Learner Code of Conduct

Extract of School Rules — Springs Secondary School

Please note: This is an extract of school rules from the Learner Code of Conduct, as at November 2024. A full copy of the Learner Code of Conduct will be made available upon request at a cost.

Location of Misconduct

Distinctions need to be drawn between misdemeanours perpetrated while:

Out of School, In Uniform

Disciplinary measures should be implemented, taking into account the audience to the misdemeanour i.e. who witnessed the action (fellow learners only, the public, etc).
Any serious consequences for the school community (reputation, exposure).

Out of School, Out of Uniform

In general Springs Secondary School will not exercise jurisdiction. However, certain misbehaviours perpetrated outside the school do affect the school community.
Disciplinary measures will not be implemented except in the event that the SGB has reason to believe that the misconduct threatens the general welfare of co-learners, the function of Springs Secondary School, its reputation, or potentially undermines the disciplinary code.
Disciplinary measures should be implemented only if SUFFICIENT CAUSE can be defined beyond doubt, taking into account any serious consequences for the school community, and only those misdemeanours which constitute serious crime.

In School

Disciplinary measures should be implemented as proposed in this document.

Responsibility of Parents

To show by their own example that they support the school in setting the highest standards in all it tries to do.
To make sure that their children come to school regularly, on time, refreshed, alert, correctly dressed and ready to work, and to inform the principal about any absence.
To take an active and supportive interest in their children's work and progress, and acknowledge notices and invitations issued by the school.
To support the authority and discipline of the school, helping their children to achieve maturity, self-discipline and self-control.
To control the development of their children's use of leisure time, activities and entertainment.
To ensure that children adhere to school rules.
To monitor children's homework diaries and progress.
Parents are welcome to visit educators to discuss progress and are requested to make appointments.

Responsibility of Learners

To attend school regularly, be on time, ready to learn and take part in school activities.
To aim for the highest standards in ALL aspects of school life.
To co-operate with the staff and to accept the authority and rules of conduct at the school. Any resistance when being reprimanded could lead to immediate suspension or due process.
To consider and respect the feelings and property of other people, both in school and in the wider community.
To take care of the grounds, buildings, furniture, equipment, books and other property of the school.
If a learner absents himself/herself from school, it is the responsibility of the learner to complete all work.
To deliver messages and notices from the school to the parents.

School Times & Punctuality

School starts at 7:45 every day. Learners must be inside the school premises before 7:45.
School dismisses at 14:10 on Mondays to Thursdays and 13:00 on Fridays.
Learners must report to school at least 10 minutes before starting times.
Learners must remain in school for the full duration of the school day, unless granted early leave by the principal.
Late coming is a bad habit and will not be tolerated. The gates will be locked at 7:45.
In the case of a genuine unforeseen eventuality, the parent or transport driver should contact the school by 7:15, indicating the vehicle registration number and name(s) of learners.
Detention classes, community service or other disciplinary action will be implemented for late coming.
Parents should appreciate that early leave results in the learner missing valuable work. The parent/legal guardian, with ID, must personally pick up the child from school and sign the early leave register.

Attendance Policy

School attendance for all learners enrolled at Springs Secondary School is compulsory. Absence without a valid reason is unacceptable and may result in disciplinary action.
A learner must bring a note/letter from their parent explaining the reasons for absence upon return to school. The letter must be on an A4 page, signed by the parent, with a contact number.
Learners absent consecutively for 3 days will have letters sent to their parents or telephonic calls made, and parents may be asked to come to school.
Absenteeism for a controlled test/assessment is viewed as a very serious offence. A doctor's certificate or parent letter is required; failure to produce one will result in a ZERO mark.
Valid reasons for absence include: illness (with medical certificate), religious/cultural observances approved by the SGB, death of a family member, court appointments (with documentary proof), suspension by the SGB, and acts of nature.
Only Grade 12 learners may take 5 days' study leave before the NSC examinations.
If a learner is absent for 10 consecutive school days, the principal will make attempts to determine whether the learner has been withdrawn and may cancel the learner's record on grounds of continuous absence.

Uniform & Appearance

The purpose of wearing the school uniform is to promote RESPECT, UNITY, PRIDE, DISCIPLINE, DIGNITY and REPRESENTATIVITY.

Girls' Uniform (Summer & Winter)

Light blue tunic with the length on the knee.
Full length long grey flannel school trousers (straight cut) may be worn with the tunic.
Navy blue school jersey or pullover with school logo.
Black leather school shoes with shoelaces tied.
Short white anklet socks or black stockings with tunic; grey socks with grey trousers.
School TIES are compulsory for girls wearing shirts — must bear the school logo.
Navy school beanie with the school logo to be worn ONLY in winter.
A navy head scarf may be worn in a traditional drape. No radical draping allowed.
School tracksuit with school logo for sporting activities, worn with school golfer and plain black or white trainers.
Friday optional uniform: school golfer (collared t-shirt) with school logo and long grey flannel pants.
Navy school blazer with the school logo.

Boys' Uniform (Summer & Winter)

Full length long grey flannel school trousers (straight cut, not tight fitting).
Light blue school shirt (short/long sleeved).
Navy school tie with logo (COMPULSORY).
Navy blue school jersey or pullover with logo.
Grey school socks worn with grey pants.
Black leather school shoes with shoelaces tied.
Navy school beanie with the school logo to be worn ONLY in winter.
School tracksuit with school logo for sporting activities, worn with school golfer and plain black or white trainers.
Friday optional uniform: school golfer (collared t-shirt) with school logo and long grey flannel pants.
Navy school blazer with the school logo.

Hair

Girls: Hair must be brushed away from the face and tied back. Hair bands must be navy or black. Dreadlocks are permitted and must be tied back. No radical hairstyles or patterns. Hair extensions permitted in Straight Up and Straight Back styles (not longer than midway of the back). No decorative beads, bonding, wigs, or colour rinses/dyes/bleaches.
Boys: Hair should be cut clear of the collar, neck, ears and forehead. No spiked styles, no radical hairstyles or patterns. All male learners must be clean-shaven. No moustaches or beards. No bonding, wigs, or colour rinses/dyes/bleaches.
Hair and hair extensions must be in the learner's natural hair colour.

Jewellery & Make-up

Girls: Only a small plain gold or silver stud for pierced ears on the lobe (one per ear). A wristwatch and medical bracelet are permitted.
Boys: No earrings. A wristwatch and medical bracelet are permitted.
Jewellery with religious or cultural significance may be worn only with written approval from the principal.
Coloured nail varnish is prohibited. Fingernails must be cut short.
Make-up and tattoos are strictly prohibited.
Contact lenses must be clear. No colour contact lenses allowed.
Shaving lines in the eyebrows is strictly prohibited.

Grade 12 Special Exceptions

A grey flannel skirt with the length on the knee may be worn with long grey socks.
White school matric pullover with a school logo.
Standardised Matric Jacket.
Matric school tie.

General Rules & Conduct

In the Classroom

Learners are expected to be punctual for classes.
No disruption of classes will be tolerated.
No learner must be out of the classroom during lessons (unless they have a pass-out).
No learner must be in the classrooms during breaks (unless with an educator).
All learners should stand when an adult/educator enters and greet.
Classrooms must be kept neat and tidy.
No eating is allowed in the classroom. Chewing gum is forbidden.
Learners are not allowed to carry cellular phones on their person during school hours.
Learners must line up neatly in front of the class.
Learners may not go to the toilets during lessons or change of periods without permission.

Movement & Grounds

During change of periods, learners must walk in a line, keep left along corridors and stairways, and move quickly and quietly.
No learner may leave school grounds without permission of the principal/deputy principal.
No loitering during contact time is permitted.
Littering is not permitted. Learners should take pride in their school by picking up papers and using bins.
Running in the blocks is not permitted.
Certain out-of-bounds areas are to be avoided (areas beyond the soccer grounds, specialist blocks, hall, car park, music room and tennis court).

Homework & Books

Homework must be timeously done. Thorough preparations must be carried out before lessons, tests and exams.
All learners must have a homework diary for recording their homework.
Cover all notebooks in brown and plastic cover. Cover all textbooks in plastic cover.
Writing on, defacing or abusing textbooks is strictly prohibited.
The onus lies with all parents to replace or pay for all lost textbooks before November each year.

Courtesy & Conduct

The words 'please' and 'thank you' are to be included in every request.
Teachers are to be greeted regardless of whether they teach the learner or not.
Hands are to be kept out of the pocket when speaking to an adult/educator.
Educators are to be addressed as sir/madam.
No learner is allowed to use abusive or profane language anywhere on the school premises.
No fighting on or out of school premises, including other forms of assault, verbal abuse and sexual harassment.
Discriminatory behaviour, including racial and religious intolerance, will not be tolerated.
Every learner must strive to uphold the good name of the school.
Learners are expected to respect the National Flag and National Anthem.

Other Cardinal Rules

A learner will not use the school to promote political objectives.
Learners must NOT undo the top button of their shirt when wearing a tie.
Learners must be neat and clean in person and uniform.
Learners take full responsibility for their personal possessions, which must be marked.
All tests/assessments given by the teacher must be signed by parents and returned the following day.
No learners are permitted to sell any items on the school premises except for school fund-raising with the express permission of the principal.
A learner is expected to participate in at least two extra-curricular activities per academic year.

Prohibited Conduct

Graffiti & Vandalism

Writing on desks, in textbooks, on walls and other school property is prohibited. Parents will be called in and learners found guilty must reinstate the property to its original condition at their own expense.
Deliberately destroying or maliciously damaging school property is a very serious offence and may result in expulsion.

Smoking & Vaping

Smoking or vaping on school premises, whether in school uniform or not, is strictly prohibited.
Smoking or vaping out of school, in school uniform or when recognisable as a Springs Secondary School learner, is likewise prohibited.

Drugs & Dependence Producing Substances (DPS)

The possession and/or use of any drug or other dependence producing substance is prohibited.
Any learner found in possession of or who uses drugs and DPS will be suspended immediately, and the school will recommend expulsion to the GDE.
The school will not hesitate to institute criminal prosecution by calling the police.
Learners should report any such instances immediately to the principal/SMT.
A learner in possession of prescription medication must have a copy of the doctor's script at all times.

Dangerous Weapons

Scissors are not allowed. The use and/or carrying of dangerous weapons are strictly prohibited at school and outside school when in school uniform.
Due Process will apply immediately.

Cell Phones & Electronic Devices

Cell phones and other devices (iPods, radios, electronic devices, etc.) are not allowed at school. Searches for cell phones will be done on an ongoing basis.
Devices will be confiscated if found in the possession of learners, whether switched on or off, in a bag or on the learner's person.
Confiscated items may be reclaimed from the office, usually by the parent at the end of the term, after paying a fine.
Only in a case of an emergency will a learner be allowed to use the school's telephone, with approval from the principal.
If a cellphone is brought to school out of extreme necessity, it must be handed to reception upon arrival and collected at the end of the day.

Bullying

The school does not condone bullying and will institute disciplinary action against any perpetrator.
Bullying includes direct (physical assault, verbal or written harassment), indirect (exclusion, manipulation), and cyber bullying (harassment via phone, internet or text messages).
It is the duty of every learner and educator to report bullying immediately to the office, even if it occurs outside school while learners are in uniform.
Cases may be referred to the SBST, peer support group, parents or district for counselling and mediation.

Video, Audio & Photography Recording

The school Code of Conduct does not allow anyone to film, video record or audio record anything on the school premises without the permission of the principal.
This is in strict compliance with POPIA (Government Gazette 37067) and Section 14 of the Bill of Rights of the SA Constitution — the right to privacy.

School Safety & Random Searches

Anyone entering the school may be subjected to a search.
The principal or his/her delegate may, at random, search any learner or group of learners, or the property of a learner, for any dangerous object or illegal drug if a fair and reasonable suspicion has been established.
To always keep the school safe, random searches for drugs, dangerous weapons, cellphones and other banned items will be done regularly.

Misdemeanours & Sanctions

Misdemeanours are classified according to the severity of the behaviour. The list below is not exhaustive — any other case of misconduct should be classified by comparison to listed misdemeanours.

Class I — Minor Violations of General Class Discipline

Intentionally failing to attend classes or school on time.
Not reporting for substitution/relief.
Minor plagiarism.
Failing to complete assigned homework.
Eating/chewing in the classroom.
Littering.
Use of cell phones on the school premises.
Leaving notebooks/textbooks and other compulsory materials at home.

Class II — Major Violations of School Rules

Frequent repetition of Class I misdemeanours where disciplinary action by class teacher is deemed ineffective.
Failure to comply with the school dress code and uniform.
Minor disruptive behaviour in the classroom that affects teaching and learning.
Dishonesty with negligible consequences.
Truancy of a class/relief/substitution.
Leaving school/classroom without permission.
Using abusive or profane language.
Gambling.
Possession or use of tobacco or vape/vaping.
Insubordination or failing to comply with a reasonable instruction of staff/disrespect towards members of staff.
Minor vandalism e.g. graffiti.

Class III — Serious Misconducts

Frequent repetition of Class II misdemeanours where disciplinary action by school authority is deemed ineffective.
Minor injury to another person (fighting with negligible consequences).
Sexual conduct/contact by mutual consent or engaging in excessive displays of mutual affection.
Extortion of another person's property.
Dishonesty with serious consequences.
Severely disruptive behaviour e.g. disruption of several classes.

Schedule 1 — Serious Misconduct (May Lead to Suspension)

Threatens, disrupts or frustrates teaching or learning.
Engages in a conspiracy to disrupt the proper functioning of the school through collective action.
Insults the dignity of or defames any staff member, learner or other person, including racist remarks.
Distributes or is in possession of test or examination material to gain an unfair advantage.
Cheats in a test, examination or any other form of assessment.
Engages in any act of public indecency.
Sexually harasses another person.
Is found in possession of or distributes pornographic material.
Is under the influence or in possession of alcohol.
Interference with the governance, authority and proper administration of the school.
Bringing the good name of the school into disrepute.
Does not adhere to the school code of conduct.

Schedule 2 — Serious Misconduct (May Lead to Expulsion)

Found guilty of Schedule 1 misconduct after having been found guilty of the same or similar misconduct previously.
Fails to comply with a punishment of suspension as a correctional measure.
Forges any document or signature.
Trades in any test or examination question paper.
Bribes or attempts to bribe any person in respect of any test or examination.
Engages in fraud.
Engages in theft or otherwise acts dishonestly to the prejudice of another person.
Is in possession of, consumes or deals in any illegal substance.
Is in possession of any dangerous weapon.
Assaults or threatens to assault another person.
Holds any person hostage.
Murders any person.
Rapes any person, or engages in any sexual activity which amounts to an offence in law.
Maliciously damages property.

Sanctions (Progressive Disciplinary Action)

Record in the personal file of the learner (poor testimonial).
Verbal warning.
Conferences with the learner.
Daily report.
Formal apology (including written) to the school community/person concerned.
Behavioural contracts.
Detention.
Community service and other menial tasks.
Referral to the SBST, psychologist, clinic community or social worker.
Conference/interview with Parent/Guardian.
First, Second and Final written warnings.
Due Process (formal disciplinary hearing).
Suspension from school-related activities.
Suspension from school.
Expulsion.

Extract from the Springs Secondary School Learner Code of Conduct — As at November 2024. For the full document, please contact the school office.