SCHOOL RULES AND CODE OF CONDUCT

At CEDEC International Schools, we believe that good behaviour and discipline are key foundations for good education. Without an orderly atmosphere, effective teaching and learning cannot take place. We expect and insist on the highest standards of behaviour throughout our school.

Courtesy, good manners and consideration for others, together with self-discipline and a proper respect for authority, are encouraged at all times and are important if we are to make our school a true, caring community. We place great emphasis on praising children for politeness and kindness to others.

The School may choose to bring any serious breach of discipline or any disruptive behaviour to the attention of the parents concerned and an appropriate course of action will be decided upon.

A copy of this document is available in all the school libraries.

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Our School Rules and Code of Conduct are explained fully in this document. This Code of Conduct clearly states what behaviour is acceptable and what is not acceptable. Some of these rules do not apply for our kindergarten pupils.

Our Core Values are essential values that should guide our actions. They are:

·       The Fear of God

·       Hardwork

·       Honesty

·       Humility

·       Punctuality

·       Excellence

·       Dare to be Different

All children are expected to make a full contribution to the school and support the positive endeavours of all its members.

 

GENERAL:

Students must, at all times behave responsibly, respectfully, and show consideration for others, both in and out of school. Obedience of School Rules is a must, as rules are essential for the benefit of all in any community and though we try to keep these as simple as possible, we do expect them to be kept.

They are:

· We take responsibility for our own learning and help each other to learn

· We show respect to other people, their belongings, the classroom and the school environment

· We walk around the school in a sensible, quiet and safe manner

· We remember our manners at all times

· We are kind in our words and our actions

ATTENDANCE:

Students must be punctual and regular in attendance at school by 8:00am. Students arriving after 8:00am are deemed as late. When a student is late to school the first two times, a warning letter would be issued to the parent(s) or guardian(s). If the same student is late a third time, a notification letter of detention for the following day will be issued to the parent(s) or guardian(s). Then the student will placed in the late detention for at least an hour the next day after school. If the same student is late more than three times in a term, without prior notice to the relevant school authority, the student may be denied entry into the school compound for that day. See Attendance policy.

SCHOOL FEES:

The school fees must be paid IN FULL on or before the first week of resumption. These fees are non-refundable (except indicated otherwise) and post-dated cheques are NOT be accepted.

A grace period of one week may be given, but this is subject to extenuating circumstances, which would be determined by the school board (see Board of Governors Policy). A fine will be charged if a cheque is dishonoured (for fees deposited through cheque), and thereafter the fee will be accepted by cash only.

If the fees are not paid within the period stated above, enrolment could be discontinued and re – enrolment is subject to the discretion of the school board. If a student owes any fees, the school will not release any official results or provide formal certificates.

SCHOOL BUS:

Students boarding the bus should be at the pick-up points at least 5 minutes prior to the arrival of the bus. The school bus is NOT EXPECTED TO WAIT for students, if the students are not at the pick-up points for security reasons. However, under extenuating circumstances, the bus may wait for 2 minutes ONLY before leaving the pick-up point (see school transportation policy).

ABSENCE:

When a student is ill a note must be brought in and handed to the form tutor.  Alternatively, parents/carers may call the school on or before the day of absence with a cogent reason for the student’s absence. Children showing signs of illness should be kept at home for their safety and the safety of the school community (see Attendance Policy).

MOVEMENT:

Students’ movement along the corridors and staircases must be quiet. Students should use handrails on the staircases at all times and avoid touching the walls. They may not run along corridors or staircases for their safety, and the safety of others. Students are not allowed out of school during school hours, except they have written permission from their Head of School. In the event of an early pickup, the parent/guardian will be required to sign the early pick up register.

TRAVELLING:

Students using any mode of transport or moving about the streets should behave in such a way as to bring credit to the school. If a student behaves outside of school (including on the internet) in a way that is likely to damage the reputation of CEDEC International Schools, he/she will be subject to the school’s disciplinary procedures (see Behaviour Policy).

MEDICAL:

Students should visit the nurse in the school’s sick-bay if they feel ill while in school. (For more information, see the Health and Safety Policy). Students with known medical conditions must have up-to-date medical records on file, including any prescribed medications, allergies, or chronic illnesses. Parents or guardians are required to inform the school of any changes to a student’s medical status.

The Sick Bay is staffed by a qualified health professional who will assess the student and administer first aid in line with the school’s First Aid policy. The school will not treat illnesses, and illnesses requiring medical attention will be directed to the school’s partner hospital. Students are not permitted to self-administer medication or remain in the Sick Bay without official documentation or supervision. Students who come to school with medication should hand them over to the school nurse along with the prescription.

In the event of a contagious symptoms or a serious illness or injury, parents or guardians will be contacted promptly, and a medical “Stay At Home” form will be issued to the student to take home.

UNIFORM:

All students must wear the full and correct uniform purchased from the school only. Each article of clothing should be neat and ironed when worn to school. Unauthorised pieces of clothing (anything that is not listed below as a part of the school uniform) would not be permitted, and would be confiscated immediately. In the case of a chilly weather, the school’s cardigan is the only piece of clothing that is to be worn over the school uniform. The School Uniform is a branded symbol of the school, and is NOT to be replicated outside the school. Uniforms altered or replicated outside are considered forbidden, and will be confiscated immediately, and not returned. Slovenly dressed students would be subject to discipline. The school uniform is as follows:

 

 

HAIR:

Hair grooming is treated with utmost importance at CEDEC International Schools. The males should have their haircut evenly, low enough to be brushed and not combed (to avoid lice infestation), with no visible markings or lines made on their head. Beards, moustache and facial hair are not allowed. Females should have their hair plaited neatly at all times, according to the appropriate hairstyles. No form of hair extensions, attachments or weave-ons are permitted to be worn by students at any time in the school compound. Students should adhere to the rules regarding hair grooming, as students with bushy, rough or wrong hairstyles would face disciplinary action immediately.

TOILETS:

Students should not spend longer than necessary in the toilets. Only one student is permitted in a cubicle at any time. All restrooms are gender-specific; therefore, male students must not enter the female restroom and female students must not enter the male restroom. Students of different genders must not be in the same restroom at any time. For secondary school students, toilet breaks should be taken after assembly, during break times, at lunchtime, or after school, except in cases of emergency. If a student needs to leave a lesson to use the toilet, this must be recorded on the communication portal and the bathroom pass must be used.

BREAKS:

Students must not be in the classroom during the assembly, outdoor breaks or sport periods unless a member of staff is present and has requested them to be there for good reason. All classes should be locked when students are out of the classroom.

DAMAGE:

All damage to school property must be reported at once to a member of staff in charge of that room. For damages incurred outside of designated rooms, this damage must be reported to Heads of Departments. Wilful damage will be charged to the student responsible. All the students must extend co-operation in taking care of all the school’s properties. The students should not write on, scratch or spoil the desks, benches, chairs nor damage any school furniture nor write or draw anything on the walls nor damage the belongings of others. Damage done even by accident should be reported at once to the Class Teacher. Recovery against any such damage will be charged to the concerned student with a fine imposed on him/her /them for such a misdeed. Such misdeeds may entail suspension or expulsion from the school.

LITTER:

Classrooms and playgrounds must be kept tidy at all times. All litter must be placed in the bins provided. Pupils caught dropping litter will be put in detention and may be required to serve the school’s community service as part of the sanction. All the students should be keen in keeping their classrooms and the school premises clean and tidy.

EXITS:

No students may leave the premises during school hours without a signed permission from the Head of School, a senior member of staff or a Head of Department.

SMOKING/ALCOHOLIC DRINKS:

Students and all adults are forbidden to smoke, drink alcoholic beverages, or have these in their possession on or around the school premises. If a student is caught smoking within or outside of the school premises, parents will be informed and the pupil will be required to face the disciplinary board, and accept whatever action is taken towards him/her (see Behaviour Policy).

BUYING AND SELLING

All students are strictly prohibited from buying, selling, exchanging or bartering any goods or services with one another on the school premises, during school‑sponsored events, or via any school‑managed communication channels. This includes, but is not limited to, trading stationery, snacks, personal items, technology accessories, or any form of collectibles. Such transactions create distractions from learning, can undermine fairness among peers, and may give rise to safeguarding concerns. Any student found to be in breach of this rule will have the items confiscated and may face disciplinary action in accordance with the school’s behavior policy.

OFFENSIVE WEAPONS:

No student may have a knife or any form of offensive weapon in his or her possession, or objects or materials likely to damage persons or property including long fingernails. A student found to be in possession of a knife or offensive weapon is likely to be prosecuted by the law, and permanently excluded from this school.

CHEWING GUM:

Students should not chew gum on school premises or at any time during school hours. If found to be chewing, students would be required to throw the gum in the trash can, and take part in community service within the school compound.

JEWELLERY:

Students are not permitted to wear any jewellery other than a wristwatch for boys and girls, and stud earrings for the girls only. Any other piece of jewellery, hand bands, body stickers, rubber bands etc would be confiscated and never returned.

FRAGRANCE:

Students are not allowed to bring in fragrance bottles of any kind to the school compound. Strong scents and fragrances can negatively impact air quality and may cause allergic reactions, respiratory issues, or other health concerns for students or staff with sensitivities. Students are required to refrain from bringing scented products such as perfumes, deodorants, colognes, scented lotions, hair sprays, body oils, body sprays, body gels and fragranced sanitizers to school. In addition, heavily scented air fresheners, scented candles, and other heavily scented items are not allowed on campus. Students are encouraged to use their scented personal care products before coming into school, and be mindful of their peers’ well-being. Failure to comply would result in the items seized and not returned.

MAKEUP/COSMETICS:

The school rules on makeup and cosmetics are that the following are not permitted: Make up of any form, false nails and nail extensions, nail varnish, tattoos, coloured in body modifications, fixed lashes or painted on brows. Students found with these would be required to submit them, and they will face disciplinary measures.

HOMEWORK:

Homework is treated with utmost importance at CEDEC International Schools. Therefore, it must be completed and handed in on time (see homework policy). Projects and assignments are given at termly vacations, and they must be handed in upon resumption.

MOBILE PHONES and ELECTRONIC DEVICES

Mobile phones must not be used in school. Mobile phones found in school will be confiscated and not returned. Students are not allowed to bring any kind of valuables like cell phones, cameras, transistors, precious coins, stones or any item of jewellery like chain, rings, etc, to the school. These items will be confiscated, and the school will not be responsible for the loss of any such article if brought by the students, that should not have been brought into school in the first place. Students who bring mobile phones to school for safety during transit must submit them at the front desk and pick them up on their way home. Students have the permission to bring the recommended electronic tablets to school, and they are required to submit them to their class teacher daily, and use them for the portal when required during lessons or assessments. Electronic devices used for academic purposes must be linked to parent or guardians gmail accounts for the child's safety. See the Students’ Acceptable Use Policy. The following must be noted:

·    Any student using a mobile phone in school will have it confiscated and never returned.

·   Devices used to access inappropriate sites like gaming sites, pornography, sites that are not for the purpose of lessons, will be confiscated immediately and never returned.

·    Devices used to engage in inappropriate activities will be confiscated and not returned

·     Confiscated items will be kept in the school safe.

·     Confiscated items will NOT be returned to defaulters.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Every student must take part in at least one indoor and one outdoor club unless declared unfit by their medical personnel or exempted by the nurse or event organisers. In the event that a student has refused to join any of these activities willingly, one would be assigned to the student based on his/her capabilities. All students are required to belong to at least one “house” for sporting activities.

GROUNDS FOR DISMISSAL

The school upholds high standards of discipline, integrity, and personal responsibility. Any student whose behaviour consistently violates the core values of the school or poses a threat to the safety, well-being, or academic progress of others may face dismissal. Grounds for dismissal include, but are not limited to:

• Repeated or severe acts of bullying, harassment, or physical violence, immoral acts, grave insubordination, contempt of authority or wilful damages to school property.
• Possession, use, or distribution of illegal substances, including drugs, alcohol, or tobacco
• Possession of dangerous weapons or items that may cause harm
• Theft, vandalism, or intentional damage to school property or the property of others
• Persistent defiance of school authority, including refusal to follow instructions or cooperate with staff
• Academic dishonesty, Examination malpractice of any form, including cheating, forgery, or plagiarism
• Persistent unauthorised absence from school or repeated truancy
• Conduct that constitutes a crime, or that brings the school into disrepute, whether on or off school grounds, including on social media

The School also reserves the right to dismiss students or withdraw their enrolment if:

• their conduct is harmful to their peers and/or the school environment,
• their parent or guardian show no interest in the progress of their wards behaviourally and academically.
• their parent or guardian consistently challenges or undermines these standards, thereby opposing the school’s established moral expectations.

All these are sufficient reasons for immediate dismissal. Dismissal is considered a last resort, and the school will follow due process, including investigation, and communication with parents or guardians, before any final decision is made.

REVIEW AND UPDATE

This document is subject to an annual review by the school leadership. Feedback from all stakeholders is welcomed and encouraged throughout the school year. Any amendments or updates will be communicated promptly and clearly to all members of the school community via the website, portal, and in some cases a newsletter.