As an educational institution with the best interests of the child and his future at heart, we aim to encourage and foster positive attitudes and habits and a structured lifestyle.

In this preparation for life and also in an effort to convey a desirable image to the outside world, we deem it necessary to lay down specific rules and emphasise our expectations.

We believe that these rules are fair and justified and meet with the approval of the entire parent body.

In striving to obtain and uphold these values it will, however, be necessary for staff to be firmer in their approach to infringements and to reprimand transgressors. 

It will also be necessary for you, as a parent, to be aware of the regulations and to give the school your full support.

An institution cannot function without proper discipline. In a school, it is a team effort involving teachers, parents and learners.

AIMS OF SCHOOL DISCIPLINE:

  • to ensure an atmosphere where learning and teaching can take place.
  • discipline creates security through the specific setting of boundaries, thereby creating a happy child.
  • to provide a structured environment.
  • to make the school programme run smoothly.
  • to instill self-discipline.
  • to teach socially acceptable behaviour.
  • to ensure that we never have to feel ashamed about where we go or who we visit.
  • to obtain co-operation from all.

The Sunridge staff will ensure that with disciplinary action we will strive:

  • never to degrade or belittle a learner
  • to ensure that the punishment will fit the crime
  • to refrain from corporal punishment
  • not to threaten without follow-up action
  • not to exclude any learner from education
  • not to discipline in anger
  • to be consistent
  • not to lose our temper
  • not to concentrate on negative behaviour but to praise positive behaviour
  • not to break down the pupil's self image
  • not to label a learner after only one or two misdemeanours.

How will we ensure that the Code of Conduct will be effectively maintained and implemented?

  • standard of discipline must remain constant
  • teamwork is essential and all staff and parents must assist at all times
  • the same staff members must not always be called upon to do the task
  • all cases must be treated seriously
  • staff and parents must practice what they preach and be role models
  • staff and parents must openly support one another and any disputes must take place behind closed doors, away from learners
  • staff, learners and parents must be extremely well acquainted with the entire Code of Conduct to ensure its correct implementation
  • reinforcement and reminding of learners must take place on a regular basis
  • staff and parents must maintain discipline on a daily basis. Do not consciously overlook a misdemeanour one day because you don't feel like a confrontation

The Sunridge staff has agreed that everyone has the right to:

  •  work and learn without interference or disruption by others
  •  be treated courteously and respectfully by all
  • work in a clean, safe and orderly environment
  • feel proud of his/her school

As partners in education, we as teachers and parents jointly undertake to:

Teachers:

  • must treat all with respect and friendliness
  • must maintain good levels of communication with parents to engender support
  • must punish learners severely who threaten other  learners or prevent them from working
  • must be at their posts, in their classrooms, on playground duty, at assembly and at their lines after break, unless an emergency prevents them
  • launch a campaign for praising good behaviour of learners
  • must limit the use of the intercom
  • must stand in the corridor when dismissing a class whenever possible
  • must work daily to enforce good, acceptable behaviour
  • must insist on silence when working with individual learners
  • must use the last three minutes of a lesson to send learners on errands
  • must make announcements just before breaks and at the end of the day
  • must report any breakages for immediate follow up
  • must be thoroughly prepared for all class and extra-mural activities
  • must teach basic principles of the Code of Conduct to the learners
  • must lead by example and be consistent
  • must be reminded regularly of the sensitivity of a child's self esteem

Parents:

  • must accept a teacher's judgment (from experience) and support it at home
  • must not complain about the school or teachers at home; rather come to the principal and discuss the matter or hold their peace
  • ensure that their children arrive punctually before the bell rings and are collected at the designated area at the end of the day/sport
  • must realise that respect for elders and authority originates at home
  • must not treat the school as a baby-sitting service; if a child is sick in the morning, make the necessary arrangements - don't just pass on the problem
  • parents must be called in to discuss misdemeanours and provide home-based solutions to run concurrently with the school
  • should be informed of good behaviour
  • must always provide security and love even if this means sacrifice of personal time
  • must teach child acceptable manners
  • must limit their exposure to the outside adult world (video, M-Net, DSTV, Internet)
  • should not set unrealistic expectations for their children

Norms and Values

Part of our responsibility of guiding children to develop to their full potential is the duty of teaching them acceptable values in life: Accountability;  respect;  honesty;  neatness;  loyalty;  pride and conscientiousness

Forms of punishment: 

There is a system of “Merits & Demerits” whereby learners earn merit points for good behaviour and are given points for behaviour.
The merit system works as follows:

After a certain number of merits, a Principal’s certificate is awarded, starting with a merit certificate, followed by bronze, silver and gold certificates. 

  • Ÿ  This is followed by the presentation of a badge.
  • The demerit system works as follows:
  • Ÿ  The teachers keep a record of all misconduct
  • Ÿ  Debits are recorded in the class’ disappointment book. 
  • Ÿ  When necessary, a meeting is called with the parents to discuss the problem.
  • Ÿ  The Grade Head of the Disciplinary Committee must keep his/her own record in the master file.
  • Ÿ  This member must assist in planning the appropriate punishment.
  • Ÿ  There must be feedback to the teacher and disciplinary committee.
  • Ÿ  For ordinary schoolwork - the teacher must handle in his or own way.
  • Ÿ  Only one disappointment book per class.
  • Ÿ  For serious    misconduct e.g. the following:  sexual harassment, theft, dangerous weapons, intoxicating liquor, drugs, pornography, etc. - activate disciplinary committee immediately.

 

NB: Because the original document comprises 20 pages, it may be read in its entirety at the office.