniforms which are damaged during the use thereof must be replaced by the person concerned.
Should the learner transfer to another school then the schools sports clothing must be returned before the learner’s transfer card is released.

5. SCHOOL BAGS

School bags of an appropriate size and quality should be used to ensure that books are not damaged.
In the mornings the school bags must be placed outside the classroom where the first lesson will be given.
A learner may under no circumstances tamper with another learner’s bag.
During lessons, bags must be placed under the learner’s chair and not in the aisles between desks.

6. TOILETS

Each learner has a responsibility with regard to the neatness and cleanliness of the toilets.
Learners who notice problems or defects in the toilets must report these to their class teacher immediately.
No learner will be allowed to use ablutions during class time without a toilet pass.
Learners who need to use the toilet within the first hour after the start of school or a break, will be issued a demerit on the life skills sheet. Where a learner has a medical condition, a letter from the parent / medical certificate needs to be presented in order for this rule to be waived for an individual learner. 7. SCHOOL GROUNDS
Keep the grounds neat at all times. Each learner must have a piece of paper or rubbish to place in the bin as a ‘passport’ to enter the classroom after break.
Flowers may not be picked. Trees, shrubs and other plants may not be damaged.
Children are not allowed to climb into trees.
A learner may not leave the school grounds during school hours without the necessary permission from the Principal or his/her representative. 8. SICK LEARNERS

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13

It is the responsibility of the parent(s) to notify the school should a learner be sick.
A note of absence (signed by the parent) must be written in the homework book /diary once the learner has returned to school.
Should a learner become ill at school, then an administrative assistant will notify the parent(s) to fetch him or her at school. Learners are only allowed to spend a maximum of 30 minutes in the sick bay.
A learner who leaves school during school hours must be fetched (by the person accepting responsibility for him/her) from the administrative office with the necessary permission. 9. DEPARTING LEARNERS
Learners who are leaving the school to attend another school, must return all school property including but not limited to textbooks and library books on or before the last day at school.

10. ELECTRONIC DEVICE POLICY Learners may have Electronic Devices in their possession, but must adhere to the following regulations:

Electronic Devices must be switched off and may not be used during school hours unless under supervision by academic staff and only for educational purposes.
The school takes no responsibility for the safety of the device.
No Electronic Device may be used as musical devices whilst wearing school uniform during school hours.
The school’s Social Media Policy regulates supervised use of electronic devices.
If the following regulations are not followed the Electronic Device and all accessories including SIM and Memory Cards will be confiscated by staff and kept at the office.
Learners may only get their Electronic Devices back 14 days after confiscated.

11. SUMMARY One of the most difficult issues for educators to deal with is unacceptable learner conduct. Although the law has always recognised the school Principal’s and Teacher’s authority to discipline children and to punish offenders, educators must see that there is a balance between the creating of a secure environment and the learner’s right not to be exposed to unfair discipline. Good discipline depends upon good management, in the school as a whole and in particular, the classroom. As primary educators the parents also have the responsibility to guide their children toward proper adulthood. As partners in education the parent remains a role player who must at all times be involved with the positive development of his/her children and should work hand in hand with the school as an educational establishment.

_____________________________________________________________________________________ V. Very Serious Misconduct and Sanction Very Serious Misconduct (‘Zero Tolerance Offences’) which can result in Suspension / Hearing / Expulsion for a first offence 1. Violent, abusive or threatening behaviour (verbal or physical) Fighting, battery or assault (threatened or actual)

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14

Acts of Racism or Discrimination. Victimisation, bullying (hurtful behaviour) or initiation of any sort

Transferring, using or being in possession of a dangerous weapon, fireworks,
explosives or any object that may be considered as being potentially dangerous (at
School or at School events
Intimidating or wilfully interfering with others (attempted or actual)
Inciting, advising or rewarding others to perform violent, offensive or threatening acts
Any “gang” related activity that may threaten the safety or welfare of others (at
School or at School events, or in relation to School)
Harassment (sexual, racial or religious)
Issuing a bomb threat or arson (attempted or actual)
Behaviour that may pose a danger to the safety and welfare of others (at School or
at School events, or in relation to School)

2. Being in possession of or under the influence of alcoholic, hallucinogenic or dangerous / prohibited substances, or distributing, storing or consuming any of these substances (at School or at School events) Strong suspicion of habitual use (abuse) or regular use of medication, drugs or alcohol at School or at School events 3. Being in possession of another’s property without their knowledge or consent, or attempting to remove another’s property without their consent or knowledge Theft or attempted theft Sale of another’s / stolen property 4. Serious dishonesty (actual or intended) Cheating, copying or tampering with test or exam results, reports or assignments Being in possession of or distributing material or information that may give an advantage in a test or an exam Extortion, bribery, corruption or fraud (attempted or actual) Being an accomplice to, colluding, conspiring, assisting / abetting or instigating dishonesty, fraud, or theft Inciting, advising or rewarding others to be dishonest or to cheat Serious breach of School security procedures, unreasonably refusing to submit to a search Off-site criminal misconduct that disrupts or substantially damages the School /

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023

15 learner relationship and the educational process

5. Obscene, indecent or sexual explicit behaviour or gestures, or attempts to make unwanted physical contact ,Sexual harassment, inappropriate sexual innuendos or graphic comments Intentional and offensive, insulting, abusive, racist or lewd behaviour Storage, creation, sale or distribution of pornographic, obscene or offensive material, publications, symbols, emails, text / SMS/ MMS, cartoons or objects

6. Sabotage, malicious or wilful damage to School or others’ property Unauthorised occupation of any School property of facility, or having the effect of depriving other from using this property or facility. Preventing or seeking to prevent free assembly by others on the School’s permission Blocking off any entrances or exits to or from the School premises, with the intention or effect of interfering with free access / egress by others Participating in or supporting industrial or protest action, preventing learners from attending School activities.

7. Actions that expose others to serious danger or injury, or expose the School to potential accidental loss or damages – whether due to wilful, grossly negligent or unintended acts Unsafe acts or behaviour that endangers the safety and welfare of others

8. Serious misconduct or actions that may bring the reputation of the School, learners or other stake-holders into disrepute

9. Any other misconduct considered to be very serious and possibly justifying expulsion as a first offence.

VI. Parent / Guardian Declaration Please ensure that:

You have read and understood the contents of this document.
You have signed the Declaration of Acceptance of the School’s Code of Conduct as prescribed by the Board of Governors of St. Monica’s Diocesan School.

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023

16 Guiding Principles on a hurt-free school environment ‘Evil flourishes when good people do nothing’...

Our aim is to establish a community in which everybody feels valued and safe, where individual differences are appreciated, acknowledged, understood, accepted and respected. Every child has a right to enjoy their time at school. St Monica’s Diocesan School opposes unkind and hurtful behaviour of any kind. The school community does not tolerate violence, unkindness or harassment. Respect for others is expected.

St Monica’s Diocesan School has zero tolerance for bullying of any form, and aims to:

Promote a Christian ethos and an atmosphere and code of warm, loving and caringconcern.
Promote in each child, respect and empathy for others.
Always be guided by the school’s values that supports all we are, say, do and become. THE SCHOOL
expects a high standard of behaviour at all times
aims to provide a safe and caring environment for all
has a policy for detecting, preventing and dealing with hurtful behaviour and bullying
educates children about issues related to hurtful behaviour and bullying
offers support to all children through the class teacher

MAKE OUR SCHOOL A HAPPY AND SAFE PLACE FOR ALL. ACT TO STOP UNKIND AND HURTFUL BEHAVIOUR

Our Rights

to be different
to feel safe
to learn and grow
to be respected
to be valued

Our Responsibilities

to show compassion and understanding
to respect yourself
to respect others
to use common sense
to support others

WHAT IS BULLYING?

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023

At St Monica’s Diocesan School everyone has rights and responsibilities. Bullying is any repeated behaviour intended to hurt, injure, threaten or frighten another child in such a way that the child feels powerless to act.

Bullying is:

Abuse of power
Randomly applied.
Continuous
The bully intends to hurt and belittle the victim, often through continuous taunting of another. WHAT IS CONFLICT? In conflict the participants are frustrated and unable to communicate in order to resolve an issue. Conflict happens where:
there is perceived equal power
Participants are reactive and feel they can respond
Conflict is characterised by intense episodes, with clear reasons for the conflict HURTFUL BEHAVIOUR Hurtful and unkind behaviour comes in many forms, including:
Calling hurtful names
Being picked on
Deliberately pinching, hitting, bumping
Teasing and taunting
Spreading rumours about someone
Mocking
Threatening
Deliberately ignoring and avoiding
Taking or damaging property
“Dissing” meaning putting someone down
Sending inappropriate messages on cell phones and through social media

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE BEING HURT

1. Tell the child to stop. State quite clearly that the behaviour is unwelcome, you don’t like it and it is hurting you.

2. Walk away and stay away from the child.

3. If it continues, seek help. Talk about it to someone you trust

4. Report it to a staff member, a Grade 7 monitor or another child.(There is nothing so bad and unpleasant that we can’t talk about it with someone.)

WHAT TO DO IF YOU KNOW SOMEONE IS BEING HURT OR IF YOU ARE A BYSTANDER

1. Care enough to do something about it, whether it affects you personally or not.

2. Early intervention can diffuse a situation before it gets out of hand.

3. Make sure the person being unkind or hurtful knows that you do not support their behaviour by:

walking away
telling them to stop
protecting the victim
report it to a member of staff, your parents, a Grade 7 Monitor, or another child.

Code of Conduct reviewed: July 2023

HOW STAFF AND SCHOOL DEAL WITH BULLYING THE “NO BLAME” APPROACH The school will use this approach when dealing with cases of alleged bullying:

1. Interview the victim and suggest strategies to deal with the situation.

2. Arrange a meeting for all involved.

3. Explore the problem without allocating blame.

4. Share responsibility.

5. Identify solutions.

6. Let the child take action themselves.

7. Follow up at a later stage.

It should be noted that if the perpetrator continues with this type of hurtful behaviour,more stringent sanctions will be imposed and counselling will be suggested and will be directed by the headmaster.

TO HELP PREVENT UNKIND AND HURTFUL BEHAVIOUR Each child needs to:

1. Respect themselves and others.

2. Work to create a pleasant school environment for all.

3. Learn to tolerate individual differences.

4. Support the school policy on hurtful behaviour and bullying. The school will do the following:

1. Life Skills Lessons

During this time, we explore feelings and how to deal with them. We look at how to combat bullying and conflict in the school setting. This is designed to assist children todiscover more about themselves, as well as to help them deal with conflict situations.

2. Include advisory messages during whole-phase assemblies and as repeated topics shared with the groups.

WHAT PARENTS SHOULD TRY TO DO...

Listen to your child
Suggest certain strategies
Inform the school
Let the school investigate and report back
Allow the school to sort it out
Support your child

ADDITIONAL THINGS PARENTS CAN DO TO PREVENT HURTFUL BEHAVIOUR

Take an interest in your child’ social life
Control WhatsApp and social media platforms (Most First World countries have anage restriction for WhatsApp which is 16 years. South Africa is 13. It is highly recommended to monitor your child’s activity on all social media platforms.
Retain your child’s phone at key times in a twenty-four-hour period, especially atnight.
Build your child’s self esteem
Discuss ways to respond if his/her rights are infringed
Act by informing the school
Keep confidentiality
set an example