Ridgeway College strives to uphold and live by the following set of values that we believe will mould the students of the College into respected and law abiding members of the College community as well as the communities they live in and will serve in the future.
Ridgeway College is committed to an orderly and stimulating learning and teaching environment. The right to learn and teach in an educational setting that is safe, free from disruption and conducive to learning is what we strive for.
For this environment to be achieved, it is imperative that the values should be closely interlinked with the Code of Conduct which explains what we expect from our students.
STUDENTS' VALUES
If I am to be TRUSTWORTHY, it is expected of me to
Have integrity; show honesty; keep my promises; show loyalty; be reliable; have the courage to do what is right
If I am to show RESPECT, it is expected of me to
Honour the individual; show courtesy and civility; be tolerant of differences; avoid violence, anger and insults; be considerate of the feelings of others, be aware of my rights as well as the rights of others while at the same time accepting responsibility for protecting these rights; ensure that all members of the Ridgeway community are treated with respect and dignity, show proper care and regard for College property and the property of others; refrain from any form of bullying
If I am to be RESPONSIBLE AND ACCOUNTABLE, it is expected of me to
Practice self-control; adopt a positive attitude; pursue excellence; be self-reliant; be pro-active; be persistent; think before I act; exercise self-discipline; complete homework and other tasks; learn adequately for tests and examinations; conduct myself in class in such a manner that does not adversely affect the rights of others to learn and the right of the teacher to teach effectively
If I am to be FAIR, it is expected of me to
Be impartial, be open-minded and consider the opinions of others; not lay blame carelessly; not take advantage of others and treat them fairly, regardless of race, culture, creed or gender
If I am to practice the principle of UBUNTU (Human dignity), it is expected of me to
Show mutual understanding and active appreciation of the value of human differences
If I am to practice GOOD CITIZENSHIP, it is expected of me to
Pursue civic duties; respect authority; obey laws and rules; stay informed; be a good team player; co-operate; be involved; keep Ridgeway College grounds and surrounds free from litter
CODE OF CONDUCT
In addition to the above, students are expected to adhere to the College rules with regards to: Leaving the school premises
- Students are to remain on the College premises for the duration of the school day, unless they have obtained the necessary signed slip permission from the Head, or an appointed staff member, or the student's parent/guardian has made telephonic arrangements for the student to leave early. The student who has been given permission to leave early, should be collected from the Reception area by the parent/guardian.
Cell phones and Electronic devices
- While we acknowledge the part that cell phones play in the life of students today, students are nevertheless prohibited from using cell phones during class time, LV's and extracurricular activities, this includes the use of earphones. Students caught using cell phones are liable to have them confiscated and returned at the College's discretion.
- Music, either on cell phones, MP3 players or any other electronic device may not be listened to during class time or between periods.
- The College will accept no responsibility for cell phones that are lost, stolen or damaged whilst on the College premises. Cell phones may, however, be handed in at the office for safekeeping.
Dress Code
- Students are expected to adhere to the College dress code and to be neat and presentable at all times. (see Dress Code).
Participation in extracurricular activities
- All students are expected to take part in at least one extracurricular activity each term. This is over and above the attendance of Academic Clinics. A letter of excuse from the parent/guardian is required should a student be unable to attend a practice or match or session. Continued absence from extracurricular activities without the necessary permission or excuse could result in withholding of Colours or recognition awards (see Extracurricular Policy).
Absenteeism
- A direct relationship exists between a good attendance record and student performance. Students are expected to attend all school days unless medical reasons suggest that they are unable to do so. Parents/Legal guardian should phone the office to inform the College of a student's absence, by 07h45. It is the sole responsibility of the student to catch up any work missed due to absence (see Absenteeism Policy).
Students driving to school
- Students may only drive to school if they are in possession of a valid South African driver's license or if they have a valid Learner's License and are accompanied by a person who has a valid South African driver's license.
- A copy of the license must be handed in at the office to be placed on the student's file.
- Student drivers may not give lifts to other students to and from school unless that student's parents have given written permission to do so.
- It is required of students who travel to school by scooter, motorbike or bicycle to wear a helmet.
Alcohol and Drugs
- Members of the Ridgeway College community should be aware that the policy and rules relating to substance abuse are deliberately stringent. They are designed to both preserve the welfare of the students and to be consistent with the laws of South Africa (see Alcohol and Drug Policy).
Computer usage
- While computers play an important part in the education of our students, it is an area which lends itself to misuse. In order to protect the users and the College's network it is necessary to compile a set of guidelines which will assist in ensuring that the great benefit that this facility provides, will be maintained (see Computer Use Policy).
DISCIPLINARY POLICY FOR STUDENTS
Introduction
Ridgeway College expects a high standard from its students. In keeping with our philosophy and multi-denominational-based school, the principles of tolerance and respect for every member of the College community is expected. Adherence to the Disciplinary Policy will contribute to the establishment and maintenance of the desired ethos within the College.
The policy aims to be fair, consistent and appropriate. Students are encouraged to act with self-discipline and in a responsible manner and to be accountable for their actions. In order to make the right decisions the students are empowered with the foundation of values against which they can measure themselves and their actions.
Should a student not meet the required standards of behaviour, it will be necessary to put corrective actions in place. The corrective actions whether formal or informal will be directly related to the seriousness of the infringement.
This policy is also applicable to behaviour of students on official school field trips, excursions, sport events and the like. The policy could also be applied in cases where behaviour outside of school hours impacts negatively on the reputation of Ridgeway College in the community.
General Behaviour
Every student has the right to learn and every teacher has the right to teach in a safe, caring and non-threatening environment where quality education can take place. Students must also recognize that they have responsibilities to their parents, the College, their teachers, their fellow students and themselves. In addition to this they must:
- Abide by all Ridgeway College rules and regulations. These will be made available to all students and parents, and will also be available at Reception.
- Behave responsibly and not endanger the safety, welfare and rights of others
- Respect and care for the property of Ridgeway College and others
- Maintain sound relations with others at Ridgeway College, be courteous and respect the dignity and self-worth of others
- Be punctual and observe the timekeeping practices of the College
- Demonstrate a positive attitude towards the opportunity to learn, and be diligent in their efforts
- Behave honestly and conduct themselves with integrity
- Accept legitimate disciplinary measures taken against them as being necessary and corrective
In addition to the above, Ridgeway College has a set of rules and policies which define the kinds of behaviour expected of its students. A summary of these offences and consequences are attached to this Values and Disciplinary Policy. It must be borne in mind that it is impossible to list every possible type of rule infringement or misconduct by students. The Head and/or teachers will apply corrective action as they deem appropriate and in accordance with what is expressed above.
Infringements and consequences
Misconduct and infringement of rules of the College can be divided into two categories - those requiring informal intervention and those leading to more formal intervention and corrective action.
It should be pointed out that there may be mitigating factors which may justify lesser consequences than those suggested. In addition to this, the policy makes provision for repeated misconduct of less serious infringements.
Informal infringements / misconduct
- Lack of punctuality for class and extracurricular sessions
- Swearing
- Disregard for College rules or instructions, impertinence, insubordination
- Homework / projects not completed
- Non-return of reply slips
- Under performance due to lack of effort
- Unruly class behaviour such as talking, lack of concentration, causing disturbance and disruption to the class
- Copying of work, homework, projects, tasks
- Inappropriate dress, hair style, jewellery or make up
- Inappropriate use of sacred names
- Physical contact
- Abuse of cell phones / audio equipment
- Littering
- Abuse of computer network
- Misbehaviour in class - governed by the following guidelines :
- The right to be respected
- The right to be heard and to offer an opinion
- The responsibility to participate with interest
- The responsibility to be punctual
- The right of the teacher to teach effectively
Consequences for informal infringements / misconduct
In the case of a first offence the person taking first action is the teacher or student council member. The teacher or student council member will send the student to the Head who will issue a yellow card and record the infringement on the disciplinary record of the student. This yellow card is to be signed by parents and returned to the Head. Upon receiving a second yellow card, the Head will follow the same procedure as above and parents will be contacted and informed of the consequences of a third yellow card. Upon receiving a third yellow card, the student is given a Head's detention.
A severe act of misbehaviour may go straight into the formal disciplinary procedure.
Attached is a table of Disciplinary Guidelines.
Infringements resulting in Formal Disciplinary Procedures
- Deliberate or unjustified missing of class, sport practices
- Physical contact of a sexual nature
- Vandalism
- Truancy from school
- Violence, intimidation, fighting
- Bullying of any description
- Smoking, drinking (see Alcohol and Drug Policy)
- Dishonesty, cheating, plagiarism
- Social injustices, racial slurs, cultural intolerance, sexual harassment
- Pornography
- Theft
- Other serious offences
Consequences for more serious offences
- Heads Detention or yellow card, at discretion of the Head or appointed representative
- Meeting with parents of student
- Possible suspension
- A warning which could be first or final depending on nature of offence and any mitigating factors
- A record on student's file
- Expulsion would be a last resort
Where the offence warrants it the College could expect the parent/guardian to ensure that their child receives the necessary counseling to assist them overcome any difficulty. Students may remain at the College on condition that the student undergoes the necessary counseling. The College undertakes to assist the parents in acquiring the services of a specialist, required to do so.
A Disciplinary Hearing will determine suspensions, final warnings and expulsions.
First warnings are kept on file for a period of one (1) year while final warnings remain in force for the period that the student is at Ridgeway College. However, the College reserves the right to treat each case on its merits.
Disciplinary Hearing Process
This procedure summarises the disciplinary process that will be followed by Ridgeway College when formal disciplinary action is considered appropriate.
When a complaint is laid against a student in line with infringements leading to a formal disciplinary action, the following should be borne in mind:
- The complaint should be in writing
- An initial investigation by the Head or an appointed staff member will be held
- Where there is an admission of guilt by the student, and the case is sufficiently fair and clear to all concerned and in all respects, a consequence may be outlined without a disciplinary hearing taking place
- Where this is not the case, a disciplinary hearing will be called with the following guidelines ;
- at least 48 hours notice before the hearing is provided to the student by means of a written notice on which the charge is clearly outlined
- the student is suspended from school before the hearing
- the hearing is presided over by an independent chairperson or the Head depending on the nature of the case. Should the Head be the investigating official, an independent chairperson will preside over the hearing
- the student is given the opportunity to state their case and to call witnesses
- no representation by legal counsel is allowed at the hearing
- the parents of the student may represent their child
- the student's Form teacher and peer(s) [to maximum of 2] are allowed to attend the hearing but also as observers only
- the findings of the Chairperson are final.
Appeal Review Process
The student/parents of the student have the right to appeal against any informal or formal disciplinary consequences imposed by the College.
Lodging an appeal against a decision for a minor offence, entitles the student to an appeal review. This must be done in writing to the Head.
A review is a process in which relevant documentation submitted by the respective parties is re-examined. An appeal review would be considered on the following grounds:
- the disciplinary process was not properly followed
- the decision regarding the consequences is considered inappropriate
- relevant mitigating factors were not properly considered by the Head or appointed staff member
- another tribunal might come to another conclusion based on the facts
The student/parent wishing to appeal against a formal disciplinary consequence must fully motivate their appeal in writing. This request appeal must be submitted to the Head or Chairperson within 5 days of the hearing chairperson's decision having being communicated to the parent.
The student and their parent's right to appeal does not necessarily mean that all matters raised at the disciplinary hearing will be re-visited. The appeal process is an objective reviewing of the decision made and based on the grounds and motivation for the appeal being lodged.
A full re-hearing will only be conducted where the initial process has been materially defective and/or the decisions reached are considered to be inappropriate / inconsistent with infringements Should it be necessary for a re-hearing, a full appeal hearing will be conducted chaired by a new and impartial chairperson. A College Board member will also be present at the appeal hearing.
The College will appoint an appropriate person, or appeal panel, to conduct the appeal re-hearing.
When a decision has been made by the reviewer or appeal chairperson, a written finding will be provided to the student or parent within 5 days and a copy of the finding placed on the student's file.
The College's appeal process is the final procedure in the disciplinary process.
DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES AND CONSEQUENCES
| Infringement |
Consequence |
| |
Yellow Card |
Heads Detention |
Parent Interview |
| Lack of punctuality |
X |
|
|
| Swearing |
X |
|
|
| Impertinence/ insubordination |
X |
|
|
| Non-return of reply slip on due date |
X |
|
|
| Homework not done |
X |
|
|
| Lack of effort |
X |
|
|
| Inappropriate classroom behaviour |
X |
|
|
| Dress code violations |
X |
|
|
| Copying of homework, projects, tasks |
X |
|
|
| Inappropriate use of sacred names |
X |
|
|
| Physical contact |
X |
|
|
| Cell phone violation |
X |
|
|
| Littering |
X |
|
|
| Computer related infringement |
X |
|
|
| Leave school without permission |
|
X |
X |
| Miss a lesson |
|
X |
X |
| LV room infringement |
X |
|
|
| Driving without valid license |
|
X |
X |
| Non-participation in extracurricular programme |
|
X |
|
| Bunking a day |
|
X |
X |
| Miss compulsory College function |
|
X |
X |
Additional Notes
- Yellow cards are issued by the Head and to be signed by parents
- Upon receiving a second yellow card parents will be contacted to inform them of consequence of a third yellow card offence, ie Head's Detention
- Yellow card count begins again at start of each term
- Three Head's detentions leads to a disciplinary hearing
- Head's Detention count begin again at the start of each year
ABSENTEEISM POLICY
Philosophy
Ridgeway College believes that regular school attendance correlates closely with success in the classroom. Failure to attend school regularly interferes with successful learning and can result in failure to acquire necessary basic skills.
Not only must the law regarding compulsory school attendance be adhered to, but regular attendance should be encouraged and enforced where necessary. It is the responsibility of both students and parents to ensure that all students attend school regularly, arrive on time and remain at school for the entire school day.
Compulsory School Attendance
Both the state and the Cambridge International Examination body have stipulations in place which limit the number of absences for reasons other than excused absences from school to ten (10) school days. Ridgeway College reserves the right to refuse entry to CIE examinations should it be felt that due to irregular school attendance, the student is not sufficiently well prepared to sit the examinations.
Work missed
It is the sole responsibility of the student to approach the teachers in order to ensure that all work missed during a period of absence is caught up and that all projects, tests are completed and written.
Administration
Should a student be unable to attend school, the parent/guardian should inform the school by no later than 07h45 on the day that the student will be absent from school
Upon returning to school from a period of absence the student must provide a note from the parent/guardian, explaining the reason for the absence.
Should a student be away for three (3) consecutive days or longer a doctor's certificate should be provided, verifying the absence.
Extraordinary school days
From time to time the school will organize functions, fun days, civvies days and activities. These days are to be considered as compulsory school days and attendance is compulsory. These activities and initiatives instill team building, community spirit and other important values and are seen as part of the education programme presented at the College.
ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY
Due to the possible repercussions of young people being in any way involved (buying, selling, trafficking, using, directly or indirectly aiding and abetting) in illegal substances, it is Ridgeway College's duty to take every precaution within the law of South Africa, to prevent such involvement from taking place on the premises of the College and warning students about the imminent dangers of such involvement outside of the College premises, including school tours, field trips, sport trips and excursions.
For this reason the policy relating to illegal substances, alcohol and tobacco are deliberately stringent. And will be applied as follows:
- any student who is found to be a supplier of drugs or alcohol at school or in the community may be asked to leave Ridgeway College, pending a disciplinary hearing
- Any student found to be in possession of or taking drugs at school will be suspended for a period of one (1) week. Upon their return the student will be expected to take part in a counseling/rehabilitation programme. Should the student once again be found in possession of, or taking drugs they may face expulsion, pending a disciplinary hearing. The College reserves the right to monitor and test the student. Testing and monitoring forms part of the rehabilitation process and will be conducted with the consent of the parent.
- Any student found in possession of alcohol on the school premises or outside of school, in uniform, will be suspended for a period of one (1) week. A second offence could lead to expulsion, pending a disciplinary hearing.
- A student who is found smoking cigarettes or in possession of cigarettes at school or outside of school but in uniform will lead to the students parents being contacted, sitting a Head's Detention and a first warning given. If they are caught again, they will be suspended for three (3) days and a final warning given. A third offence could result in expulsion pending a disciplinary hearing
- Students who are smoking, drinking or taking drugs outside of the school and not in school uniform will be deemed to be bringing the College into disrepute and each case will be dealt with accordingly. Depending on the severity of the offence or repeat offences, expulsion or suspension could be considered.
- In the cases above the Head may, at his discretion, take other actions consistent with protecting the welfare of the individual and the College. Such actions could include, but are not limited to, ensuring participation in a regular testing programme and/or attendance at counseling sessions or a rehabilitation and education programme.
- In all cases above, the student's parents/guardians will be notified and consulted.
Students voluntarily seeking help with regards to drugs or alcohol will be referred to the relevant professionals in order for them to attend counseling, education or rehabilitative sessions.
COMPUTER USAGE POLICY
There is little doubt that the computer network at Ridgeway College has and will continue to add great educational value for teachers and students alike. While it is of benefit to all, it does lend itself to possible misuse and abuse. In order to protect the users of the network, it is necessary to put guidelines in place to prevent any inappropriate use of the network.
Users are governed by the following rules :
- Users may not tamper with someone else's files or programmes
- No user may gain access, , with or without permission, to another user's password
- Computers are to be used for learning purposes and accessing of e-mail accounts only
- Users may not copy or transfer any software provided by the College
- No user may introduce any programme which is designed to damage or hinder the network
- No programmes may be entered onto the network
- The network may not be used to annoy others by sending of objectionable messages
- No unauthorized hardware may be attached to the computer network
- E-mails should be regarded as private and may not be read without permission
- All users of the computer network are to obey the rules of the computer centre at all times
Consequences for violating the above rules will result in yellow cards being issued. However, should there be a pattern of misuse or abuse of the network, it could lead to more serious consequences and a possible loss of network and computer privileges.
DRESS CODE
The College dress code below outlines what we require from the students in terms of dress code and it is expected of students to adhere to these requirements and expectations.
BOYS
Official College golf shirt
Blue denim jeans or khaki shorts (knee length golf-type and not be falling off the waist))
Jeans may not be falling off the waist and should rest on the footwear
Black shoes or sport shoes with socks (no beachwear-type sandals/flip-flops)
College sweater or College windbreaker
GIRLS
Official College golf shirt
Blue denim jeans or khaki skirt (no mini skirt)
Skirts and jeans may not be falling off the waist and should rest on the footwear
Black shoes or sport shoes (no beachwear-type sandals)
College sweater or College windbreaker
FORMAL WEAR
Black skirt or black trousers
White collared shirt with black tie
Appropriate black footwear
Plain black jersey or black jacket
SPORTWEAR (BOYS AND GIRLS)
Navy shorts
College golf shirt
Sport shoes with socks
College cap
Specific sports will require specific uniform dress. This will be communicated to students.
OTHER UNIFORM RELATED EXPECTATIONS
Hair
Should be neat, clean and presentable.
Boys should be clean shaven.
Girls' hair that is below shoulder length should be tied back.
No hair may hang over/in the face.
Jewellery
Girls may wear earrings - appropriate sleepers or stud earrings may be worn, one per ear and only in the earlobe.
No tongue, nose, eyebrow rings are permitted.
Appropriate necklaces and bracelets may be worn, limited to one of each
General
Finger nails must be kept clean and neat. Fingernails may not be longer than the finger tips.
Clear gloss nail polish is permitted.
Students should at all times be neat and presentable.
The College does reserve the right to decide what constitutes "appropriate"
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