Rules & policies

General arrangements and discipline

1. Qualified teachers are appointed.
2. Teachers strive towards professional and individual relationships with learners. Teachers and learners treat each other with mutual respect.
3. Teachers are available for extra lessons depending on available time. Extra lessons may also have to take place after normal school hours.
4. Learners must attend school every day. Only written excuses will be accepted. Appointments such as doctor and dentist appointments must be made outside school hours where possible.
5. No smoking or vaping is allowed. Learners who ignore this rule will be disciplined.
6. Communication via email is used to keep parents informed about a learner’s progress.
7. Learners needing extra classes due to their own negligence — for example missing classes without permission — may be required to pay for such classes.
8. Learners may not leave the school premises without permission.
9. We strive towards a ratio of one teacher to a maximum of ten learners, especially when learners are taught as a group.
10. Learners must accept responsibility for their behaviour and progress, because this is an important component of successful education.
11. No uniform is required, but learners must look neat and presentable. Learners will be spoken to individually when the school believes they do not comply with this norm.
12. Extra-mural activities are organised with the help of parents so that teachers can focus on academics. Learners may also arrange activities under supervision to develop leadership skills.
13. The school day starts promptly with Scripture reading and prayer.
14. School fees are payable in advance. Steps may be taken against persons who fall into arrears. It is unfair to regular payers to allow accounts to remain unpaid.
15. School fees for the month must be paid by the 3rd day of that month. Any early-payment discount will only be applied if the entire account is up to date. It is the account payer’s responsibility to ensure that the account is up to date.
16. The registration fee and the school fees for the first month must be fully paid before a learner may attend classes.
17. For the convenience of parents and guardians, school fees for the year are paid in 12 instalments. Matric school fees are paid over 10 months.
18. Learners must buy their own textbooks. The school may have second-hand books for sale. Textbooks can be bought from PNA Strand (which can order books), Protea Book Store or Polla se Boekwinkel (Paul Roos Gimnasium).
19. Learners who do not obey the school rules may be asked to leave the school. If a learner’s behaviour is unacceptable, disciplinary action may include expulsion or termination of enrolment, subject to applicable law and due process.
20. Interest may be charged on accounts more than 30 days in arrears. The school may take lawful steps in relation to accounts in arrears, subject to applicable law and the enrolment agreement.
21. If projects or assignments are handed in late, marks may be deducted: 30% on day one and then 10% per day.
22. Learners may not use cellphones on the school premises unless specifically authorised by the school.
23. Parents must supply the school with relevant psychological and medical reports for learners with learning barriers and other issues that affect the learner’s activities at school.
24. Parents are responsible for the payment of supporting staff during examinations and tests — for example additional invigilators, amanuenses and readers — where such support is required.

Policy on drugs, alcohol, vaping, weapons and pornography

It is the aim of this policy that all members of the school community convey, by their actions and teaching, that they do not condone the use or possession of alcohol, other drugs, pornography, cannabis, cigarettes, vapes or vaping products, or weapons. It applies to all learners while involved in a school-sanctioned activity, and whenever a learner can be identified by the public as a learner of the school.

What is not permitted

• The use or possession of prohibited or controlled substances, or substances with a psychotropic effect, unless prescribed and used as directed by a medical professional.
• The use of medicines, tobacco and other drugs, or of solvents, inhalants, controlled substances or other chemicals.
• The possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages.
• Possession of drug-related paraphernalia, pornography, dangerous weapons, vapes, e-cigarettes, vaping devices or vaping products.
• Being under the influence of alcohol and/or other drugs.

Consequences

Breaching these requirements may lead to appearing before the Governing Body; the drawing up of a contract between all parties or other appropriate action; or suspension or termination of enrolment, subject to applicable law and due process. Dealing in drugs or pornography during any school activity is strictly forbidden, and criminal behaviour may be referred to the appropriate authorities.

The school’s approach

Each case is assessed individually and confidentially within the framework of this policy. Where reasonable suspicion exists, the school may investigate — which may include lawful screening — with the purpose of identifying a learner in crisis early and protecting that learner and others. Where a search is necessary, it should take place in the presence of the learner concerned, a support person if appropriate, and a second adult witness where practicable.

The school aims to support learners who need and want help, and undertakes to run information sessions for learners, parents and staff, to involve outside organisations as part of a team approach, and to support the founding of positive peer groups. Parents and guardians may be expected to contribute financially to relevant programmes, and may be held responsible for expenses incurred during a drug- or alcohol-related incident unless alternative arrangements have been made with the school.

Signing this document is a prerequisite for acceptance at the school. The school reserves the right to amend, update or replace its rules and policies from time to time; it is the responsibility of learners and their parents or guardians to remain informed of the latest applicable versions.