Crawford College

Crawford College

CODE OF CONDUCT

(Amended August 2019)

1. STATEMENT OF INTENT

At Crawford Schools we endeavour to promote positive behaviour and interaction amongst all our students and staff. In this vein, each school practises a system of positive reinforcement to encourage all our students to realise their full potential within a healthy, balanced and safe environment.

2. PURPOSE 2.1. The Code of Conduct governs the conduct of all students and the relationship between the school and its students. 2.2. Crawford College's philosophy of "A Commitment to Excellence" forms the basis of this Code of Conduct. In line with this philosophy, mutual respect and a mature and dignified interaction are expected at all times. 2.3. Individuality and initiative are encouraged within the parameters set out below, having regard and respect at all times for the interests of all at Crawford College. 2.4. Signed acceptance of the Code of Conduct by a parent/guardian and the student is a prerequisite for admission to the College. 2.5. A copy of the Code of Conduct should be kept by all students for ongoing reference.

3. CORRECT SCHOOL MULTIFORM AND APPEARANCE 3.1. General 3.1.1. Students are required to appear neat, tidy and clean at all times and must be dressed in the correct school uniform. Branded items are available only from the official uniform suppliers. 3.1.2. Undersize or oversize items of uniform may not be worn. 3.1.3. Jeans, shorts and smart pants may not be worn low on the hip, but must be worn around the waist. 3.2. Campus Casual "Multiform" 3.2.1. Plain black pants, official tracksuit pants or regulation style shorts 3.2.2. Girls may wear regulation or longer black skirts or the official multipurpose skirt. 3.2.3. No stretch pants or leggings are allowed. 3.2.4. Regulation golf shirts with "Crawford" embroidered as available from suppliers 3.2.5. Crawford Polo Fleece or Dry-mac or Hoody or Tracksuit top embroidered with `Crawford' as available from suppliers. Hoods must be worn down during school activities. 3.2.6. Black and/or white shoes or trainers, or black sandals with or without black or white socks. No slipslops, and no boots above the ankle may be worn.

3.2.7. Black belt with functional (not decorative) buckle of choice may be worn. 3.2.8. Only `Crawford' embroidered caps or beanies as available from the suppliers

are allowed. 3.3. Step-out Uniform

3.3.1. The step-out uniform must be worn to specified assemblies and official school functions.

3.3.2. Boys: College blazer, smart black pants, plain white collar shirt (tucked in), College tie and formal black shoes with black socks.

3.3.3. Girls: College blazer, knee-length black skirt or longer, or tailored black pants, white collar shirt, College tie, and black shoes. Hair accessories must be black, red or white only.

3.3.4. No takkies / cross trainers/casual sandals may be worn as part of the Step-out uniform.

3.4. Hair 3.4.1. Hair must be tidy, clean and of natural looking colour. No inappropriate hairstyles are permitted. 3.4.2. Boys must be clean-shaven.

3.5. Jewellery 3.5.1. Studs, bars or sleepers may be worn in the ears only, one per ear. No nose, eyebrow or tongue rings/studs are permitted. 3.5.2. An appropriate neck chain is permitted. 3.5.3. Only one ring and one bracelet may be worn.

3.6. Make-up Skin tone/neutral make up may be worn (i.e. lip gloss, natural nail polish, foundation). Black or brown eyeliner and/or mascara may be worn.

4. GENERAL 4.1. Students are expected to behave respectfully towards staff members, visitors to the school and fellow students. 4.2. While students are encouraged to think independently and to question, this needs to be done in a manner that is not disrespectful or insulting. 4.3. Staff members and visitors must always be courteously greeted on the school premises. 4.4. As students are regarded at all times by the general public as being representatives of CrawfordSchoolsTM student behaviour should always represent the school positively. Any behaviour that could damage the reputation or name of the school may result in disciplinary action. 4.5. When the school uniform is worn in public, it must also be worn in an exemplary manner in line with school regulations, and student conduct must be beyond question. 4.6. A student may not assist or encourage any other student to commit misconduct. 4.7. A student may not act in a dishonest manner which includes any behaviour which may cause loss or prejudice or harm to any other persons. 4.8. No student may, through behaviour or attitude, disrupt the learning of other students or the functioning of the school. 4.9. Punctuality is essential so as to preserve the integrity of the learning environment. Latecomers must report to the secretary at Reception with a note from their parents explaining late arrival. Habitual late arrival may lead to a demerit. 4.10. As safety and the preservation of the learning environment are important, students are expected to move in a quiet and orderly fashion in the passageways and stairways. Keeping left along passages and stairways will ensure ease of movement to various venues.

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4.11.

4.12. 4.13. 4.14.

4.15.

4.16.

4.17.

4.18. 4.19. 4.20. 4.21. 4.22. 4.23. 4.24.

Students are expected to take pride in their school and to ensure that it is not damaged in any way by their conduct or neglect. Littering and vandalism will therefore not be tolerated and cleanliness of classrooms and cloakrooms and other common areas is expected. To ensure safety, no rough play is allowed and no ball or similar activity may take place in the school buildings. No offensive language is permitted including but not limited to swearing, discriminatory language or obscene gestures of any sort. Mobile phones may not normally be switched on, or used, in a classroom, during assemblies, or in an examination venue unless expressly permitted by the teacher in charge of the activity concerned. Mobile phones may not be used in place of calculators. When schools are next to each other or share a campus, students are restricted to their own specific section of the campus during school hours to preserve the safety of the environment for all those on the campus. Interaction with, or presence on, other parts of the campus can only take place with permission of the relevant staff. The school day is a busy one and loss of learning time has a serious impact on success. In addition, the safety of students is of paramount importance. Therefore students are not permitted to leave the school for any appointments whatsoever, unless a letter to this effect from the parent/guardian is provided to the Principal or his or her agent who may then give permission for the student to leave the school premises. Students who fall ill during school hours must report to the school Reception before going to the sick room or leaving the school. If permission is granted to leave the school early, an Early Departure form must be completed and the appropriate signout protocols followed. Permission to depart early will only be granted if requested by a parent/guardian and approved by the Principal or his or her agent. Parents/Guardians of students who are ill and unable to attend school must inform the school via the appropriate channels as communicated by the school before the end of the 1st period on the day on which the student is absent. It is the student's responsibility to catch up on any work they may have missed during their absenteeism. Students may not involve themselves in socially unacceptable conduct which includes, but is not limited to, bullying, harassment or any other activity likely to cause harm or offense. Excessive or unseemly public display of affection is not acceptable on the school campus or anywhere while in school uniform. Senior students may only drive on school premises if they are in possession of a valid driving licence and with the express permission of the Principal or Deputy Principal. No student may transport another student without the written permission of the latter student's parent(s)/guardian(s). The Principal and staff of the school act in loco parentis while students are on the school property or are participating actively or passively in any school activity, function or event, and may therefore interview or question any student, or request a written report from any student, without the permission of a parent or legal guardian in any investigation of a disciplinary matter.

5. CLASSROOM, MEDIA AND COMPUTER CENTRE CONDUCT

The school expects a focus on the achievement of academic excellence. To achieve this the following rules apply. 5.1. Punctual arrival for all lessons is required. 5.2. No disruption of classroom routine is allowed.

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5.3. In order to maximise the classroom time, all homework and preparation for class, tests and examinations must be done thoroughly and timeously.

5.4. Students are expected to adhere to the ICT Policy that forms part of the contract with the school. In particular attention is drawn to: 5.4.1. Students may not, without exception, change any computer setups and settings. 5.4.2. No software may be loaded without permission from the relevant teacher. 5.4.3. Students may not use, access, change, delete or amend the security settings including passwords of any other student. 5.4.4. If a student accesses the work or files of another student in any way without permission or for purposes of cheating, including using their password to gain access to their work, they will be violating the Code of Conduct. 5.4.5. Hacking of any system or information will be treated as a serious violation of the Code of Conduct. 5.4.6. No student may access, display, print, store or share any pornographic material or any other socially unacceptable, harmful or discriminatory content on any school device or on any personal device while on school property. 5.4.7. In order to protect the resources of the school, eating or drinking is not allowed in the Computer Centre, Media Centre or laboratories and is only permitted in classrooms with the specific permission of the teachers.

6. ASSESSMENTS INCLUDING TESTS AND EXAMINATIONS 6.1. Honesty and integrity are core values of the school and therefore cheating of any type in any way including, but not limited to, tests and exams will be regarded as a serious offence. 6.2. Using the work of another person without properly acknowledging them (plagiarism) is cheating and will be dealt with accordingly, irrespective of the source of the work that has not been acknowledged. 6.3. Any student found in illegal possession of an exam or test paper in whole or in part and in electronic or other format will face disciplinary measures. 6.4. Students in possession of mobile phones or `smart' devices of any sort (including watches) during tests or examinations, will be considered to have cheated. 6.5. Students in possession of unauthorized notes or information in any form in any test or examination venue or during any test or examination session will be considered to have cheated. 6.6 Students who provide information to other students during tests or exams or students who assist another student to cheat in any way will be considered guilty of cheating themselves.

7. SPORT, CULTURAL ACTIVITIES AND TOURS 7.1. All students participating in a sporting or cultural activity, whether on or off the campus, are ambassadors of CrawfordSchoolsTM and bound by provisions of the Code of Conduct. 7.2. Students who travel on tours are not permitted to smoke (including e-cigarettes) or consume alcohol or other intoxicating substances, whether or not they are in uniform and whether or not they are over the age of 18. No student on tour may accept any such substances, even these are offered by their hosts. 7.3. Courteous behaviour and good sportsmanship is required at all times. This includes time travelling to and from any destination and during sporting or other activities. 7.4. When participating in, or spectating at, any sport or other extramural activity students are expected to comply with the rules and regulations that are relevant (both

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those of the school and of the particular activity) and to play in the spirit of the game which includes respecting opponents and showing due courtesy. 7.5. A referee's/umpire's decision must be accepted without argument and dissent. 7.6. Students who are unable to attend a practice or match or any fixture must excuse themselves in good time as far as possible from the relevant teacher or coach. 7.7. Once selected and a place has been assigned, ongoing commitment to a team is expected for the duration of the season. This includes acceptable attendance at practices as well as matches. 7.8. Students must be correctly dressed for every match according to the school's requirements for each sport.

8. TUTORIAL /PERSONAL PERIODS 8.1. Students are encouraged to make constructive use of tutorial/personal periods. 8.2. Students may arrive at school after College commencement times if a tutorial/personal period occurs at the beginning of the day, provided that they arrive timeously for their first lesson. 8.3. Students may not leave the College during a tutorial/personal period unless it is the last period of the day. 8.4. Students may, under no circumstances, disturb classes in progress. No outdoor activities are permitted during tutorial/personal periods.

9. SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND DANGEROUS OBJECTS (TRANSGRESSION OF THESE RULES COULD RESULT IN THE STUDENT BEING REQUIRED TO LEAVE THE SCHOOL)

(as defined in Regulations Regarding Safety at Independent Schools ? Government Gazette No 26663 of 2004)

9.1. All Independent Schools are Drug and Dangerous Object free zones. For the purpose of this policy, this extends to the school grounds or during any school activity, outing or tour, or in any other situation where students represent or may be identifiable as Crawford students.

9.2. Students suspected of being in possession of dangerous objects, illegal substances, tobacco, electronic cigarettes or alcohol may be required to undergo a search. If found in possession of the student, the same may be seized and the student may be required to attend a Disciplinary Hearing where up to 3 demerits may be allocated.

9.3. Any student who needs to take prescription medication may only have on them sufficient quantities to meet the requirements as stipulated in the prescription and may not make the medication available to other students.

9.4. The term `smoking' or `tobacco' also includes cigarette or tobacco alternatives such as electronic cigarettes and/or `hubbly-bubbly'.

9.5. The Principal and his/her delegate may instigate a random Drug Test on any student or group of students, subject to reasonable suspicion or in the best interests of the student population of the school. 9.5.1. Any test or search carried out by the Principal or his/her delegates should be carried out in strict accordance with the manufacturers' directives and with due respect for the student's dignity and privacy. 9.5.2. A Drug Test would be done preferably, but not necessarily, with the student's parent(s)/guardian(s) consent. 9.5.3. Students who refuse to undergo such a test, either at their own or their parents/legal guardians behest, or for whatever reason, may be required to leave the school immediately.

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9.5.4. A student found to test positive for illegal drug usage may be required to attend a Disciplinary Hearing where up to 2 demerits for substance abuse subject to conditions for a first offence may be allocated, or 3 demerits and expulsion for a second or repeated offence.

9.5.5. The parents of any student who tests positive for illegal drug use during a drug test initiated by the school, will, in consultation with the school, be required to organise a process of rehabilitation for the student.

9.5.6. A second test must be arranged (at the parents' cost) after a period of at least six weeks has lapsed from the date of the first test.

9.5.7. If the results of this test prove positive, further disciplinary action in terms of the CrawfordSchoolsTM Code of Conduct will be taken.

9.5.8. Should the student and/or parent dissent with regards to rehabilitation and/or a second test is not carried out in response to the school's reasonable request, the student may be asked to leave the school immediately.

9.5.9. Following an initial positive test result, the school has the right to administer further drug tests throughout the student's enrolment at the school.

9.6. As the school is a tobacco, alcohol and illegal substance free environment, any student found to be using any of the above (including electronic cigarettes), or appearing to be under the influence of any of the above, or being found to have been in the presence of others using any of the above may be subject to disciplinary action in terms of the Code of Conduct, and may be required to leave the school. The same applies to the unauthorised or excessive or inappropriate use of any habit forming or behaviour altering legal substance such as prescription medication.

9.7. If it is reasonable to conclude that a student had had illegal substances, alcohol or tobacco/electronic cigarettes in his/her possession or under his/her control, or had made the same implicitly or explicitly available to other persons, the student may be given three (3) demerits and may be required to leave the school immediately.

9.8. If it is reasonable to conclude that a student had had other substances such as prescription medication in his/her possession or under his/her control and had made the same implicitly or explicitly available to other persons, the student may be given three (3) demerits and may be required to leave the school immediately.

10. STEROIDS 10.1. Violations of these rules may result in the student being required to leave the school. 10.2. Illegal Anabolic-androgen Steroids refer to those steroids listed as banned by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sports (SAIDS). It is a violation of conduct for any student to possess, ingest or otherwise use these substances without a written prescription from a licensed Doctor who is recognized as competent by the South African Medical Association. 10.3. Suspected use of illegal steroids will be subject to the testing procedures and penalties as described above for other substances. 10.4. Use of any steroids whatsoever, which lead to unfair competitive advantage, will in addition, be regarded as cheating in terms of the Code of Conduct and may lead to the student being reported to the relevant Sports Controlling Body and banned from participating in the discipline at school for up to six (6) months after medical tests have indicated that the student is no longer advantaged by the substance.

11. THEFT AND FRAUD 11.1. Theft, any forgery, falsification of documents, pirating and plagiarism are considered criminal offences. Any student found to be committing any of these offences may be required to leave the school with immediate effect.

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11.2. 11.3.

Crawford schools reserves the right, where an incident of theft is suspected, to open and inspect lockers, suitcases and bags. Criminal charges may be laid. Any removal of the property of any other person or the school from the premises of the school as well as from where that property should rightfully remain, whether in physical or electronic form and without official authorisation, is regarded as theft.

12. VICTIMISATION AND BULLYING 12.1. CrawfordSchoolsTM commits to protecting all students in our care. To this end we acknowledge the provisions and principles of the Children's Act 38 of 2005 and Children's Amendment Act 41 of 2007 as well as the Bill of Rights in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, and we commit to creating a safe environment for our students. 12.2. Victimisation, including but not limited to bullying, fighting, intimidation, sexual harassment, maltreatment, verbal, emotional or physical abuse, exploitation, moral harm or any display of racism or religious intolerance in person or online or through any other platform will be severely dealt with and will not be tolerated. 12.3. This prohibition also applies after hours to any school-related physical or virtual groups or platforms or interfaces or any context or platform in which the association with the school can be deduced or inferred. This is therefore not limited to conduct carried out at the school or during school hours. 12.4. Depending on the severity of the transgression, the student may be required to leave the school and depending on the circumstances, charges against those responsible could be laid which may include criminal charges of defamation or crimen injuria (the serious violation of someone's dignity or privacy) or hate speech.

13. INITIATION 13.1. Both in terms of the values and ethos of CrawfordSchoolsTM as well as in terms of the Education Laws Amendment Act, Act 50, 2002, no person may conduct or participate in any initiation practices of any student in a South African school. This prohibition covers all sports, cultural and additional extra-murals activities. 13.2. Any student who violates this prohibition will be subject to disciplinary action.

14. VANDALISM 14.1. Vandalism will not be tolerated and any student engaging in such (including at school leaving celebrations) may be required to leave the school immediately. 14.2. Any damaging or defacing of property belonging to the school (including student desks) and/or other persons will be regarded as a serious offence. 14.3. The school reserves the right to claim compensation due to loss or damage to school property from the transgressor and/or their parents or guardians.

15. UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE 15.1. Unauthorised absence from school or lessons constitutes a form of misconduct. If recurring, the student may be required to leave the school. 15.2. Students may not leave the campus during school hours unless prior permission is given by the parents and departure is authorised by the Principal or his or her agent.

16. FORBIDDEN ARTICLES 16.1. No student may bring on to the school premises or have in their possession any dangerous objects including but not limited to matches, cigarette lighters, knives, ammunition, weapons, or fireworks. 16.2. No student may bring on to the school premises or have in their possession any alcoholic beverages, cigarettes (including electronic cigarettes), drugs, pornography,

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other inappropriate literature or images or prescription medication other than what is required in terms of a prescription issued by an authorised medical practitioner. 16.3. Valuable articles and money brought to school are brought at own risk.

17. SCHOOL LEADERS 17.1. Students appointed to any official/recognized leadership position (such as captains, SRC, Student Executive etc.) in breach of any aspect of the Code of Conduct of the school and in particular behaviour likely to bring the school into disrepute or unbecoming in relation to the leadership position held will lose their position and all privileges and benefits in addition to any other sanction incurred. 17.2. Repeated and/or ongoing disregard of the Multiform requirements and/or any other aspect of the Code of Conduct may also lead to withdrawal of the above recognition and position(s). This encompasses scrolls, badges, blazers, etc. whichever may be applicable.

18. DISCIPLINARY SANCTIONS 18.1. Students who infringe the Code of Conduct may be issued with Official (written) Warnings and/or Demerits, including but not restricted to those offences tabulated overleaf. 18.2. Minor infringements of the Code of Conduct may incur Official Warnings. 18.3. Students who consistently fail to meet the expectations of the school in terms of effort and tasks required to improve academic performance may be issued with Official (written) Warnings. 18.4. A student who has been issued with three (3) Official Warnings may be issued with a Demerit, at the discretion of the Principal, or his/her appointed agent. 18.5. A Demerit becomes operative once the parents or guardians of the student have been advised thereof in writing. Parents or guardians will be deemed to have received notification: 18.5.1. within 5 (five) school days after a written notification has been posted by prepaid registered mail to parents or guardians at their chosen domicilium address; or 18.5.2. immediately where a parent or guardian signs for receipt of the written notification. 18.6. Only the Principal, or his/her appointed agent, shall be entitled, having exercised their discretion, to impose Demerits. 18.7. Subject to the discretion of the Principal, or his/her appointed agent, any Demerit(s) shall remain in place for a period of no more than 12 months. 18.8. Any Grade 11 student who has a current Demerit is not eligible for election to the Student Executive. 18.9. A member of the Student Executive who has been issued with a Demerit may, at the discretion of the Principal or his or her appointed agent, be removed from office. 18.10. School Colour Awards may be withheld from students who have current Demerits. 18.11. If a student is guilty of an offence in terms of which three Demerits are awarded, or where the student has accumulated three current Demerits, a disciplinary hearing will be called and convened, which may lead to the expulsion of the student. The Principal may suspend the student until the disciplinary hearing is convened.

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