Policies

SCHOOL POLICY, REGULATIONS AND RULES

Please read each page carefully and sign/initial at the bottom of the page to acknowledge your acceptance of these policies.

1.ADMISSION POLICY

1.1The age of the learner: Learners who are more than one year older than the statistical age norm per grade will not be admitted at Buckridge School unless exceptional circumstances require otherwise. The statistical age norm per grade is calculated by adding six to the grade number (e.g. Grade 8 +6 = 14 years)

The statistical age norm per grade is the grade number plus 6.e.g.

Grade R is age five turning 6 in the year of admission

Grade 1 + 6 = 7 (Grade 1 is age six (6) turning seven (7) in the year of admission)

Grade 4 + 6 = 10 (learner turning 10 in that year)

1.2 Documentation required: The following documents are required for enrolment at Buckridge:

·         Enrolment Information form                                      ●Signed School Policies form

·         Birth certificate or acceptable proof of birth date ●Signed Payment agreement

·         Both parents ID or ID of Legal Guardian                    ●Signed Code of Conduct

·         Immunization card (Foundation Phase)         ●Medical Aid card

·         Last report card from previous school                       ●Signed Indemnity form

·         Current Pay slip and valid three months bank statement not more than 7 days old.

·         If a learner is not a citizen of SA, the following documents must be handed in:

·         Study permit OR Evidence that you have applied for study permit.

1.3 The selection of learners: The selection of learners for admission shall be based on an assessment of

the following factors: (in no particular order)

·         Whether a complete admission application and information requested as stated above, has been submitted.

·         Whether the learner has met the promotion requirements for the grade to which the admission application relates.

·         Whether there is place available at the school, given the capacity of the school.

·         Whether the school is able to meet the educational needs of the learner (including but not limited to any special educational needs of the learner)

·          Whether the admission to the school would be in the best interests of the learner given that all learners are required to participate in the academic, sporting and cultural program of the school and given the need to ensure that:

·         The academic aptitude of the learner is appropriate for entry into the particular grade to which the admission application relates.

·         Whether the learner will benefit from the program of the school given his proficiency in English, being the language of the learning and teaching at the school. The inability of a learner to communicate effectively in English may place an unreasonable limitation on his/her academic progress at the school and could therefore result in the learner not being admitted to the school.

·         The First Additional Language offered at Buckridge is Afrikaans.

·         The SA-SAMs Demeanours/Disciplinary record for learners that are coming from other school will be a pre-requisite to placement.

·         Learners who apply for grade R- 9 will be interviewed to meet the admission requirements.

Signature:________________

1.4 Waiting Register

If the school has no more open space, the Learner’s name will be put on a waiting register. The school will inform the parent as soon as there is an opening for the learner.                                                

1.5Transfers and withdrawals of learners

One full calendar month’s written notice should be given. Should you fail to comply, you will be held responsible for a full month payment in lieu of notice. Any child leaving at the end of the term is still liable for any outstanding fees. Learners giving notice in October will be required to pay for November and December. (Full school year)  No report or transfer card will be issued if the account is not settled.

1.6 Registration for the following year

 Learners will need to complete an INFORMATION UPDATE FORM WHICH SERVES AS A CONFIRMATION OF RENEWAL OF ENROLMENT CONTRACT, by the end of October for the coming academic year AND pay their REGISTRATION AS WELL AS BOOK FEE for the following year by the end of November. These forms are only issued to each learner currently enrolled at Buckridge towards the end of third term/start of fourth term. These must be completed and returned by the due date stipulated to secure your child’s place for the following year.

A new enrolment contract will not be required. However, the school retains the right of admission should the LEARNER’S ATTITUDE, DISCIPLINE RECORD AND HIS/HER PAYMENT HISTORY BE UNSATISFACTORY.

1.7School Uniform and Dress Code

It is compulsory that learners comply with the uniform regulations. This information is available in the prospectus or from the office upon request. Please ensure that every item of uniform is clearly marked with your child’s name. Uniforms should be clean and whole (No rips, tears or missing buttons).

Girl’s skirts may not be more than 10cm above the knee.

1.8 Stationery Policy

Parents are to provide the necessary stationary required by the school. A list is available in the prospectus or from the office upon request. Children may not borrow stationery from other learners. For your convenience, the tuck shop sells some basic stationery items such as pens, pencils and erasers.

Learners are required to bring 1 roll of toilet paper every month; 1 bottle soft soap in January; 1 ream of paper (500 white sheets) in January.

1.9 Aftercare

Aftercare is available on our premises for all Grades at an extra cost. The aftercare program runs from after school until 17:30 hours during the school term only. Extra Maths and Afrikaans lessons are available for the older grades. Arrangements must be made with the office if you would like to enrol in Aftercare or extra lessons.

1.10Progression, Promotion and Retention

The School dictates the good practice that decisions taken about the promotion and retention of learners are based on:

·         Good records of progress or lack of progress

·         Considerable care will be taken to ensure that the decisions that are made are always in the best interest of the child.

Please take note that the medium of instruction at Buckridge Private School is English and all communication will take place in English. Learners may not speak vernacular at school.

As a Christian school all learners will be required to attend Bible classes.

Signature:__________________

2. GENERAL SCHOOL RULES AND PROCEDURES

 2.1 Civvies and fun school functions

While the learners are permitted to wear casual clothes in place of their school uniforms they are still expected to comply with all other standards. We encourage learners to dress modestly in comfortable casual clothes. T-shirts with cult or improper pictures or slogans, including political statements, may not be worn. Girls are not permitted to wear low cut jeans or pants and short tops to reveal their midriff sections, or dress in a manner that reveals their underwear. Girls may not wear revealing tops or see-through shirts. Shorts or skirts need to be longer than mid- thigh. No slippers. Boys are to ensure that their “boxers” are not visible.

2.2 Lost and found

All items of clothing must be clearly marked with the child’s name and surname, not initials only. The school can’t be held responsible for unmarked clothing that goes missing.  Lost and found property can be claimed at the school office.                                                       

2.3 Attendance Procedure

Learners are expected to attend all their classes punctually and regularly. Absenteeism should be avoided wherever possible. A doctors note is required if a learner is absent for more than 1 day.

2.4 Absenteeism

When a learner is absent, a parent or guardian must call the school office or write a letter to the register educator with the reason for the absence. The onus is on the learner to catch up any work missed due to absence. Should a learner be absent during an assessment, they must bring a doctor’s note in order to be allowed to write the test or exam.Learners who are absent for more than (14) consecutive days without any valid reason and communication shall be de-registered from the school.

2.5 Early Departure

 In the interest of safety, parents are required to sign an early release form at the office before the learner may leave the school premises. This should be given to the register class teacher before leaving the class. Should the learner be fetched by another person other than the parent, the school should be informed by the parent prior to the learner being collected.

2.6 Observance of school hours

Learners should arrive before 7:30 in the morning and need to be off the campus by 14:30,(This also applies to learners that are brought by private cars and own parents). Unless attending aftercare program or extra lessons. Learners who are left on campus after school will be sent to Aftercare and charged for the afternoon.

2.7 Sick Learners

If a child is sick they should not come to school until they are better. Should a child fall ill at school, the parents will immediately be notified and asked to collect their child. Serious injuries will be dealt with by our qualified First Aid personnel. Parents will be informed immediately.

NB. Always inform the school office of a change of contact information in case of an emergency.

If a child has a medical condition the parent must provide full details to the school and a doctor’s letter if requested. Parents must inform the school in writing of any case of infectious illness in their household,

and obtain medical treatment for contagious and infected sores before sending a child back to school.

Signature: ___________________

2.9 Lunches

All children must bring their lunch to school in a container that is clearly marked with their name. Nutrition is the responsibility of the parent. A child’s ability to learn improves when following a healthy diet, so we recommend that you send a balanced lunch, fruit, juice and water.  No chewing gum will be allowed. A tuck shop will operate from Monday to Friday were a selection of food, snacks and drinks will be on sale.. The school does not take responsibility for children’s choices at the tuck shop.

Learners should bring a bottle of water to drink at school.

2.10 Cell Phones

Learners are not allowed to bring cell phones to school, unless permission is given for a special occasion. The school does not take any responsibility for theft or damages.

Any learner caught using a cell phone during lesson time will have their phone confiscated.

Furthermore, Learners may not engage in activities on social media that could be connected with and bring the school in disrepute. Do not present your views as that of the school on any social medium.  Do not discuss the personal information of fellow learners, staff or teachers on any social medium.  Do not use any social medium to attack, defame, intimidate, harass e.g. sexting, abuse or bully any learner or staff member or their family members. Do not spread malicious rumours or show disrespect to staff or learners on social media. Legal action will be taken against learners who engage in the above practices.

2.11 School Phone

Learners will not be called to the office phone. In the case of an emergency the office staff will relay the message to the learner. Parents are requested to make all necessary arrangements with their children before school. No learner may use the school office phone unless for an emergency. Learners may not contact parents to fetch them during school hours without permission from the office.

2.12 Trips 

We believe that outside excursions enrich children’s learning experiences. We will announce each trip in advance. Learners are expected to attend these trips as part of the school program. A written explanation from a parent is required if a child will not be going on the trip. 

The school will require that the INDEMNITY FORM be filled in for the learner before going on a trip.

2.13 Hair styles

Boys: No moustaches, beards or side whiskers are allowed. Conservative, tapered cut must be worn (max 1cm or less) all around). no afro, perms or other styles are permitted. No hair clips. No dyeing of hair with odd colours is allowed. No gel, oil, sugary water etc. maybe used to keep style or give a wet look. No braids or plaiting for boys will be allowed.

Girls: Hairstyles are to be neat. No extreme hair styles permitted. If you choose to cut the hair, conservative tapered cut maybe worn (max 1cm or less all around) where hair is not braided or plaited. No long hair to be worn loose beyond collar. If hair is worn reaching beyond collar it is to be tied with a school colour hair accessory. No dyeing of hair with odd colours is permitted. Any extensions and braids must be plain or simple black and short (only applies to high school girls). No  hair wigs or hair pieces allowed to be worn.

2.14 Sports Uniform

·         Learners may not wear sports shoes like soccer boots to school but must change at school when going for sport.

·         Learners without proper attire for sports will not be permitted to take part in sport.

·         Learners should not mix sports uniform with school uniform, e.g. school shoes with track suit.

·         Learners not dressed correctly shall be booked in the discipline book and their parents will be answerable for allowing their child to come to school like that.

·         Learners should wear the appropriate uniform in the appropriate season e.g. winter uniform in winter.

Signature: ___________________

2.15 Newsletters

In order to keep parents informed about school activities, the school produces newsletters periodically for such updates. Parents are requested to check their child’s communication book and take note of all the correspondence. Please ensure that we have your correct email address and WhatsApp number as we shall be moving away from printed Newsletters.

2.18 Homework

Parents need to listen to reading homework (lower grades) and ensure that the learners do their homework properly and study effectively for test and exams. Please take proper care of all reading books.

2.19 Parent correspondence with school

·         Partnership in education implies co-operation and liaison between school and home. Should you wish to consult a member of staff, please contact the school to arrange an appointment. Parents are encouraged to communicate with the school through email for enquiries and complaints. These will then be referred to the correct department and a response sent back to you via email, unless a meeting is deemed necessary.

·         Please always follow the correct channels when raising an issue or concern and only escalate it to the next level if you do not feel the issue has been resolved satisfactorily: Teacher – HOD- Principal. If requesting a meeting with the Principal, the issue, complaint or reason for meeting etc. must first be sent to the school office via email. The school office/Principal will then respond accordingly.

·         Parents should also know that declining to come to the school, or take calls from school as well as cutting or blocking communication with the school may lead to review of the enrolment contract as well as declining re-registration of the learner in the future.

2.20 Parent Consultations

2.20.1 The school runs a parent’s consultation day in the second term of each year. All parents are encouragedand expected to come to discuss their child’s academic progress. Parents of learners who are showing lack of academic progress will receive a personalized invitation to attend these consultations.

It is imperative that parents respond to a call from the school to attend a meeting when requested. Failure by a parent to attend such meetings could result in the suspension and ultimate expulsion of the learner from the school.

2.20.2 Should the school deem it necessary for a child to be assessed by an Educational or Behavioural Psychologist, parents will carry all the cost of the assessment and furnish a copy of the report to the school within two months from when this request was made. ONLY REPORTS FROM SCHOOL APPROVED EDUCATIONAL PYSCHOLOGIST WILL BE CONSIDERED.

Furthermore, the parent will be required to carry out the recommendations made by the psychologist to help the child overcome or improve their problem.

3. DISCIPLINE POLICY

Discipline is much more than control or correction. Secure, happy children are those who know where they stand and what is expected from them. Obedient children are those who know that their parents and teachers mean what they say and keep their word.Well-adjusted children are the result of parents and teachers who do not neglect the God-given responsibility of training and disciplining their children.

Learners must respect and obey all rules and regulations developed by the school for the orderly operation of its educational programme and general safety; and sign the Code of Conduct at Buckridge.

Signature: ___________________

3.1 Disciplinary Procedures

Class teachers will note all transgression in a discipline book. The first warning will be verbal, after three (3) written warnings a child will be given a Demerit note (grade 1 – 3) or a Detention note (grade 4 – 9). The purpose of this is to bring the child’s transgressions to the attention of the parent. Parents are to exercise their own forms of discipline at home in response to these notes. If the child continues to transgress, parents will be contacted to attend a Disciplinary meeting at school.

·         Verbal warnings, written warnings and consultation with parents will be accompanied by counselling. In cases where the corrective measures result in expulsion, a disciplinary hearing convened by the Management body and the Principal/Executive Head will be held.

·         A learner, who is advised to attend a disciplinary hearing, has the right to be present with his/her parents/guardians to put his/her side of the case.

·         The learner has the right to call a witness or witnesses. The disciplinary committee may cross-question learners and witnesses.

3.2 Corrective measure

·         If a learner damages school property the cost of repair will be added to their school account.

·         School-service may be used during Detention period as a means of discipline. i.e. picking up litter, raking or watering the school gardens etc.

·         Children who continue to transgress after attending two (2) Detention periods at school will be required to attend a Detention Class on a Saturday. Parents will be responsible for insuring that their child is present.

·         Learners may be denied access to the tuck shop or participation in a school event as a form of discipline.

Final Proposal (decision)

·         All decisions of the Executive Head in all matters relating to the Buckridge School organisation and discipline shall be final.

·         These matters include attendance and participation in the Buckridge activities and functions, dress code, the conduct of scholars, corrective measures, including suspension or expulsion from Buckridge School.

I, (name and surname)______________________________________________parent/guardian of

___________________________________________ (learner), hereby declare that I have read and understood the ‘Policy, Rules and Regulations’document of Buckridge Private School and agree to abide by it.I accept that there will be consequences if I or my child breaks the school rules and regulations.

_______________________________                                        _____________________

Signature of parent/ Legal guardian                                                 Date