Behaviour and Discipline

By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil. Prov 16:6

It is clear that major offenses such as those related to violence, alcohol, tobacco, drugs, and defiance to authority are likely to lead to the student being removed from the school. But we do not normally expect these offenses to be issues at this school. In general we expect all students to behave in a manner that is to the honour of the Lord. This includes rendering obedience to all those in authority and to exercise the golden rule of life: “Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them” Matt 7:12.

General: (This code is peculiar to the school and should be familiar to all parents and students.)

1. All behaviour which is directly dishonouring to the LORD is regarded as a major offence. This includes the taking of God’s Name in vain, and disrespectful behaviour during prayer, reading the Bible, or singing Psalters.

2. All adults, whether staff members or not, must be respected by all students at all times.

3. All manner of behaviour designed to hurt the feelings of another student is forbidden. This includes physical intimidation and teasing.

4. All manner of property including the school’s, another student’s, or the student’s own must be respected at all times.

5. Profane and foul language, and lewd gestures are considered to be major offences.

6. No student is to leave the school property during school time without prior permission.

7. Peer pressure towards something known to be forbidden at other homes is forbidden. This means, for example, that students must refrain from speaking about television or rock music during school time.

8. All school rules and discipline apply from the time students arrive at the bus stop in the morning to the time the students arrive home in the afternoon. School rules and discipline also apply during any school activity, and to any student in public view in uniform regardless of time and place.

9. Offenses involving possession or use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco at school, or on school trips will ordinarily be referred to the Board Of Trustees and may result in the permanent removal of the student from school.

Steps of Discipline:

[1] immediate classroom or playground management with minor disciplinary matters.

[2] sheet/words or other written punishment for the student. For primary students we insist that this is signed by a parent. The lunchtime detention is also at step [2], teachers deciding which of the two is the more appropriate for each circumstance. Three sheets and/or lunch time detentions over a two week period will result ina level one conduct card. Further offending at this level in the two week period will result in the level two conduct card.

[3] afternoon detention. These may be given out for (a) failure to complete sheet/words after being initially doubled, (b) violent behaviour not serious enough for stand down or suspension, (c) dissent to authority, (d) failure to modify behaviour after several applications of lower level discipline, or (e) any offence considered too serious for a “sheet” but not serious enough for a stand down or suspension. Parents are always informed, in writing, of the reason and date of an afternoon detention.

[4] a Level 1 conduct card (for ½ week = 3 school days). YELLOW CARD. The conduct card system is to be generated by the Principal, or Deputy Principal, upon recommendation from the teachers. Eg: getting sent out of class will often result in a Level 1 conduct card. While on a conduct card, the student is closely monitored for both behaviour and application. Failure to satisfactorily complete a Level 1 conduct card results in a Level 2 conduct card.

[5] a Level 2 conduct card (for 1 week = 5 school days) PLUS phone call from the Principal or Deputy Principal to the parent stating the reason and the seriousness of the discipline imposed. ORANGE CARD – to be signed by parents every night. Failure to satisfactorily complete a Level 2 conduct card results in a Level 3 conduct card.

[6] a Level 3 conduct card (for 2 weeks = 10 school days) PLUS a letter to parents, warning that further disciplinary breaches could result in stand-down from school. RED CARD – to be signed by parents every night. Failure to satisfactorily complete a Level 3 conduct card results in a stand-down.

[7] stand-down. This is when the Principal removes a student from school, or confines him/her to a study room, for a fixed number of days, after which he/she is welcome to return. A student may receive no more than five days stand-down in a term and ten days in a year. A student returning to school after stand-down would ordinarily be placed on a level two conduct card before being removed from the discipline system. See note 5, below.

[8] suspension. This is when the Principal removes a student from the school, or confines him/her to a study room, to be dealt with by the discipline committee of the Board Of Trustees within seven school days. The BOT may (a) allow the student to return with or without conditions, (b) continue the suspension until conditions are met, or (c) remove the student from the school. A student returning to school after suspension would ordinarily be placed on a level two conduct card before being removed from the discipline system. See note 5, below.

[9] exclusion/expulsion. This is removal from school as decided by the discipline committee of the Board of Trustees. “Exclusion” is the term given to a student under 16 years, and “expulsion” is for a student over 16 years.

NOTES ON DISCIPLINE

1. A separate BOT policy statement sets out the procedures for stand-down, suspension, and exclusion/expulsion.

2. Serious cases of misconduct my result in a student immediately coming in on step [4] or step [7] or at a step deemed appropriate by the Principal.

3. The Principal has the discretion to impose formal discipline not mentioned above, which is applicable to particular circumstances, e.g.: Being banned from the school bus for a set period of time.

4. The conduct card system, steps [4] to [6], is more appropriate for conduct related directly to the learning environment. Hence step [7] is the next step up from step [3] for offences such as bullying in the playground.

5. When a student is on stand-down or suspension, the parents may negotiate with the Principal for conditions upon which the student may continue to attend school. This will normally involve the student being in isolation from his/her classmates.

6. In the absence of the Principal, the Deputy Principal, or most senior teacher available, is authorised to stand down or suspend a student.

7. In all cases of discipline there is a need to balance the education and wellbeing of others with the desire to help and show compassion to the offender. This requires great wisdom and Christ-like love for which we need God’s grace. Sadly, there are times in which the best solution for everyone is a fresh start somewhere else.