CODE OF CONDUCT

This Code of Conduct has been developed in accordance with the South African
Schools Act, Act 84 of 1996.
It works towards a well-balanced, broad education for pupils, a professional
environment for teachers and an atmosphere conducive to the development of the
school’s ethos. It applies to all aspects of school life and incorporates both
behavioural goals and ethical norms.
It is accepted that this code is a dynamic document, requiring frequent deliberation
and possible revision, in order to always satisfy the needs of the school community.
The Code of Conduct is to be presented to all parties concerned on first acceptance
to St Francis College. Signing the Parents/Guardians’ Declaration and Contract of
Enrolment implies an acceptance of the Code, as does the employment contract for
teachers.

CODE OF CONDUCT - TEACHERS

Teachers will fulfil their professional responsibilities by:
• respecting the dignity and rights of pupils
• using their professional skills to educate pupils
• contributing fully to the programme of the school
• creating a stimulating learning environment in their classroom
• maintaining regular contact with parents
• being prepared to go the extra mile in the interests of the pupils and the
school.

ACADEMIC
• A consistent, positive image of the school is to be communicated at all times.
• Loyalty to colleagues, the school and the organisation is mandatory.
• Enthusiastic participation in all aspects of the school is expected.
• Attendance is requested at all major academic, sport and social functions.
Staff meetings, assemblies and training sessions are included. Staff are not
to be under the influence of alcohol/drugs prior to start of such functions.
• Appearance and grooming must at all times reflect the school’s high
professional standards.
• Punctuality is essential.
• All school administration must be completed timeously and must reflect the
school’s high professional standards.
• Lessons are to be well prepared so as to stimulate, motivate and foster pupil
participation.
• Positive, enthusiastic interaction with colleagues and pupils is vital. The
educational ambience in the classroom must be one of warmth, excitement,
interest and mutual respect.
 • Mutual respect between colleagues and pupils as well as among colleagues
must be a hallmark of conduct.
• Discipline must be maintained through positive reinforcement, while
recognising the lesser role of negative reinforcement. Insulting and humiliating
pupils and colleagues will not be allowed.
• Teachers are only permitted to leave a lesson when authorised by the
Principal.
• Pupils may not be dismissed before the bell signals the end of a lesson.
• Teachers are expected to give additional help to their pupils, at no financial
cost to the pupils, at a time mutually agreed upon.
• Teachers should decorate their classroom to stimulate and reflect the subject
that they teach.
• Cellular phones may not be used, or calls received, during lessons, school
functions or meetings unless authorised to the contrary by management.
• Each teacher is responsible for the good condition and safekeeping of
equipment and fixtures provided in their classroom.
CODE
Every teacher can expect the respect, support and co-operation of the school,
parents and pupils in their efforts to create a healthy learning environment inside and
outside the classroom. It is important that teachers acknowledge their responsibilities.
Teachers at St Francis College thus undertake to:
• maintain a professional bearing and manner and in doing so, set a positive
example to our pupils
• be well prepared
• be fully conversant with the demands of the curriculum taught
• be punctual
• mark and return assignments, tests and examinations within a reasonable
period of time
• praise, encourage and motivate pupils
• help create a concept of team work or partnership with pupils in the education
process
• help establish and communicate realistic, clear and meaningful goals
• appropriately correct pupils who transgress the school code
• contact parents where necessary
• report serious misconduct to the management team
• be sensitive to the individual needs and problems of pupils.
Where a parent/guardian feels it necessary to discuss a matter relevant to
teacher/pupil interaction, the teacher should first be approached. If the matter cannot
be resolved, the Head of Department should be approached. The Principal should be
approached if the matter remains unresolved.
CODE OF CONDUCT – PARENTS
In their association with St Francis College, parents are expected to:
• provide their children with the necessities for their life at school
• support their children in their studies and various school activities
• support the efforts and actions of College staff
• support parent activities wherever possible
• attend College functions, sport and cultural activities
• extend their own professional expertise to the College, wherever possible
• uphold and promote the good name of St Francis College.
CODE
St Francis College aims to maintain a positive relationship with parents. Parents are
expected to assist the College by:
• supporting teachers in their efforts to teach their children, i.e. monitor
homework, check test results, help set goals, regularly consult their children’s
diaries for teachers’ comments
• never criticising a teacher in a child’s presence
• communicating with the teacher, coach, head of department or
principal timeously regarding areas of concern before they become
major issues
• making suggestions or providing assistance to improve the educational
process and environment
• encouraging their children to participate fully in the life of the College
• endeavouring to uphold moral and legal behaviour in their children especially
regarding alcohol, cigarettes, substance abuse and sexual activity
• being aware at all times of the whereabouts of their children and setting
parameters as far as time lines, transport arrangements, dress codes and
appropriate behaviour are concerned
• communicating directly with the parents of their children’s friends to
clarify information.

CODE OF CONDUCT - PUPILS

At St Francis College a pupil has:
• the right to be listened to and taken seriously in a fair and reasonable manner
• the responsibility to listen to others
• the right to be respected and protected from harm
• the responsibility to show others respect and care
• the right to an opinion and free thought
• the responsibility to learn from others and from his/her mistakes
• the right to receive special care for special needs
• the responsibility to be the best person he/she can be
• the right to have a safe and comfortable school
• the responsibility to keep the school environment clean, neat and tidy
• the right to be proud of the school, his/her family and beliefs
 • the responsibility to respect the traditions of the school and the beliefs of
other people
• the right to work and learn without being disrupted by others
• the responsibility not to disturb others at work.

EXPECTED BEHAVIOUR
1. Pupils of St Francis College will strive to uphold the honour and good name of
the school and will obey all school rules, both at school and in any place or
situation where the school is formally or informally represented. This will
include any context where the school uniform is worn and any context where
a pupil or pupils are recognisable as pupils of St Francis College.
2. Pupils of St Francis College will show due respect to their parents, their
teachers, elders or people in authority over them and their peers, irrespective
of sex, race or creed.
3. A pupil of St Francis College will wear the school uniform and sports uniform
with pride, and in full conformity with the dress code standards that are
applicable.
4. Pupils are required to greet all adults and visitors and offer to be of
assistance if this is appropriate.
5. Pupils are always to give right of way to teachers or other adults.
6. Pupils are to stand when speaking to teachers or other adults and boys are to
refrain from having their hands in their pockets while doing so.
7. Pupils of St Francis College will not be party to any behaviour that is antisocial
and/or antagonistic.
8. Pupils of St Francis College will avoid the use of banned substances.