Code of Conducts for Primary School Learners

CODE OF CONDUCT FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARNERS

(Grade RRR – 7)

Primary School Reviewed on 7 January 2026.

Learners and their parents/guardians must familiarise themselves with this handbook. A signed acknowledgment page with contact information must be returned to the register teacher by the specified date.

The handbook should be kept safe for reference.

Any changes will be communicated after consultation with the SMT, SRC, SGB, and RCL. The Code of Conduct is reviewed annually.

Introduction:

Every child will be given an updated and revised Code of Conduct at the beginning of the year. This Code of Conduct is intended to establish a disciplined and purposeful school, which is dedicated to promoting and maintaining the quality of the learning process.
An educator at school acts in loco parentis and has the same rights as a parent to control and discipline the learner according to the Code of Conduct during the time the learner attends school i.e. in a classroom, on the sports field, at a school function, on a school excursion or during school related activities.

Vision Statement:

St Thomas Aquinas School is an English medium Catholic School, founded on truth, committed to living out Christian values, where Christ, exemplifies the fulfilment of all human values. We promote diversity and accept learners of all religions and cultures, enriching our community with a variety of perspectives.

Our school promotes holistic and effective education, to equip our learners with the necessary skills to be successful in an evolving future.

We foster a disciplined environment grounded in respect, excellence, accountability, care and honesty.

Mission Statement Extract:

St Thomas Aquinas embraces the 6 Cs in 21st-century education which are essential skills that help prepare learners for the complexities of the modern world and to navigate and succeed in a rapidly changing world.
They are a focal point for how we develop and grow learners:

1. Communication: The ability to articulate thoughts clearly and effectively through various forms of communication, including verbal, written, and digital.

2. Collaboration: Working effectively and respectfully with diverse teams, sharing responsibility, and valuing the contributions of others.

3. Critical Thinking: Analysing and evaluating information to solve problems and make decisions based on evidence and reasoning.

4. Creativity: Using imagination and innovation to generate new ideas, solutions, and approaches to problems.

5. Citizenship/Culture: Understanding and respecting cultural differences, participating in civic life, and contributing to the community and society.

6. Character/Compassion: Demonstrating ethical behaviour, empathy, and integrity, and showing concern for the well-being of others.

Responsibilities of parents/guardians with respect to the code:

St Thomas Aquinas School prides itself on the good relations it enjoys with parents. While parents can expect the school to provide their children with the best possible education with the resources available to it, parents/guardians must accept that the ultimate responsibility for learners’ behaviour rests with them. The parents must impress on their child/children the importance of adhering to the school rules and the disciplinary standards required by the school and the parent body as a whole. The role of the parent, as a primary educator and partner in the shaping of the learner’s character is indispensable.
To this end the parents/guardians are required to:

• Sign a document as evidence that they have knowledge of the Learner Handbook and Code of Conduct and agree to abide by its content.

• Support the school, require learners to comply with the document and accept responsibility for any misbehaviour by their children.

• Replace or pay for any property or damage caused through the intentional misuse of property by their children.

• Take an active interest in their children’s schoolwork, including online classes should the need arise.

• Ensure their child/children arrive at school on the first day (or latest, within the first week), with all the required books (covered) and stationery. As per the booklist and stationery list.

• Communicate with staff timeously regarding areas of concern as well as the positive development of their child/children

• Encourage their children to be involved in all aspects of St Thomas Aquinas School life (spiritual, academics, sport, culture, and service).

Rights and obligations of learners:

All learners will enjoy equal treatment and protection, and no learner may be unfairly discriminated against.
Every learner has the right to have his/her dignity respected and the right not to be treated in a cruel or degrading manner.
Every learner has the right to privacy. However, the principal/deputy principal/HOD or educator may search a learner and seize his/her possessions, on the grounds of reasonable suspicions. All search and seizure procedures will be conducted in accordance with the School Search and Seizure Policy.
All learners have the freedom of expression. This, however, will be limited to freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is not degrading and vulgar, disrespectful, insubordinate and insults will not be tolerated.
All learners have the right to agreed procedures for expressing and resolving school-related grievances, including an appeal method. Problems or issues should, as far as possible, be resolved at the school.
Learners have the right to a clean and safe environment conducive to sound education.
Learners are expected to know the contents of this document. Ignorance will not be accepted as an excuse.
Learners must always abide by the school rules set out in the Code of Conduct, whether at school or outside the school grounds.
Learners have a responsibility to learn and develop their full potential.
St Thomas Aquinas aims to use restorative justice in dealing with learners. This is an approach to justice that seeks to repair harm by providing an opportunity for those harmed and those to take responsibility for the harm to communicate about and address their needs in the aftermath of a disciplinary issue. The school encourages behaviour that is respectful and supportive. It places the onus on the individual(s) to be truly accountable for their behaviour and to repair any harm caused to others because of their actions.
Learners must be aware that their parent/guardian sign a parent/guardian Code of Conduct themselves.

The legal authority for the control and discipline of learners:

The South African School’s Act, Act No.84 of 1996 section 8(1) empowers the SBG to maintain discipline.
The Code will be displayed at the school, and a copy must be given to each learner.
Learners must understand that action may be taken against them if they contravene the Code. The school encourages restorative justice as far as possible.
An educator at the school acts in loco parentis. This legal responsibility of the school to perform functions or responsibilities of the parent when the child is in the care of the school.

Grade RRR – 7

“Effective education today for a successful tomorrow”

CODE OF CONDUCT – PRIMARY SCHOOL LEARNERS

(Grade RRR – 7)

Behaviour goals of the school:

The following points form the school Code of Conduct:

Learners must attend school as per the school calendar dates. (Absentee letters written by parents/doctors’ notes are required in the case of absence from school. If a learner misses a test/exam due to illness a doctor’s letter MUST be submitted.) Parent letters are required if learners miss compulsory additional school days on weekends, or holidays or scheduled workshops.
Learners who miss 3 days or more must bring a doctor’s note, if a learner is off for less than 3 days, a letter from the parents is acceptable.
Learners must be punctual to ensure they do not lose out on work. Learners must be in class by 7h20 for the morning Devotions.
Learners are to treat educators, peers, and visitors in a Christian manner with dignity and respect and always display dignity by greeting all visitors who enter the school premises.
Learners should greet staff in a friendly and polite manner.
Learners are expected to be honest and truthful in all matters.
Learners are expected to work diligently and conscientiously, to complete homework as required, including special projects. All work submitted must be the learner’s original work (See plagiarism policy).
Learners are encouraged to participate in at least 1 extra-mural activity per term.
Learners should show good sportsmanship.
Learners are to wear the correct uniform at the correct time and in the correct place.
When leaving school and making use of public transport, learners must be fully dressed in uniform. This may be school uniform, or sports uniform BUT at no point may school and sports uniform be combined. This rule does not apply on civvies days – so long as the learner does not combine civvies with any part of the uniform.
Labels with learners’ name/surname must be sewn on the INSIDE of the uniform and NOT on the OUTSIDE.
As the school has been developed for the use of all the learners attending the school, it is the privilege and obligation of every learner to protect and carefully use all the facilities and equipment so that others who come after them, can also enjoy the privilege.
Learners must respect the environment, by keeping the environment litter free.
Learners must not jump over the hedges or walk through them.
Inappropriate displays of affection are unacceptable (hugging, cuddling, kissing etc).
Excessive requests to go to the toilet during class time could result in a request from the school for a doctor’s letter.
Learners are expected to adhere to ALL protocols that are implemented due to COVID-19, as well as any measures established to ensure safety, health, and well-being of themselves and others in the school community. The rules and protocols are in place to ensure all staff members and learners are kept safe.
In the event of any safety drill, all learners must follow the rules to ensure the safety of all is maintained.
Learners should NOT loiter around the school premises unnecessarily. They are encouraged to return home after school unless they are participating in extra-curricular activities, fostering a productive and safe environment. If learners cannot go home after activities, St Thomas Aquinas School does offer Aftercare (enrolment forms are available from the accounts department).
Transport must be arranged promptly for younger learners (Gr RRR-3).
Parents must arrange reliable transport for their children. NO learner may organise their own transport using any of the app platforms e.g. Bolt.
Learners must be responsible and ensure they place and pay for a tuckshop order before register period or make use of the Taptuck app. This must be completed by 07h20. The Tuck Shop is cashless, only Taptuck cards or debit/credit cards may be used.

The Role of the School Management Team and Educators regarding behaviour

The principal/deputy principal/HOD/Grade Heads and educators have an important responsibility to facilitate a climate for the development of positive learner behaviour.
SMT and the educators should support the principal in the performance of duties to create a school culture of positive discipline.
Ensure that all personnel, parents, and learners are aware of the policies regarding positive learner behaviour.
Ensure that the policy regarding disciplinary measures is implemented.
Ensure that learner behaviour and learner issues are discussed regularly.
Ensure that record is kept of learner behaviour – positive and negative forms of behaviour (merits, de-merits). Behaviour does not exist with a vacuum – try to discover the source of a learner’s behaviour.
Motivate your learners through awards and positive encouragement. Remember that you are a role model for your learners – inspire learners by your example.
Organise interviews with parents about the progress and behaviour of learners.
Ensure that learners are dealt with fairly and consistently. Maintain consistent discipline.
Deputy principal/HOD’s manage the administrative system of disciplinary referrals and interventions.
Create a learner-centred classroom where discussion is allowed between learners, but the discussion takes place in a focused and orderly manner.
Prepare well so that lessons run smoothly, and discipline can be applied more easily.
When commenting on learner’s work, remember to praise the learner.
Provide personal and social support for each learner. Should you suspect or know that a learner is experiencing problems, show interest and do something to help.
Insist that the learners always display good manners.
Set realistic and achievable goals for your learners and create a positive environment by being actively involved and moving around the classroom while you teach.

Learner Recognition in the Primary School

A merit system encourages a positive and constructive environment by acknowledging and rewarding learners based on their skills, accomplishments, and contributions. This approach motivates learners to strive for excellence and aligns better with promoting fairness, diversity, and equal opportunities.
At St Thomas Aquinas we aim to reinforce a positive and an inclusive work environment. Emphasising:

Fair Recognition – by acknowledging and rewarding individuals based on their skills, performance, and contributions, promoting a fair evaluation process.
Equal Opportunities – ensure that all individuals have an equal opportunity to showcase their abilities and be recognised for their achievements, irrespective of background or diversity.
Diversity and Inclusion – encourage a diverse range of perspectives, talents, and experiences. Recognise that a merit-based system can contribute to building a more inclusive and equitable workplace.
Transparent Criteria – clearly define the criteria for recognition and advancement, making the evaluation process transparent. This helps in preventing bias and favouritism.
Continuous Feedback – establish a system for providing constructive feedback to help individuals improve and grow. This fosters a culture of ongoing development.
Training and Development – invest in training and development opportunities to empower learners to enhance their skills and competencies.
Merit Recognition for Respectful Behaviour – we value and promote a culture of respect. Demonstrating consistent and exemplary respectful behaviour is integral to our shared commitment to a positive and inclusive school environment. Learners who exhibit respect towards their peers, educators and visitors will be rewarded with merits.

Merit System GRADE 4 – 7

Merits will be recorded by educators on Ed-Admin. Parents will be notified via email, when their child/children receive merits.
Each learner (Grade 4-7) will also have a Merit Sheet to keep track of the merits they receive from teachers. Parents may sign these merit sheets to acknowledge their child’s good behaviour.
Adherence to all school and classroom rules will be tracked.
Merits will be awarded for excellent work; good test results; projects or assignments which have been well done and well presented; correct layout of work; handing in of projects/assignments on/or before the due dates; returning tests/exams and having tests/exams signed.
3 merits – 90-100%; 2 merits – 80-89%; 1 merit – 70-79%.
5 merits will be awarded for returning a test/exam the day after it has been sent home and 5 merits for a parent’s signature.
Merits will also be awarded for actions which promote pride and positive spirit in our school e.g., kindness, helpfulness, persistence/determination, loyalty, honesty, sharing with others, good behaviour, friendliness, excellent manners (3 merits may be awarded).
Merits will count towards a day when the learner may wear civvies. For every 100 merits collected, a learner may wear civvies. In addition, learners will receive a Deputy Principal/Principal’s Award sticker for every 100 merits received. Each learner will have a Merit Tracking Sheet on which to collect these award stickers.
For 50 merits and 100 merits, learners (with their homework diaries) are to be sent to the HOD for the Award stickers.
Learners will receive merits for community service. Teachers will record on Ed-Admin.
Learners may also receive merits for achievement in sports, good sportsmanship, commitment in cultural activities, demonstration of servanthood in the school community and recognition for spontaneous leadership.
St Thomas Aquinas awards the following badges for academic achievement per term:
Merit badges and Gold bars for Grades 4-7.
St Thomas Aquinas host Award Ceremonies during the year to recognise achievement in the following categories (this is outlined in the Awards Policy):
Academics
Sport
Culture
Service
Leadership

Merit System - Foundation Phase and St Gabriel’s

Each term learners in the Foundation Phase and St Gabriel’s are given a sticker chart which is displayed on the wall in their register class. Staff will also log merits on Ed-Admin. Parents will be notified via email, when their child/children receive merits.
Stickers are awarded for excellent work, good manners, service above self, respect, helpfulness, honesty, sharing with others, picking up litter, teamwork, collaboration and upholding the values outlined in our Code of Conduct.
At St Gabriel’s preschool we have the ‘’Star of the Week’’ initiative. This initiative aims to highlight the outstanding efforts and positive attributes demonstrated by our learners. Throughout the academic year, every child will have the opportunity to receive the ‘’Star of the Week’’ certificate. The certificate serves not only as a symbol of individual success but also as an inspiration for fellow learners to strive for excellence.
Learners may also receive merits for achievement in sports, good sportsmanship, commitment in cultural activities, demonstration of servanthood in the school community and recognition for spontaneous leadership.

Misconduct – categories and disciplinary measures

Discipline must be maintained in the school and in the classrooms to ensure that the education of learners proceeds without disruptive behaviour and offences. The goal is to teach and to lead children to self-discipline.

A demerit system is used for misdemeanours.

Failure to adhere to the school rules could result in demerits issued by teachers, coaches, and/or managers. The Deputy Principal/HOD/Grade Head/Educator will determine if a demerit must be issued. The aim is to ensure that the learners take responsibility for their actions and are accountable to repair harm caused through their actions.

Demerits will be recorded on Ed-Admin.

There are 4 possible categories for demerits.

1. Category 1 Offences
1.1 Category 1 offences include, but are not limited to:

Bad manners/impolite behaviour towards teachers, maintenance staff, peers, and visitors.
Late arrival to class lessons and after break without a valid excuse.
Late arrival to school without a note/WhatsApp from a parent/guardian.
Homework not done.
Books/equipment not in class.
Not working in class during lesson time.
Eating/drinking in class (except plain water).
Eating/drinking during a function without permission.
School uniform infringement.
Uniform incorrect for PT.
Uniform incorrect for matches.
Uniform incorrect for practice.
Uniform incorrect for general school.
Disobeying uniform rules (including hair/nails/watches/shaving).
Not participating in PT without a valid reason (e.g., doctors’ letter, letter form parent/guardian).
Misconduct or poor sportsmanship during an extra-mural activity practice, intra-or inter-school competition or league fixture.
Littering.
Not returning important documents (contract, letters that need to be signed)
Playing games on the computer without permission
Speaking another language in class, of which the educator does not understand. English is the language of instruction
Spitting on the ground or an object.
Library book overdue.
Talking when silence is required e.g., ringing the bells, tests, exams.
Inappropriate displays of affection (holding hands, cuddling, hugging, kissing).
Minor misconduct in assembly/mass.
Minor disruption of class.
Misconduct on school premises/in school uniform.
Lockers: going to the locker during lesson time without permission.
Staying in the school building/classrooms without permission during break.
Talking while the teacher is teaching/talking/demonstrating.
Talking while a learner is presenting a speech/demonstration
Backchatting.
Cell phone not handed in.
Headphones used/not packed away/handed in during school time.
Earbuds in during school time
Tuckshop: going to the tuckshop during lesson time without permission.
Copying homework/classwork. A learner who allows others to copy homework will also receive 1 demerit. Zero is awarded for copying homework/classwork.
Throwing any objects e.g. glue, pencils, around during class time or at another learner
Hiding books/pencil cases/bags/lunch boxes which belong to another learner
Messaging on WhatsApp outside of operating hours

1.2 Category 1

Potential Punishment:

Category 1 offences will result in 1 demerit.

A learner who receives 5 demerits will be required to attend detention.
Parents will be notified via email when a demerit has been issued.
Demerits run in a 6-month cycle (January to June, July to December).
The learner will be verbally counselled and corrected by the educator/HOD/deputy. The educator will alert the HOD/deputy principal and ensure the parents are contacted ensuring the incidents are not a continuous trend e.g. homework not completed daily and books not in class.
Emphasis will be placed on addressing and resolving issues promptly, allowing learners to reflect, make amends, and reintegrate into the community. This approach supports a culture of learning, accountability, and continuous improvement within the educational community.
Detention may take the form of written work and/or manual labour, e.g. picking up litter and is given by the Deputy Principal/HOD/Grade Head.
It will take place after school, on a given date for 1 and a half hours. This is usually a Friday afternoon.
Learners and parents/guardians will be informed in writing via email (Ed-Admin) of the date and time for detention. Parents will be asked in the email to acknowledge receipt of the detention letter.
Should the last detention of the term already have taken place, the learner will do their detention the following term. In the case of the last term (Term 4), the learner will be required to do a detention in the week after school has closed, or after writing an exam, when teachers are still on duty.
Demerits received up to and including the last school day of a term could result in a detention.
Should a learner fail to attend a detention without a valid reason, an immediate additional detention is given. This means the learner must sit 2 detentions instead of 1.
A learner who has received 5 detentions (25 demerits) for category 1 offences will be suspended from school for 1 day. The learners may not attend school on this day. Should the suspension fall on a standardised test/exam day, the learner will be required to see the relevant HOD on his/her return to schedule the missed test/exam. The onus is on the learner to catch up any missed classwork. Learners who do not take responsibility to catch up the work, will be given zero.
Should a learner receive 2 additional detentions after the 1st Suspension based on category 1 offences, he or she will be suspended a 2nd time and will be issued with a principal’s warning.
Further category 1 offences after the 2nd suspension and principal’s warning, a learner will receive notice for a disciplinary hearing.
Detention takes preference over all other activities e.g., Land Service, Sports Matches.

2. All Category 2 alleged offences must be reported to the relevant HOD. The school management team will investigate.

2.1 Category 2 offences include, but are not limited to:

Violating the rights of other learners to receive education by disrupting classes/learners.
Bunking a lesson or lessons
Spitting at someone (staff or learners)
Misuse of cell phone and other electronic devices as per Cell Phone Policy. Cell phones need to be handed in to all class teachers at 07h20 before the morning devotion commences. Cell phones will be handed out to the learners at the end of the school day.
Lying and deceitfulness/dishonesty
Throwing an object to cause harm
Offensive material/language used towards another learner/educator/coach
Offensive material/language written anywhere on the school property
Messaging teachers privately or on WhatsApp group after warning that it should stop.
Harassment/irritating fellow learners verbally, intimidating a learner, aggressive towards a learner or staff member.
Misconduct – poor sportsmanship during any event.
Plagiarism, including AI inappropriately.
Persistent bullying/roasting/making fun of another learner (cyberbullying, physical, verbal, emotional).
Fighting in class or on the field (physical/verbal/virtual).
Urinating outside in public, outside the classroom/school property, or in front of other learners.

2.2 Detention – Category 2 offence:

The learner will be verbally counselled and corrected by any designated authority. The learner may also be referred to the School Psychologist.

The learner will receive 5 demerits. A learner who receives 5 demerits will be required to attend detention.
Detention may take the form of written work, and/or manual labour e.g., picking up litter or community service given by the HOD/deputy principal and will be for the duration of 2 hours.
Should the last detention of the term already have taken place, the learner will do their detention the following term. In the case of the last term, the learner will be required to do a detention in the week after school has closed or after writing exams, when teachers are still on duty.
Learners and parents/guardians will be informed in writing via email (Ed-Admin) of the date and time for detention. Parents will be asked in the email to acknowledge receipt of the detention letter.
The school will not be responsible for transport home.
Should a learner fail to attend a detention without a valid reason, an immediate additional detention is given. This means the learner must sit 2 detentions instead of one.
A learner who has received 5 detentions (25 demerits) for category 1 and 2 offences will be suspended from school for 1 day. The learners may not attend school on this day. Should the suspension fall on a standardised test/exam day, the learner will be required to see the relevant HOD on his/her return to schedule the missed test/exam. The onus is on the learner to catch up any missed classwork. Learners who do not take responsibility to catch up the work, will be given zero.
Should a learner receive 2 additional detentions after the 1st Suspension based on category 1/2 offences, he or she will be suspended a 2nd time and will be issued with a principal’s warning.
The learner may be referred to the School Psychologist to attend 2-3 sessions of counselling.
Parental/guardian intervention must take place.
Further offences after the 2nd suspension and a principal’s warning, a learner will receive notice for a disciplinary hearing (See details for disciplinary hearing protocol and procedure).

3. Category 3 – (Suspension/Potential disciplinary hearing)

All Category 3 alleged offences must be reported to the deputy principal and/or HOD. The school management team will investigate.

3.1 Category 3 offences:

Truancy/bunking (leaving school premises without permission)
Misuse of cell phone and other electronic devices as per cell phone policy.
Cheating in test/exam
Lying and deceitfulness/dishonesty on more than one occasion.
Offensive material/language used towards another learner/educator on more than one occasion.
Playing with matches/lighters in the bathroom/toilets/classroom
Possession or use of firecrackers
On-going harassment of fellow learners e.g. aggressive pressure, intimidation, pushing another learner.
Deliberate and ongoing disrespect towards teachers/security guards/visitors/staff
Persistent bullying (cyber, physical, verbal, virtual) on more than one occasion
Major vandalism and conducting oneself in a manner which is seriously detrimental
Possession and display of tarot cards, pinboards, any materials deemed offensive (Ethos)
Any form of theft, including stealing physical property, intellectual property, or digital content.
Smoking of or possession of cigarettes, vapes, cigars, pipes, electronic cigarettes, herbal cigarettes, hubbly bubbly, cannabis, or other controlled substances on school premises or in school uniform is strictly forbidden (including school trips or outings).
Possession of/dealing in/taking of drugs, any illegal substance, and inhalants (including school trips or outings).
Possession of/drinking alcohol (including on school trips or outings).
Possession or use of bladed weapons/firearms/ or items that can cause physical injury e.g. tasers, stun guns, sharp tools.
Arson/Burglary/Theft
Immoral behaviour/possession/copying/distributing/displaying of pornographic materials in any form (digital, print, or otherwise) is strictly prohibited on school premises or on any school trips/outings).
Assault and any intentional act of physical violence or aggressive contact against another individual to cause grievous bodily harm.
Attempted rape/rape, physical or sexual abuse, indecent assault, indecent exposure.
Altering plagiarism report.
Driving without a license