Reddam, Bedfordview Discipline Code

The Reddam House philosophy is structured to create a sense of freedom within which individuality is encouraged, personal growth and self-confidence promoted and freedom of expression is encouraged. The extent of the freedom is defined by the Discipline Code, and the responsibility is placed on the student to enjoy the freedom within the parameters of this Code. Reddam House offers an education without fear. The Discipline Code is a partnership between Reddam House, parents and students. This code is applicable:

            ·             whilst students are on the school’s premises
            ·             at school functions
            ·             on any occasion where they are identifiable as Reddam House students.
            ·             on any type of school tour/field trip 

Students are, at all times, to be a credit to Reddam House – neat, tidy, polite and well-behaved.

 

Implementation of the Discipline Code

 A.        The issuing of Debits

The commitment of Reddam House is to facilitate the all-rounded growth of each student to his or her maximum potential. To this end we expect students to be motivated academically, on the sports field and during cultural activities.

 

    1. Behaviour

             We expect students to:

            (Contravention of the above may lead to an accumulation of debits) which could lead to demerits.

 

A system has been put into place by the College to monitor the above. Points are allocated to the various activities and are translated into demerits as follows:

               250 Debits = 1 Demerit
      Further 200 Debits = 1 Demerit
      Further 150 Debits = 1 Demerit

 

B.        The issuing of Demerits

(Contravention of the above may lead to one demerit)

 

 (Contravention of the above may lead to three demerits)

 

2.    Victimization

 

A vital aspect of our philosophy is the principle of mutual respect. Within this framework we will not tolerate any form of:

 

The above may lead to three demerits

 Communication

        The Occult      3.    Truancy

 Absence from school or lessons without valid permission is not tolerated.

       The above may lead to three demerits

4.    Vandalism

This includes the defacing or damaging of school property and/or private property.
Any vandalism will be for the account of the perpetrator.
Reddam House retains and reserves the rights to report such vandalism to the SAPS

    The above may lead to three demerits

 5.    Theft

 Theft is a criminal offence and any students found to be involved in, or an accomplice to, an act of theft, will be severely disciplined. Reddam House retains and reserves the rights to report such theft to the SAPS depending upon the nature and severity thereof.

       The above may lead to three demerits

6.    Pornography

 Students accessing or in possession of uncensored material whether accessed through the Internet or any other manner is unacceptable.

      The above may lead to three demerits

7.    Alcohol and Smoking Tobacco

This School does not believe that smoking or drinking alcohol are student activities.

If a student is found to be in the act of, in possession of, or an accomplice to, smoking or drinking alcohol he/she could receive up to three demerits and a possible immediate suspension.

8.    Drugs/ Contraband Materials

 Reddam House will not tolerate any association with drugs or contraband materials.

 In the interest of safeguarding all students against possible drug use, testing for drug use may be conducted in accordance to the Gauteng Education Department.  If the student is tested positive, the student will be sent for rehabilitation and may be issued with 3 demerits.  If the student is tested positive after the rehabilitation he/she will be dismissed.

 Any student found to be in possession of or dealing in drugs, using drugs or contraband materials on campus, or being an accomplice to those using or distributing drugs or contraband materials, will be dismissed immediately.

 Prosecution and a possible criminal record may follow.  

 9.    Dangerous Weapons

It is totally against school policy for any student to be in possession of a dangerous weapon.

Any student found to be in possession of a dangerous weapon on the school property would be severely dealt with. A possible criminal record may follow.

The above may lead to three demerits and an immediate suspension

10.  Criminal Activity

Any criminal activity or being part thereof will result in immediate dismissal from the school and the matter will be referred to the SAPS for further investigation.

  C.           The Awarding of Credits

Credits will be issued at the end of each term. Credits cannot cancel debits.  Credits are given to encourage pupils to work the best of their ability and to get involved in all aspects of the school.  Active participation will be rewarded. A comprehensive list of all credits will be discussed with students.


D.        Suspensions and Dismissals   

A student is suspended for one week from Reddam House on receipt of three demerits in a calendar year. There will be no refund of school fees. The student will assume responsibility for the missed work. After returning to school thereafter, one further offence will result in instant dismissal of that student and that term’s fees will be forfeited.

At the start of each New Year, all debits, credits and demerits are cancelled.

Only the Principal may impose demerits.

 

E.         Disciplinary Committee to Resolve Disputes

In areas of doubt or dispute, and at the discretion of the Principal, a Disciplinary Committee consisting of two teachers and two Heads of the Student Executive, may be convened.

Certain offences, such as drug and contraband material related instances, will bypass the suspension process and will result in immediate dismissal.

 

F.         Student Councils

The grade 12 College Senior Executive are elected near the end of every grade 11 year.  The role of the student executive is to help with maintaining order, discipline in Reddam House and to build student relations.

 

            G.         General
All students are bound by the rules and regulations as laid out in the Discipline Code. Reddam House
reserves the right to discipline, suspend or expel any student at any time, whose behaviour is in
contravention of this Code.

Please confirm that you have read and understood the contents of the Discipline Code by signing the Agreement attached.

 

H         Parents/Guardians

All parents and guardians of students agree to adhere to the principles enshrined in the Constitution of Reddam House and the Discipline Code and Anti-bullying Code (“The Codes”).  Reddam House reserves the right to investigate and resolve any issue pertaining to the conduct of a parent/guardian which may prima facie transgress either the constitution or the Codes and furthermore reserves the right to impose any reasonable sanction which in the sole discretion of the Head of the School is appropriate in the circumstances, taking into account all relevant interests, including the right to restrict and exclude access to the school premises or grounds and to refuse a student re-entry in the next academic year.