DEFINITION OF CODE OF CONDUCT

The Code of Conduct is a document that lays down clear guidelines about what is acceptable and unacceptable behaviour in a school.  It is similar to the school  rules. The aim of the School’s code of conduct is:  Create a proper learning environment .In the past schools depended on meting out corporal punishment as a way of enforcing compliance. But the Constitutional Court has outlawed corporal punishment in line with the South African School Act (SASA) act No 84 of 1996s(10)(1).  The code of Conduct principle was laid down in SASA, where it was stated that the function of a Code of conduct is: “to establish a disciplined and purposeful school environment”.

ADOPTION OF CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LEARNERS

This Code of conduct is an integral part of the school Policy and must be adopted by all stakeholders for “ownership” purposes.

FEATURES OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LEARNERS

Consists of the following:

• Aims of the code of conduct
• Responsibilities of learners
• Responsibilities of Educators with regard to learners
• Responsibilities of Parents with regard to learners
• School rules, regulations and Procedures
• The scope of the Code of Conduct and its Legal implications
• Disciplinary Procedures.

THE MAIN PROVISIONS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT FOR LEARNERS:

The primary factor dictating behaviour of learners is that they should at all times be committed to their responsibilities of learning at school.  This implies that their behaviour has to constitute a disciplined and tolerant manner of dealing with each other, with the teachers as well as the environment.

INFRINGEMENTS OF THE CODE OF CONDUCT:

Dealing with infringements must always be informed by the following Fundamental principles:

• The disciplinary process must be fair, just, corrective and educative.
• Avoid public humiliation.
• The parent/guardian of the student must be informed and be involved in the process of correcting the behavior.

SCHOOL RULES

The School rules are intended to establish a disciplined and purposeful environment to facilitate effective teaching and learning at our School.  Nothing shall exempt a learner from complying with the School rules.  Ignorance of School rules is, therefore, not an acceptable excuse.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES

• Learners are expected at all times to behave in a courteous and considerate manner towards each other, all members of staff and visitors to the School.
• Learners are expected to abide by the School rules with regard to appearance and behaviour when representing the School both during School hours and after School hours, at school and away from School.  Learners may not say or do anything that will discredit themselves or the School.
• No learner has the right at any time to behave in a manner that will disrupt the learning activity of other learners, or will cause another learner physical or emotional harm.
• The School will contact parents/guardians when a learner’s behavior becomes a cause of concern and will endeavor, in a spirit of constructive partnership, to resolve the problem.

SCHOOL AND CLASS ATTENDANCE

Parents/guardians, learners, teachers and School Governing Body (SGB) members are jointly responsible for ensuring that all learners attend School.

• If a learner does not attend School regularly, the relevant grade educator will report the absence of the learner to the parent and the Principal in writing.  The educator must keep an accurate register of learner attendance and must keep copies of all communication to parents when absence from the classroom is reported.
• All learners are to arrive at School before the official starting time.  Learners who are late for School will be marked absent as registers are completed at the beginning of each School day.
• Absence from a class, without the permission of the educator or subject educator, is prohibited.
• Any absence from School must be covered by an absentee note from a parent/guardian.
• Should a learner be absent from School for a period of three (3) days or longer, this leave of absence must be supported by a letter from a medical doctor/traditional doctor/ registered herbalist.
• Any absence from a formal examination, test or task must be supported by a letter from a medical doctor/traditional doctor/registered herbalist.
• No learner may leave the School during School hours without a letter from a parent/guardian requesting the release of their child and the permission of the Principal/Deputy Principal; /Grade Head from whom an exit notes must be obtained.
• Truancy from School is prohibited.
• All learners will attend assembly for the full duration thereof.

SCHOOL UNIFORM AND GENERAL APPEARANCE

• Learners are expected to wear the official School uniform and appear neat and tidy at all times.
• No additions to the uniform that are not in accordance with the regulations will be allowed (e.g. beanies).
• No earrings, jewelry, accessories, colour contact lenses or visible tattoos are allowed.
• No colouring of hair or wearing of exotic hairstyles and braids are not allowed.
• No hair accessories e.g. alice-bands, coloured hair grips and bands
• Fingernails must be kept trimmed short and clean at all times. Nail polish is not allowed.
• During events that allow the wearing of casual wear, learners should wear neat, presentable clothes.  Beachwear, tight-fitting clothes, clothes that are see through and/or too revealing are not allowed.  Hair, shoes and accessories should be neat at all times.
• Only learners that have applied, submitted relevant supporting documents and received the necessary permission from the School (may deviate from official School uniform for religious and cultural reasons).
• Girls scarves must be navy blue
• Boys topees must be white or  navy blue
• Kurtas  must be navy blue
• PE uniform includes a white T-shirt, navy blue tracksuit pants and white/black takkies.
• Takkies are not allowed to be used with formal uniform
• Navy blue blazers are allowed to be used

VALUABLES AND PERSONAL BELONGINGS

The School will not be held responsible for theft of or damage to personal belonging on school premises (e.g. cell phones, bags, books and clothing).

• Learners should not bring cell phones, large sums of money and valuables to School.  Cell phones may not be switched on during a normal School day.  If the learner brings a cell phone to School, the learner must carry a written request from the parent, which must provide for an indemnification against loss of or damage to the cell phone.
• If a parent requests a learner to pay School fees on his/her behalf, such School fees should be paid before the start of the School day.
• Arrangements should be made with the teacher in charge for safekeeping or valuables, etc. during sports practices.
• Learners may not bring computer games, iPods or similar electronic devices to School.

GENERAL RULES

Golden Rule: One person speaks at a time

• Loitering and/or playing in and around the corridors, stairs and toilets is forbidden.
• All litter must be placed in refuse bins or wastepaper baskets.
• Willful damaging, vandalizing or neglect of School property and the property of others, either by writing or by a physical act, is prohibited.  Theft of School and private property is also prohibited.
• Any act of cheating in class work, homework, informal and formal tests or internal or external examination is prohibited.  Furthermore, copying of and/or borrowing another learner’s work is forbidden.
• Disruptive, unruly, rude and/or offensive behavior will not be tolerated.
• The timeous handing in of work is the responsibility of each learner.
• The learner will respect his beliefs, culture, dignity and rights of other learners, as well as their right to privacy and confidentiality.
• Language that is seen as discriminatory or racist is prohibited.
• Any act that demeans or humiliates another learner’s culture, race or religion is prohibited.
• All learners have the right to an education free of interference, intimidation and/or physical abuse. The learner will respect the property and safety of other learners.  Fighting or threatening of other learners is forbidden.
• The learner will respect those learners in positions of authority.  A learner who is in a position of authority will conduct him/herself in a manner befitting someone in authority.  She/he will respect the rights of other learners and will not abuse such authority bestowed upon him/her through his/her position.
• The carrying, copying and/or reading of offensive material are prohibited.
• Learners must keep clear of areas that are indicated as out of bounds. These include:
  a) The playing fields Electrical mains distribution boxes, fire extinguishers and hoses.
  b) Parking lots.

RULES GOVERNING PUBLIC PLACES

The School is a place of safety where laws pertaining to public spaces are applicable.

• No dangerous objects or illegal drugs as defined in the SA schools Act will be brought onto and/or used on the School property unless authorized by the Principal for educational purposes.  Dangerous objects include knives, firearms or any item that could harm a person.
• The carrying and /or smoking of cigarettes in prohibited.
• Alcohol is not permitted on School premises or during any School activity.
• The carrying of and/or consumption of illegal chemical substances and drugs is prohibited.

TRANSPORT

Learners wishing to park their bikes on the School premises must first obtain permission from the School to do so and make use of the areas specifically demarcated for this purpose.

• All learners park their bikes (pedal or motorized) on the School premises at their own risk.
• Specific areas are provided for the safekeeping of bikes, etc, and must be used by learners.
• The code of Conduct is applicable when making use of public transport to and from School.
• Learners may not hitchhike while in School uniform, whether formal or sports dress.

SCHOOL ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME

Involvement in activities making up the School Enrichment PROGRAMME forms a valuable and integral part of the holistic education of every learner.  All learners are, therefore, expected to become actively involved in at least on (1) sport or cultural activity per term.

• The learner is expected to adopt the correct etiquette pertaining to the specific activity at all times.
• Once a learner has committed him/her to an activity; she/he will be bound to meet the rules and obligations related to that activity.
• Involvement in a particular activity will span the entire season/duration in which that activity takes place.
• Attendance of all practices is compulsory.  Missing a practice without a valid excuse in writing from the learner’s parents may result in the learner being suspended from participation in one (1) inter-school league fixture.
• Appropriate kit/uniform will be worn to practices.
• The correct match kit/uniform will be worn to inter-school league fixtures.
• Learners travelling to an away fixture will travel in full School uniform, unless other arrangements have been made.
• Sports and other kit must be carried in an appropriate bag.
• Learners playing in home league fixtures may arrive at the venue in their appropriate sports kit/uniforms.

ACCOMMODATION OF RELIGIOUS OR CULTURAL RIGHTS

Religious practices, conduct or obligations that relate to the core values and beliefs of a recognised religion and that are in conflict with any rule contained in this code of Conduct will be accommodated by a deviation from this Code of conduct by the Governing Body under the following conditions:

• The Learner, Assisted by the parent, must apply for a deviation from the standard School rules if such rules are in conflict with or infringe on any religious right of the learner.
• This application must be in writing and must identify the specific rule/s that is/are offensive to the learner’s religious right/s as contained in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
• This application must include a reasonable interpretation of the religious right that the learner feels are offended and a suggestion on how the rules may be supplemented by the Governing Body to accommodate such religious rights.
• The learner must provide proof that she/he belongs to that specific religion and THAT THE RELIGIOUS PRACTICES, RULES AND OBLIGATIONS THAT ARE IN CONFLICT WITH THE Schools Code of Conduct are his/ her true beliefs and commitments.
• The religious conduct or practice must be lawful.
• The Governing Body will consider the application and, if it is satisfied that the application is justified in terms of Constitutional principles, the application will be granted in writing.
• When Governing Body allows for deviations from the standard rules, such deviations must be based on core religious beliefs inherent to the religion, and it must be compulsory for the learner to comply with such beliefs.
• The deviation must specify the extent of the exemption from the normal rules and must clearly identify the conduct that will be allowed – e.g. the wearing of a head scarf, including colours and details of design; the growing of a beard; or the wearing of a specific hairstyle or jewellery – and the conditions under which such deviation will be applicable to the learner.
• Cultural rights will be considered in the event that they do not relate to a religion, if such cultural rights manifest in conduct of a permanent nature that is compulsory for the cultural group.  This refers to cases where the removal of the cultural jewellery or mark will cause considerable pain to the learner.  Normally, cultural rights are exercised through marks and expressions of a temporary nature that are justified for a specific cultural gathering.  The learner must convince the Governing Body that his/her cultural rights can be exercised only through a permanent intervention.
• Any request for a deviation from the Code of conduct based on cultural rights must be in writing.

WHAT IS MISCONDUCT

“Misconduct: means misconduct committed by a learner and includes the following:

• misconduct committed on the premises of a school, whether during or outside of school hours:
• misconduct committed during any school activity, irrespective of whether it is committed within or outside the school premises, and during or outside of school hours; and
  any conduct, committed in or out of school uniform and within or outside the school premises,

Which:

• tends to bring the school into disrepute;
• interferes with the governance, authority and proper administration of the school;
• interferes with the conditions necessary for any school activity;
• subject to the reasonable exercise of the right to assemble, demonstrate, picket and petition as provided in the constitution, 1996 and the code, is committed with the intention of preventing any person from exercising his or her rights, powers or duties as a member of the school community, or is committed in retaliation against such exercise; or
• is prohibited by the code of the school; “prosecutor’ means the principal of the school or an educator appointed by the principal to present the case against a learner; “representative” means a parent of a learner, a co-leaner or any other person chosen by the learner to represent the leaner at a disciplinary hearing:
• “School days” means days of the week, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, public holidays and school holiday;
• “Serious misconduct” means misconduct as contained in Schedules 1 and 2:

DUE PROCESS

DUE PROCESS guarantees a learner a fair hearing before a learner may be suspended for a period of one week or be expelled from the school by the Head of the Education Department.  The SGB will keep a record of the proceedings of the hearing. During the hearing the learner will be allowed legal representation.

SERIOUS MISCONDUCT AND THE LAW

Serious misconduct will be investigated by the police and handled in terms of the Government notice and regulations promulgated by the Members of the Executive Council in the Provincial Gazette of the provinces concerned.

THE RIGHTS OF LEARNERS

Democracy

• All learners and partners at school have the democratic right to due process and to participate in decision – making about matters affecting them at school.

Non-Discrimination and Equality

• No person may unfairly discriminate against a learner.

Privacy, respect and dignity

• Every learner has inherent dignity and has the right to have his/her human dignity respected

Non-violence and the freedom and security of a person

• Every learner has the right not to be treated or punished in a cruel, inhuman or degrading manner.  Corporal punishment has been abolished Learners have the right not to be locked up in solitary confinement or detention

Freedom of expression and right to demonstrate present petitions

• This includes the right to freedom is not absolute.  Vulgar words, insubordination and insults are not protected speech.  When the expression leads to disruption in school, this right can be limited
  Learners have the right to agreed procedures with the SGB for expressing and resolving school-related grievances.  Problems or issues should, as far as possible be resolved at school.

School Environment

• Learners have the right to a clean and safe environment that is conducive to education.

Education

• The South African Schools Act provides that education is compulsory for learners from the year in which such learners reach the age of 7 years until 15
• In cases of suspension and expulsion, placement in an alternative school setting
• Education and learning can be successful, learners have to be committed to self development
• The right to education includes the right to attend all classes, to learn and be taught in all approved subjects, to be informed about school progress and to make use of all school facilities.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF LEARNERS

School and Classroom Rules

Classroom rules are designed to give effect specifically to the relationship between educators and learners in the classroom.  All learners will to be provided with a copy of the classroom rules

• Learning and School work
• Learners must commit themselves to do their work during classes, completed
• assigned homework and catch up on work missed because of absence. Disruption at school is unacceptable.

Security and Care of School Property

• It is the privilege and obligation of every learner to protect and carefully use all the facilities and equipment so that others that come after them can also enjoy the privilege.
  The parent or legal guardian of anyone who intentionally misuse, damages or defaces any school property should replace it or pay for the property which has been damaged.

School Attendance

• Learners to attend school regularly during school hours.  Should a learner be absent his/her parent or legal guardian must notify the school to explain his absence
• Learners should actively participate in the learning process and decision making and have the opportunity to talk about their problems
• There should be a relationship of mutual trust and respect between learners and educators
• The RCL should represent the interests and views of the learners within the school.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS WITH RESPECT TO THE CODE OF CONDUCT

The ultimate responsibility for learner’s behaviour rest with their parents or guardians.  Parents are expected to

• Support the school, and require learners to observe all school rules and regulations and accept responsibility for any misbehavior on their part
• Take and active interest in their children’s school work and make it possible for the children to complete their homework
• Parents should attend meetings.

DISCIPLINARY SYSTEM

All learners will abide by the disciplinary system that has been developed to assist and guide learner behaviour in the school.

GRADING OF OFFENCES

Offences are graded according to the nature and degree of seriousness of the offences, of which Grade 4 offences are the most serious. See Annexure B, Table 1 for a list of offences making up each of the grades 1, 2, 3 and 4.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF PARENTS WITH RESPECT TO THE CODE OF CONDUCT

The grade of an offence will determine the procedure to be followed.

• Grade 1 offence – a written warning followed by a final written warning, then a disciplinary hearing.
• Grade 2 offence – a final written warning followed by a disciplinary hearing, then a tribunal hearing.
• Grade 3 offence – a disciplinary hearing or a tribunal hearing (depending on the severity of the particular offence).
• Grade 4 offence – offence immediately reported to the South African Police Service (SAPS) and a tribunal hearing.

GRADE 1: OFFENCES

1. All grade 1 offences will be dealt with by the educators who must keep a written record of such offences and the disciplinary measure taken.
2. When a third grade 1 offence occurs, the matter is referred to the Grade Head along with the record of all three (3) offences and the Grade Head will issue a written warning. A signed copy of acknowledgement will be kept on record by the Grade Head and communicated to the parent/guardian.
3. Should the particular Grade 1 offence recur after disciplinary intervention has occurred and a written warning has been issued, the staff member will, in consultation with the Grade Head, arrange an interview with the learner. A final written warning will be issued .A signed copy of acknowledgement will be kept on record by the Grade Head and communicated to the parent/guardian.
4. The Grade Head will keep on record copies of all relevant documentation relating to the offences and the disciplinary measures imposed and provide copies thereof to the learner’s grade educator.

GRADE 2: OFFENCES

1. All Grade 2 offence will immediately be referred to the Grade Head.  The staff member will, in consultation with the Grade Head, arrange an interview with the learner.  A final written warning will be issued and disciplinary action applied.  A signed copy of acknowledgement will be kept on record by the Grade Head and communicated to the parent/guardian.
2. When a second Grade 2 offence occurs after a final written warning has been issued for the first offence, the Grade Head will refer the matter to the Disciplinary committee for a disciplinary hearing.  The parent/guardian will be advised in writing, a minimum of five (5) days before the designated date that an internal disciplinary hearing has been convened.
3. Should the particular Grade 2 offence recur after the issuing of a final written warning and a disciplinary hearing has occurred, the Disciplinary Committee will refer the matter to a tribunal hearing.  The parent/guardian will be advised in writing, a minimum of five (5) days before the designated date that a tribunal hearing has been convened.
4. The Grade Head will keep on record copies of all relevant documentation relating to the offences and the disciplinary measures imposed and provide copies thereof to the learners register teacher.

GRADE 3: OFFENCES

All Grade 3 offence will immediately be reported to the Grade.  The Grade Head will refer the matter to the Disciplinary Committee who will, depending on the severity of the offence, determine whether to convene a disciplinary hearing or a tribunal hearing.  The parent/guardian will be advised in writing, a minimum of five (5) days before the designated date that a hearing has been convened.

GRADE 4:  OFFENCES

All Grade 4 offence will immediately be reported to the Grade Head. The Grade Head will refer the matter to the Principal who will immediately file a report with the SAPS and convene a tribunal hearing.  The parent/guardian will be informed immediately of the offence and be advised in writing, a minimum of five (5) days before the designated date that a hearing has been convened.

DISCIPLINARY INTERVENTIONS

The following list of interventions and corrective measures used by the School are aimed at correcting behavior before suspension and expulsion:

1. Written warning.
2. Final written warning.
3. Removal from classes to the exclusion room.
4. Written punishment.
5. Community service to improve the physical environment within and around the School property.
6. Homework detention.
7. Supervised schoolwork.
8. De-merit detention.
9. Referral for counselling.
10. Attendance of a relevant life skills programme.
11. Fines to compensate for damages, to cover the cost of repair or replacement of the lost or damaged item, and/or the accumulated fine.
12. Temporary suspension of library card and/or other School-related privileges.
13. Exclusion from School activities and functions, e.g. academic award ceremony.
14. Withdrawal of recognition, e.g. award.
15. Temporary suspension from class or School, pending disciplinary hearing.
16. Disciplinary hearing.
17. Tribunal hearing.

Conduct that may lead to suspension/exclusion includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Conduct that violates the rights or safety of others.
• Criminal behavior of any kind.
• Defacing or destroying school property.
• Disrespectful or objectionable conduct and verbal abuse directed at teachers, other school employees or fellow learners.
• Outright defiance of lawful requests or instructions issued by persons in authority.
• Indulging in harmful graffiti, racism or hate speech.
• Immoral behavior or profanity.
• Possessing, using or displaying evidence of use of any narcotics, unauthorized drugs, alcohol or any other intoxicant.
• Repeated infringements of the school rules or the code of conduct.
• Possession of dangerous weapons (guns, knives and other objects which may threaten the lives of learners/teachers).

1. Should a learner be found guilty by a court of law for breaking the law of the Republic of South Africa, the school has the right, after a fair hearing through the Governing Body, to recommend expulsion to the Provincial Department of Education.
2. A tribunal hearing will be convened with a view to recommending expulsion. In such instances the recommendation for expulsion will be submitted to the Provincial Head of Education to approve the decision.
3. Where approval for expulsion is not granted, learners will attend counselling or the relevant life skills programme before they may return to class.  Such learners will be accommodated in the exclusion room in the interim to continue with school work until they have completed the series of counselling sessions or the stipulated life skills programme.

SUSPENSION OF A LEARNER BY THE PRINCIPAL OR DEPUTY PRINCIPAL AS A PRE-CAUTIONARY MEASURE

The Governing Body authorises the Principal or Deputy Principal to institute suspension, as a precautionary measure, with regard to a learner who is charged with a serious misconduct offence as contemplated in section 8 of the SA Schools Act.

1. Before a learner is suspended, the learner and his/her parents will be given an opportunity to indicate why the suspension should not be considered.
2. The disciplinary proceedings must commence within one (1) week after the suspension. If the proceedings do not commence within one (1) week, approval for the continuation of the suspension must be obtained from the Head of Department.
3. This suspension will be applicable until a finding of not guilty is made or, in the case of a finding guilty, until the appropriate sanction is announced.

DISCIPLINARY AND TRIBUNAL HEARINGS

The following official forms will be used for misconduct and disciplinary hearings:

• Written warning (disciplinary warning form) (Annexure) 1
• Final written warning (Annexure) 2
• Notice of disciplinary hearing (Annexure) 3
• Record of disciplinary hearing (Annexure) 4
• Review from (lodging of appeal ) (Annexure) 5

1. Written notice of a disciplinary or tribunal hearing will be given at least five (5) school days before the hearing, which could imply temporarary suspension from classes, excluding formal scheduled tests and examinations which count towards the year mark.
2. When a notice is issued to a learner the learner must acknowledge receipt of notice by signing for it. This is not an admission of guilt.
3. If a learner does not appear at a hearing, the hearing will be conducted in his/her absence.
4. A written verdict of the hearing will be issued to the offender .The offender must acknowledge the content by signing the document.
5. A learner has the right to request a review of the disciplinary action taken against him/her if sufficient grounds exist. Disregard of punishment of the Disciplinary Committee will lead to temporary suspension pending a hearing.

The Disciplinary Hearing Committee will consist of the following members:

• a Governing Body representative;
• the School Principal or Discipline Officer delegated to oversee this function;
• the Grade Head; and
• the grade educator.

The hearing will also be attended by the learner, and any other learners/he may need his/her defence.

Disciplinary measures that a Disciplinary Hearing Committee may impose include:

• Demerits.
• Suspension from school for a minimum of two days up to a maximum of five (5) days, ratified by the Governing Body, to be effective immediately. This will be put in writing and a copy kept on record.
• Recommendation with respect o counselling /attendance of a life skills programme.
• Progress monitoring process initiated for a minimum of two (2) weeks, followed up by a progress report.
• A written conduct and behaviour warning issued. A signed copy of acknowledgement will be kept on record.
• Payment to cover the cost of repair or replacement of the damaged, lost or stolen item.

The Tribunal Hearing Committee will consist of the following members:

• the Governing Body Chairperson;
• two (2) parent representatives from the Governing Body;
• the School Principal or Discipline Officer delegated to oversee this function; and
• the Grade Head.

The Principal /Discipline Officer will keep on record copies of all documentation relating to the offence, the conduct and findings of the hearing, and the disciplinary measures imposed.

The Principal/Discipline Officer will furnish the relevant Grade Head and register teacher with all the information necessary for their records.

PROCEDURE DURING HEARING

The Chairperson of the Committee will lead proceedings and:

• Introduce those present and state their functions.
• Ensure that witnesses are present only while giving their evidence.

The Chairperson must inform the learner of his/her rights:

• The right to a formal hearing.
• The right to be present at the hearing.
• The right to be given time to prepare for the hearing case.
• The right to be given advance notice of the charges.
• The right to be represented at the hearing by one (1) internal representative.
• The right to be accompanied at the hearing by parents/guardian if the learner is a minor.
• The right to ask questions on any evidence produced or on statements of witnesses.
• The right to call witnesses to testify on his /her behalf.
• The right to an interpreter .to be requested 24 hours prior to the hearing.
• The right to appeal within five (5) days against any penalty imposed by the Disciplinary Committee.
• If the learner does not attend, the hearing will be conducted in his/her absence.

• The Chairperson is to explain the nature of the alleged breach or misconduct to those present at the hearing.
• The procedure of enquiry is to be explained by The Chairperson.  The evidence of the complainant and his/her witnesses will be heard first.  The learner and panel may ask questions about the evidence.  The learner and his/her witnesses may then give evidence and the complainant and Committee may ask them questions.
• When all the evidence has been heard, The Chairperson must close the enquiry; dismiss the complainant, the accused, their representatives, the parent/guardian and all the witnesses.
• The Disciplinary Committee must discuss and weigh the evidence and come to a decision.
• The Chairperson must reconvene all interested parties.
• The Chairperson is to communicate the decision of The Committee.
• The Chairperson must explain the decision of The Committee and the reasons for the penalty (if any) that has been imposed.
• The Complainant and learner must sign the disciplinary form and a copy must be handed to the learner.(If the learner refuses, a witness must sign in the present  of he learner)
• The learner must be advised of his right to appeal (Annexure E).
• The signing of the document by the learner does not imply an acknowledgement of guilt.

PROCEDURES FOR MONITORING THIS POLICY

• Policy discussed annually with teachers and learners for clarity

TOOLS TO BE USED

• Disciplinary Procedures
• Disciplinary annexures

PROCEDURES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE OF THIS POLICY

• Disciplinary procedures, in line with the learners’s code of conduct (SASA)

DATE OF FORMULATION

• This policy was formulated in 2012 and will be updated after the next SGB Election

DATE OF REVIEW AND TERMINOLOGY UPDATE

• This policy will be reviewed and terminology will be updated in the beginning of the next academic year, 2016, or if directives are issued by the Education department or if amendments are made to the SASA Act 1996.