| 1. |
The national Department of Education has made available an example of a code of conduct for schools. The South African Schools Act, 1996 (Act 84 of 1996), very clearly promotes the principle that each school should develop its own code of conduct for learners. However, each school must take great care that its code is developed through democratic and consultative methods. It must also ensure that all its provisions fit within the South African Constitution, which includes the Bill of Rights, and especially the rights of children. |
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| 2. |
The code of conduct should spell out the rules regarding learner behaviour at the school and describe the disciplinary system to be implemented by the school on the premises or when the learners are away from the school representing it or attending a school function. |
| 3. |
We wish to emphasise that schools must highlight, in their school's code of conduct, the Regulations for Safety Measures at Public Schools, as promulgated by Government Notice measure 4 of 1040 of 12 October 2001 (as amended by Government Notice R1128 in Government Gazette 29376 of 10 November 2006), SASA (84/1996) and the Amendment: Regulation for Safety Measures at Public Schools 29376, 10 November 2006, as they relate to the presence of dangerous objects or illegal drugs on public school premises or on the person in contravention of these regulations. |
| 4. |
To assist schools in developing their own code of conduct, with a view to establishing a disciplined and purposeful environment to facilitate effective teaching and learning at the school, we are including an electronic copy of the book, A Code of Conduct for a School, to assist you to develop your own school code of conduct.
The booklet outlines the following:
Part 1: School Rules
Part 2: Disciplinary System
Annexure A: Learner Commitment Form
Annexure B: Table 1: List of offences per grade of offence
Table 2: List of the possible disciplinary sanctions to be applied for Grade 1, 2, 3, and 4
offences, respectively
Annexure C: Example of a Written Warning
Annexure D: Example of a Final Written Warning
Annexure E: Example of a Notice of a Disciplinary Hearing
Annexure F: Example of a Recording of Disciplinary Hearing
Annexure G: Example of a Lodging of Appeal (Review Form)
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| 5. |
We hope that you will find the guide helpful and that you will develop a code of conduct that will help you to create a safe environment for the delivery of quality teaching and learning. |
SIGNED: RB SWARTZ
HEAD: EDUCATION
DATE: 2009:06:30
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