Discipline

Throughout the world, successful societies set acceptable norms and standards of behaviour. This enables them to function optimally. Communities within the society are expected to uphold the norms and standards and behave in a manner befitting that community and the society to which they belong. As an Independent School, Woodlands International College expects the members of the College student community to live up to the professional standards of excellence associated with educational communities of similar standing. 

The Junior College has adopted the ideal that “No Good Deed Should Go Unnoticed”. We believe that each and every one of us, Principals, Staff, Parents and Students have an opportunity to engage and interact with each other in a manner that is respectful of the following rights of human dignity: 

  • the right of every student to be educated in a safe, happy, orderly and productive environment. 
  • the right of each individual to be treated with dignity and to show mutual respect –   synonymous with consideration, good manners and caring. 
  • the rights of other people’s bodies, cultures, backgrounds, and belongings be positively acknowledged and respected. 

To this end, we believe that we should celebrate those actions that seek to uplift our fellow Woodlands Family Members and Community.  

THE MERIT POLICY:

AIM:

Aim to build positive, confident students who enjoy participating in college activities, and building their self-esteem.  

Students are awarded merits based on each individual staff members’ own award systems both within the classroom and beyond. These are based on the award systems established through general classroom rules within the classroom environment.

The rewards system throughout the Junior College is heavily entrenched in positive reinforcement.

General Merits allocated for:

  1. Respect for others and tolerance
  2. Respect for the environment
  3. Exceptional manners
  4. Perseverance
  5. Academic progress
  6. Honesty
  7. Teacher’s discretion, for example
    • attending school functions 
    • charity / kindness
    • assisting a staff member
    • bringing requested items to school.

Merits are recorded and allocated on EdAdmin. The merits will be consolidated weekly on EdAdmin and certificates will be printed.

Students in the Foundation Phase will be recognised individually within the classroom with a Merit Award and a visit to the Principal, thus providing additional positive reinforcement.  In the Intermediate and Intersen Phase, students will also be encouraged to share individual achievements with the Principal. 

A system of recognition of achievement is in place based on the number of merits a student receives, with recognition given to students at weekly assemblies. Recognition takes the form of certificates and civvies days. 

  • 10 Merits – A certificate
  • 15 Merits – A certificate and Civvies Day
  • 25 Merits and every 25 thereafter – A certificate and pre-determined Civvies Day and R25 tuckshop voucher

Parents are notified via email when a merit is awarded.

INFRINGEMENT POLICY

The philosophy of the Infringement system is to ensure that students can learn from their mistakes in a safe and caring environment. Discipline originates from the Latin word “disciplinare”, which means, “to teach.” Discipline is merely a tool to manage or guide a child’s behaviour. Positive reinforcement and effective praise are strategies we endeavour to use when disciplining young students. It is important to note that disciplinary action at this stage of development must take the age of the student into account, so that the appropriate form of disciplinary action or intervention can take place. Staff are also mindful of their own behaviour and model desired behaviours for students to emulate. A TEAM approach is more effective, and we therefore request and appreciate your support.

When dealing with any infringements under the Student Code of Conduct, the College recognises: 

  • the right that the punishment be fair, reasonable, appropriate, and consistent. 
  • the right of the student to understand any breach of standards.
  • the right of the student to state the circumstances of his or her case.
  • the right of the student to appear before and be heard by a Disciplinary Committee. 
  • the right to appeal to the relevant Principal and/or College Director. 

Bullying VS Conflict

There is an important distinction that needs to be made between Bullying and Conflict. 

The DBE website states the following:

Director for School Safety, Mr Paseka Njobe, said: “Bullying entails the involvement of one or more persons singling out the victim and deliberately hurting him or her physically, mentally or emotionally. It involves an imbalance of power in age, status, or popularity and physical strength; bullies usually have more power than their perpetrators. The main aim is to harm the victim by hurting them physically or mentally. Learners must immediately report early warning signs and threats of bullying to their teachers or School Management Team and should keep record of recurring incidences. In the case of cyberbullying, learners should notify their parents or any trustworthy adult”.

A further definition offered by Uyazi SA is:

“Bullying is defined as unwanted negative behaviour, verbal, psychological or physical conducted by an individual or group against another person (or persons) and which is repeated over time.”

According to Pacers.org – ‘National Bullying Prevention Centre’ says:

Here are some helpful ways to distinguish between a conflict and bullying behaviour:

Conflict looks like:

  • Disagreement or argument in which both sides express their views
  • Equal power between those involved
  • Behaviour usually stops when one child realises they are hurting another

Bullying looks like:

  • Intent of behaviour is to hurt, harm, or humiliate
  • Person bullying has more “power” such as being more popular or physically stronger
  • Negative behaviour continues even when hurt or harm occurs’

Bullying is a serious offense if reported the accusation will be investigated, monitored and if confirmed age-appropriate action will be taken. Incidents will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis and the behavioural history of the child will be taken into account. The action taken by the College is at the discretion of the Management Team.

INFRINGEMENT POLICY: Foundation (Gr1 & 2)/Intermediate (Gr3 & 4) Phases

Behaviour Management Procedure:

Clear expectations are set and students are expected to adhere to these expectations. The following procedure will be used:

  1. Talk the talk – Once a student has committed an infringement the homeroom teacher will discuss the circumstances with the student. A verbal warning will be given and the consequences of a second infringement are made clear.
  2. Do you remember – Should a second infringement occur the homeroom teacher will remind the student of their previous discussion. The student’s behaviour will be carefully monitored and a YELLOW card will be issued.
  3. Time-IN – Should a third infringement occur the homeroom teacher will once again discuss the circumstances and the student will be placed on a Time-IN and a RED card will be issued and a demerit captured on EdAdmin. Time-IN is characterised by the student being removed from the playground or the other students and seated in a quiet space. Should a student receive 3 Time-IN consequences in the period of an academic term a meeting will be called with parents to address the student’s behaviour and find possible solutions. 
  4. Daily Report – In the case of repetitive inappropriate behaviour a student may be placed on daily report. This would require the homeroom teacher to record the student’s behaviour on an official form, daily. This will be sent home and parents would be required to sign the report each day.   
  5. Suspension – A child may be suspended, at the discretion of the Principal, if the child’s behaviour is repetitive over a short period of time or was deemed very serious in nature.
  6. Termination of Contract – A contract may be terminated, should it be the view of the Management Team and the Directors, that the child’s behaviour does not align with the culture of the College.

Teachers may use their discretion when implementing the above steps. Steps may be skipped if the behaviour is deemed repetitive or serious. 

A referral to a Play Therapist, Child Psychologist/Psychiatrist or Educational Psychologist may be made in cases where all intervention strategies have proven ineffective.

 

Level 1 Infringements 
  • Homework not done (one occasion)
  • Electronic equipment and books left at home
  • Incorrect Uniform
  • Arriving late for school
  • Littering
  • Test not signed
  • Name calling or teasing (one occasion)
  • Teachers’ discretion

 

Procedure for Level 1 Infringements

Parents and caregivers are expected to support their children and conform to the College’s Code of Conduct. In the case of Level 1 Infringements, parents will be notified either via a note in the homework diary or email. Students in Foundation Phase will not be held accountable for these Level 1 Section A Infringements, as they are still heavily dependent on their caregivers to establish and maintain appropriate routines. Should these infringements persist, and begin to effect the performance of a student, the parents will be contacted and a meeting will be called. 

  1. In the case of Level 1 Infringement parents will be notified either via a note in the homework diary or email. 
  2. Level 1 Infringements can be issued by any Homeroom Teacher, Head of Grade/Phase/Department or Member of the College Executive.  
  3. The behaviour management procedure will be followed, and a YELLOW card could be issued.
  1. Where a pattern of level one infringements is evident, it will be escalated to a Level 2 infringement. This is at the teacher’s discretion.
  2. Level 1 infringements will be accumulated throughout the academic year, however, students will begin every year with a zero balance of infringements. 

 

Level 2 Infringements
  • Repeated Level one offences
  • Disruptive behaviour
  • Disrespectful behaviour
  • Disobedience
  • Misbehaving in class/Flouting classroom rules
  • Dishonesty
  • Taking other student’s possessions and hiding them
  • Leaving class without permission
  • Intimidation and mistreatment of others
  • Purposeful destruction and damage to classroom equipment
  • Poor sportsmanship
  • Falsifying parents’ signature
  • Name calling or teasing
  • Uncooperative behaviour
  • Copying Homework
  • Late for lessons
  • Misconduct while on school transport
  • Misconduct at Aftercare
  • Homework regularly not completed
  • Repeated uniform infringements

 

Procedure for Level 2 Infringements

  1. Level 2 Infringements can be issued by any Homeroom Teacher, Head of Grade/Phase/Department or Member of the College Executive.  
  2. A notification of the infringement will be captured on EdAdmin and parents will be notified either via a note in the homework diary or email. 
  3. The behaviour management procedure will be followed, and a RED card may be issued in addition to a Time – In.

 

Level 3 Infringements
  • Multiple level one and two misdemeanours
  • Cheating
  • Verbal, physical, psychological, and cyber bullying
  • Fighting, pushing and name calling
  • Bringing inappropriate content to school that contains violence, discrimination, and pornography.
  • Disrupting or disrespecting a staff member’s lesson that results in ineffective teaching therefore infringing on the other students right to be educated.
  • Teachers Discretion

 

Procedure for Level 3 Infringements

These are serious violations of the College’s Code of Conduct. 

  1. Level 3 Infringements can only be issued by the Management Team.
  2. A notification of the infringement will be captured on EdAdmin and parents will be notified either via a note in the homework diary or email. Parents will be contacted, and a meeting will be set up with the Management Team.  
  3. The behaviour management procedure will be followed.
  4. If the behaviour continues it will result in further disciplinary action with the Management Team and could lead to an extended Time – In or suspension.

 

Level 4 Infringements
  • Inappropriate sexual behaviour and sexual harassment
  • Stealing
  • Intentionally causing bodily harm
  • Intentionally causing emotional harm
  • Vandalism
  • Filming, taking photos and or capturing audio content of staff and or students at school, without permission
  • Creation and release of the contact on social media with the express purpose of causing embarrassment or harm to another student/s
  • Bringing the school into disrepute

 

Procedure for Level 4 Infringements

  1. Level 4 Infringements can only be issued by the Management Team.
  2. Immediate face-to-face meeting will be scheduled with the parents.
  3. Immediate internal/external suspension will be implemented pending the outcome of the Management Team’s investigation.
  4. The contract with the College may be terminated should the Management Team’s findings prove the student to be guilty.

 INFRINGEMENT POLICY: Intersen Phase

 

Level 1 Infringements
  • Homework not done (one occasion)
  • Electronic equipment and books left at home
  • Incorrect Uniform
  • Arriving late for school
  • Littering
  • Test not signed
  • Teacher’s discretion

 

Procedure for Level 1 Infringements 

  1. Level 1 Infringements can be issued by any Class and/or Homeroom Teacher, Head of Grade/Phase/Department or Member of the College Executive.  
  2. The infringement will be captured on EdAdmin and an email notification will be sent to parents. 
  3. Where a pattern in level one infringement occurs and multiple notifications for the same misdemeanour have been sent, it will be escalated to a Level 2 infringement. This is at the teacher’s discretion.
  4. Level 1 infringements will be accumulated throughout the academic year, however, students will begin every year with a zero balance of infringements. 

 

Level 2 Infringements
  • Repeated Level one offences
  • Disruptive behaviour
  • Disrespectful behaviour
  • Disobedience
  • Misbehaving in class/Flouting classroom rules
  • Misuse of electronic equipment
  • Messaging or emailing parents and other students during school.
  • Dishonesty
  • Taking another student’s possessions and hiding them
  • Leaving class without permission
  • Intimidation and mistreatment of others
  • Purposeful destruction and damage to classroom equipment
  • Poor sportsmanship
  • Falsifying parents’ signature
  • Copying Homework
  • Late for lessons
  • Misconduct while on school transport
  • Misconduct at Aftercare
  • Homework regularly not completed
  • Repeated uniform infringements
  • Teachers’ discretion
  • Not handing in cell phones or smart devices

 

Procedure for Level 2 Infringements 

  1. Level 2 Infringements can be issued by any Class and/or Homeroom Teacher, Head of Grade/Phase/Department or Member of the College Executive.  
  2. The infringement will be captured on EdAdmin and an email notification will be sent to parents.
  3. The student will be given a double break detention the day after the infringement has taken place and Tuckshop privileges are revoked. 
  4. Where a pattern in Level 2 infringements occurs and multiple notifications for the same infringement have been sent, parents will be contacted directly.
  5. At the beginning of each academic year, students will start with no Level 2 infringements. 
  6. At the end of each Academic Year, any accumulated Level 2 infringements will be zeroed, and the student will start the New Academic Year with no Level 2 infringements. While the previous years’ infringements will not be held over the student, they will remain on the student’s record to illustrate patterns of behaviour. Should a student seriously infringe the Student Code of Conduct in similar areas for a second year, these previous patterns of behaviour can and will be raised as a concern. 

 

Level 3 Infringements
  • Cheating
  • Verbal, physical, psychological, and cyber bullying
  • Fighting, pushing and name calling
  • Bringing/accessing inappropriate content that contains violence, discrimination, and pornography
  • Filming or taking photos of staff or students at school, without permission.
  • Disrupting or disrespecting a staff members’ lesson that results in ineffective teaching that infringes on other students right to be educated.
  • Bunking class
  • Accessing inappropriate Apps on school premises
  • Forming or participating in a group or association with fellow students with the purpose of causing conflict, victimisation and disruption.

 

Procedure for Level 3 Infringements

These are serious violations of the College’s Code of Conduct. 

  1. Level 3 Infringements can only be issued by the Management Team. 
  2. A notification of the infringement will be captured on EdAdmin and an email notification will be sent to parents. 
  3. Parents will be contacted, and a meeting will be set up with the Management Team.  
  4. Immediate break detention will be implemented for a period of 1 week (10 Breaks) and the student will lose tuckshop privileges. 
  5. If the behaviour continues it will result in disciplinary action with the Management Team and could lead to a suspension.
  6. At the end of each Academic Year, any accumulated Level 3 infringements will be zeroed, and the student will start the New Academic Year with no Level 3 infringements. While the previous years’ infringements will not be held over the student, they will remain on the student’s record to illustrate patterns of behaviour. Should a student seriously infringe the Student Code of Conduct in similar areas for a second year, these previous patterns of behaviour can and will be raised as a concern. 

 

Level 4 Infringements
  • Bringing a weapon onto school premisses
  • Inappropriate sexual behaviour and sexual harassment
  • Stealing
  • Intentionally causing bodily harm
  • Intentionally causing emotional harm
  • Substance abuse
  • Vandalism
  • Filming, taking photos and or capturing audio content of staff and or students at school, without permission
  • Creation and release of the contact on social media with the express purpose of causing embarrassment or harm to another student/s
  • Bringing the College into disrepute

 

Procedure for Level 4 Infringements

  1. Level 4 Infringements can only be issued by the Management Team.
  2. Immediate face-to-face meeting will be scheduled with the parents.
  3. Immediate internal/external suspension will be implemented pending the outcome of the Management Team’s investigation.
  4. The contract with the College may be terminated, should the Management Team’s findings prove the student to be guilty of any of the above-mentioned behaviour.

PLEASE NOTE:  It is not a realistic expectation that every possible disciplinary infringement be documented​ within this STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT​​.  Should such an eventuality arise that the College is forced to deal with an infringement that is not stated in this policy, the College undertakes to deal with such an infringement in the spirit in which this policy is intended:  to be fair to all parties in understanding the infringement and to be fair and consistent in the consequences resulting from the said infringement. 

APPEAL PROCESS: 

In the case of ​Level 1 Infringements​ – there is no allowance for Appeal on an incident for incident basis.  

The monitoring of these Level 1 infringements is done by the Grade Head and the relevant Head of Phase. Should either or both members of staff feel that there is cause for concern about the number of Infringements issued by any one teacher for any particular student, the Grade Head or Head of Phase can: 

  • investigate and determine if the fault lies with the student or the particular staff member.
  • provide additional disciplinary measures for the student as prescribed in the Code of Conduct, OR 
  • enter into discussion with the staff member and provide additional guidance in dealing with day-to-day disciplinary issues. 

In the case of Level 2 Infringements​:

Upon issuance of a Level 2 infringement, the student has the right to respectfully discuss the issuing of these Infringements, with the relevant staff member, as to fully understand the reason/s for their issuance. 

In the case of Level 3 Infringements​:

Should any disciplinary concerns arise that pertain to this level of infringements, a full investigation will take place to determine the facts of the case. This investigation can include any and/or all of the following: 

  • Interviews of the suspected student
  • Interviews of other involved students 
  • Interviews of witnesses – student or teacher or parent  
  • Removal of cell phones, or other smart devices to extract evidence. 
  • Removal of any additional evidence 
  • Telephonic or face-to-face meetings with the parents of the suspected student/s

Upon the issuance of a Level 3 infringement, the student has the right to respectfully discuss the issuing of these infringements, with the relevant staff member, to fully understand the reason/s for their issuance. 

Should a student feel that these infringements are issued either unfairly, or that their case has not been heard by the staff member concerned the student may request a meeting with the relevant Head of Phase to state their case. 

The relevant Head of Phase will make a judgement on the validity of the appeal and will either deny the right of the student to appeal or call for a meeting with the member of staff and the student concerned. If a meeting is called the staff member will state his or her case after which the student will be given an opportunity to respond. 

The relevant Head of Phase will then make a final judgement on the validity of the Infringement. 

In the case of Level 4 Infringements​  

Should any disciplinary concerns arise that are Level 4, a full investigation will take place to determine the facts of the case.  This investigation can include any and/or all of the following: 

  • Interviews of the suspected student
  • Interviews of other involved students
  • Interviews of witnesses – student or teacher or parent  
  • Removal of cell phones, or other smart devices to extract evidence 
  • Removal of any additional evidence
  • Face-to-face meetings with the parents of the suspected student/s 
  • If the student is found to be guilty, he or she will be internally/externally suspended for 3 days/until the disciplinary hearing (usually 3 days).

The Student and his/her Parents are required to attend a Disciplinary Hearing at which the following will be discussed: 

  • Full explanation from the Chair of the Disciplinary Committee – normally the Principal of the College – as to why he or she was suspended  
  • Explanation for the student as to why the student infringed
  • Reasons from the student as to why he or she should be permitted to return to the College 
  • Input from the parent is also permitted 
  • Decision is taken by the Disciplinary Committee as to the way forward: 
    • The student may return to the College 
    • The student may return to the College with additional support and remediation offered 
    • The decision is taken to terminate the contract with the parents of the student 

Should the parents disagree with the decision to terminate the contract, they have the right of appeal to the Directors of the College. 

They should make this application in writing within 3 days of the decision being taken. 

The Directors will then convene a further Disciplinary Hearing at which the student and his or her parents will have opportunity to present their case. The Principal will also present the case on behalf of the College. The Directors will then make the final decision as to the outcome.