Code of Conduct

This is the framework which guides the children of our school to behave in a positive manner. It creates a culture of learning and teaching through a discipline system that protects all the students’ right to effective education, their right to human dignity and their right to security. BPPS has compiled this code in co-operation with the students, teachers, and parents. It will be updated regularly. The Code of Conduct is based on Section 8 of the SA Schools Act (84) of 1996. School discipline has two main goals: (1) ensure the safety of staff and students, and (2) create an environment conducive to learning. A BPPS student is expected to uphold the values of the school and to represent our school in the most responsible way possible. The ethos of Bokamoso Private Primary School is one of nurturing and support so that each child can be the best that he/she can be. BPPS aims to guide and develop children so that they are ready to contribute effectively to their world in the future. Education is not only the responsibility of the teachers, but also of the students and parents. The values taught and upheld by BPPS are many, but the following are focused on our school motto, “Live without limits” is based upon 6 core values: hard work, honesty, respect, discipline, integrity and believing in yourself. These values serve as a compass pointing out what it means to be true to oneself. Honoring these values will guide our students in fulfilling their goals. The following are focused on tolerance, independence, friendliness, helpfulness, responsibility, self-discipline, promptness. Each child is expected to complete his/her work to the best of his/her ability and to complete all work with enthusiasm and pride.

Objectives:

The Code of Conduct is a key step in fulfilling our Board of Directors commitment to make our school safe by promoting respect, responsibility, and civility. Students, teachers, staff, and parents have the right to be safe, and feel safe, in their school community. With this Code we are setting clear, consistent standards of behaviour that will help accomplish this goal. Our school’s behaviour policy is based on our school’s values and our aim is to promote behaviour improvement as a means of improving learning and teaching. Our aim with these rules is to help our students learn self-control, respect themselves and have respect for others, and to learn this very important lesson: “Self-discipline controls my consequences''. We want our students to take pride in themselves, their behaviour, and their school by always setting a good example. We want to create a disciplined but relaxed environment which is conducive to learning.

Dress Code:

The school uniform is compulsory, and the proper school uniform must be always worn and to school functions (unless stated otherwise). All students participating in approved school activities are expected to comply with the required dress code and personal appearance regulations of the activity in which they are participating. No variation from the uniform specified in the admission document will be permitted. Any item that is not listed may be confiscated if worn by a learner. Any sloppy or untidy appearance will not be tolerated. Infringements of the dress / uniform code will result in removal from the class until the learner’s appearance is satisfactory.

Hair and appearance:

No make-up will be allowed.
Nails are to be clean, short and neat at all times, clear nail polish may be worn.
Girls only: Visible pierced jewellery shall be limited to one piercing per ear, only small sleepers or stud earrings may be worn.
No jewellery including rings, may be worn except watches.
Students’ hair has to be neat, clean and well groomed.
Fringes must be neat and kept out of the face line.
No hair gel, highlighting or colouring of hair will be allowed.
No Mohawks or patterns or definite steps or any uneven proportioned hair cut will be allowed. (Short back & sides – only for the boys).
Decorations, symbols, mottos, or designs imprinted or attached to the body or clothing, which are offensive to good taste or the maintenance of decorum, or which advertise tobacco, alcohol, drugs, or which identify the students as members of secret anti-social groups or gangs, shall not be worn to school or school functions.
Ethnic hair styles must meet school’s approval.

Suitcases:

A strong, partitioned suitcase, clearly marked with a name.
No wheelie bags allowed; our school embraces a “wheelie-free” environment.
No graffiti is allowed on bags.

Cell phones/ IPods/ MP 3s/ Tablets or any other electronic equipment:

Learners are encouraged to not bring their cell phones to school. Any communication with their parents will be through the school’s front office.
If learners bring cellphones to school, then it is with the understanding that BPPS will not be held responsible for any loss, damage or theft thereof, including confiscated cell phones.

Policy on late comers/punctuality/truancy:

School starts at 07:20 – students must be in their register classes by then for completion of the daily attendance register.
Late comers must report to the Administration Office to receive an Entry Slip (if the reason is valid) or a Late Slip.
Three late slips will result in a Friday detention.
Truancy from a class is a serious offence. Repeated truancy may lead to suspension.
If a student feels ill during school they have to report to the Administration Office (parents will be contacted if deemed necessary).
If an appointment is scheduled during school hours (which should be avoided) a note from parents must be handed into the Administration Office.
Any child collected from school before the end of a school day can only leave if a parent has signed the Admin Exit register at our Administrative offices and has asked in advance permission via email or telephonically from the Principal for the early departure.
If absent during an assessment/test/examination, a medical certificate must be produced.

Positive reinforcements: Can be awarded to learners for:

Good values and positive attitudes
Sportsmanship
Cultural activities
Academic effort