J.G. MEIRING HIGH SCHOOL 20011/12

Transcription

1 J.G. MEIRING HIGH SCHOOL 20011/12 Address: Merriman Road GOODWOOD 746O Telephone: Fax: Headmaster: Mr T. Linderts Deputy Headmasters: Mr MJ Ferreira Mr PG Rossouw Secretaries: Finance: Mrs R Haarhoff Mrs G Stoumann Mrs A Roestoff Mrs A Bezuidenhout Office hours: 7:30-15:30 School Day: 08:30-14:30 (Grade 11 and 12) [Friday 13:30] 07:45-13:45 (Grade 8 to 10) [Friday 12:45] (Throughout the year) Time Table: In a cycle of eight days, a school day comprises 6/7 periods, each of minutes, with two 20-minute breaks.

2 CONTENTS PAGE 1. LOOKING BACK ETHOS OF SCHOOL SCHOOL POLICY AND ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS SUBJECT CHOICE EXTRA MURAL ACTIVITIES 3 6. GUIDANCE GRADE HEADS 3 8. EXAMINATIONS, TESTS AND PARENT EVENINGS PTA: PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL TUITION FEES SCHOOL UNIFORM: STOCKISTS SCHOOL SONG SCHOOL RULES CODE OF CONDUCT

3 1. LOOKING BACK Goodwood Secondary School, as we were first named, opened on 18 January 1954 with 8 teachers and 88 pupils. The buildings were inaugurated on 23 August 1956 and named after Dr J.G. Meiring, at the time Superintendent General of Education ( ). J.G. Meiring has since grown into a prominent high school boasting a proud record and excellent facilities. 2. ETHOS OF THE SCHOOL Our motto - SEMPER NOSTRA OPTIMA - reflects the prevailing spirit of our school for we sincerely try to awaken in our pupils a perception of reaching up and out, of dedication and of giving unstintingly of oneself in order to emulate the worthy achievements of the alma mater. 3. SCHOOL POLICY AND ENROLMENT REQUIREMENTS 3.1 Policy: The following school policy and requirements for enrolment have been duly accepted by the Governing Body. J.G. Meiring High School is a dual-medium school. We aim at developing the whole child - stimulating the desire to learn, fostering spiritual values and guiding pupils towards intellectual, physical, emotional and social independence so that they may become mature and responsible adults who can take their place in society with confidence. We therefore pledge ourselves to: professional teaching of the highest level possible; a healthy balance between curricular and extra-curricular activities; and the nurturing of Christian values and lifestyle, although we respect the principles of other religions; to whoever can furnish proof of benefiting from it; who, together with parents/guardians, undertake to uphold and respect the authority and ethos of the school, as well as the languages of instruction; and who, through scholastic ability, behaviour and attitude will emulate the high standards of the school and uphold her good name. 3.2 Enrolment Requirements: Although preference is given to applicants living in the predefined catchment area, and applicants whose siblings are already enrolled at JG Meiring, we wish to maintain good relations with other schools in the area. Learners are, however, enrolled on a first-come first-served basis. Application forms will be forwarded on request and enrolment should be completed before the end of the third term at the latest. Grade 7 learners in our feeder schools, however, are given full particulars and application forms as a matter of course during the second term Applicants are required to submit all documents listed in Section A of the enrolment form An applicant's age may not exceed the mean of a grade by more than TWO years. The maximum age for admission to a grade is therefore: Grade 8 : 15 years Grade 9 : 16 years Grade 10 : 17 years Grade 11 : 18 years Grade 12 : 19 years The parent(s)/guardian(s) of an applicant must agree to honour any financial obligation as prescribed or amended by the Governing Body Should an applicant for some reason require financial assistance, application forms must be collected and signed for at the school. Such application will be duly submitted to the Governing Body. 1

4 Applicants and parent(s)/guardian(s) must undertake to subscribe to the accepted traditions, norms and school rules of J.G. Meiring High No learner, parent or legal guardian shall at any time initiate or participate in any activity or action which will subvert or disrupt the good order of the school In order to benefit from the teaching program, an applicant must be adequately proficient in both English and Afrikaans The school uniform (as prescribed) is compulsory. 4. SUBJECT CHOICE GENERAL: A minimum number of learners may be decided upon as a pre-requisite before a particular subject is offered in a particular grade. The number of learners taking certain subjects will unfortunately also have to be limited. Grade 8 and Grade 9 1. Language, Literacy and Communication: English and Afrikaans 2. Mathematics 3. Human- and Social Sciences 4. Natural Sciences 5. Economic- and Management Sciences 6. Technology 7. Arts and Culture 8. Life Skills Grade 10 and Grade English Home Language 2. Afrikaans First Additional Language 3. Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy 4. Life Orientation 5. History OR Consumer Studies OR Computer Application Technology OR Physical Sciences 6. Life Sciences OR Business Studies OR Computer Application Technology 7. Geography OR Accounting OR Visual Arts Grade English Home Language 2. Afrikaans First Additional Language 3. Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy 4. Life Orientation 5. History OR Consumer Studies OR Computer Application Technology 6. Life Sciences OR Business Studies OR Computer Application Technology 7. Geography OR Accounting OR Visual Arts In Grade 9, admission into university / teachers colleges and admission into courses at a university, college, technikon or technical college are fully discussed with the learners. Parents are welcome to contact the Life Orientation teacher directly if they have any queries in this regard. Further subject prerequisites: Mathematics: All Grade 10 learners have to take either Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy up to Grade 12. Computer Application Technology If permission is granted in Grade 9, Computer Application Technology can be taken as subject as from Grade 10 at our school or Information Technology at a Centre after hours.

5 3 5. EXTRA-MURAL ACTIVITIES Sport: Learners are expected to take part in a summer and a winter sport. Those who do not participate deprive themselves of an enriching experience. Practices take place after school. Summer sport: Athletics (boys and girls) Cricket (boys only) Tennis (boys and girls) Golf (boys and girls) (Venue: Parow Golf Club) Indoor Hockey (girls) Winter Sport: Cross country (boys and girls) Golf (boys and girls) Hockey (girls) Netball (girls) Rugby (boys) Soccer (boys) CULTURAL AND OTHER ACTIVITIES * Chess * Cultural Society * Debating Society * Educational outings and tours * Eisteddfod * S.C.A. * School magazine (Meiring Echo) 6. GUIDANCE Provision is made on the timetable for Guidance classes during Life Skills periods, when learners are given study guidelines and guidance in the choice of subjects and careers. 7. GRADE HEADS Each grade has a teacher-in-charge. Assisted by the deputy grade head, these teachers look after the particular interests of their grades. Parents may feel free to contact a grade head at any time. 8. EXAMINATIONS, TESTS AND PARENT EVENINGS A system of continuous assessment is being followed by which marks are given for all predetermined projects, tasks, tests, etc. to determine a year mark for each learner. Parents receive a progress report quarterly. Examinations and official tests are scheduled as follows: TERM 1 : Grades 8-12: write tests per subject TERM 2 : Full exam for all grades plus tests TERM 3 : Grades 8-11: write mini examination plus tests Grade 12 : Mock matric exam plus tests TERM 4 : All grades write the final examinations During the SECOND and THIRD terms parents are invited to discuss the progress of learners with subject teachers at a PARENTS' EVENING.

6 4 9. PTA: PARENT-TEACHER ASSOCIATION The Association strives, inter alia: - to build a spirit of goodwill among learners, parents and teachers - to provide an opportunity for parents to become informed, as well as a platform from which to articulate - to serve the best interests of the school in co-operation with the Governing Body - to raise funds for the school The AGM of the association is held in the 3rd term to appoint the committee. Serving on the PTA committee are: - the headmaster - a member of the Governing Body - two teachers - ten parents (two [male and female] per grade) 10. ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL A parent/guardian is requested to account for a pupil's absence by telephoning the office before nine o'clock. Alternatively a letter of excuse or a medical certificate may be provided. Medical certificates are compulsory when absent during examination and/or official test days. 11. TUITION FEES Our tuition fees are very reasonable. Text books and stationery are supplied at the beginning of the year. Tuition fees for the new school year are finalised only at the end of October of each year. 12. SCHOOL UNIFORM: STOCKISTS - Rothman's, 80 Surrey Street, Goodwood. Telephone: See Code of Conduct, numbers 7 to 9, for prescribed uniform. 13. SCHOOL SONG Kom, sing met trotse harte saam ons lied van glorie en van faam Sing dat die kranse aan die kruin van Tafelberg kan antwoord op ons lied se soet refrein; dit uitdra oor die hoogste top en deur die wêreld uitbasuin Die roem en eer wat ons wil bring aan die Hoërskool J G Meiring Refrain O, let your voices now unite in honour of her laurels bright. Rejoice to serve her stately walls and hearken when she calls. O, see her banners lifted high and hear the challenge in her cry: Our best, our best, our very best.

7 14. SCHOOL RULES GENERAL APPEARANCE: A learner is expected to be neat and conform to the code of dress of the community LEARNER BEHAVIOUR: Learners are expected to be punctual No learner may be absent from class or leave the premises during school hours without the headmaster's permission No learner shall do harm to or physically endanger another pupil. No learner shall possess a dangerous weapon or substance Smoking is prohibited on the premises. Likewise, smoking in school uniform is forbidden after hours Drugs, alcohol and offensive material are strictly prohibited on the premises School property and the personal property of others must be treated with respect and may not be vandalized or damaged A learner may not drive or park a motorised vehicle on the premises without the head-master's permission PARTICIPATION IN THE SCHOOL PROGRAM: Once committed to an extra-mural activity, a learner may not withdraw prematurely without the headmaster's permission Facilities and sports equipment may not be used outside of school hours without permission or supervision Trespassing on the school premises after hours is forbidden Learners shall at all times respect the national symbols, anthems and the school code PUNISHMENT All forms of learner punishment will be administered according to prescribed regulations of the Education Affairs Act GENERAL The good name of the school may not be discredited in any way. 15 C O D E O F C O N D U C T DEFINITIONS Specific words such as learner, educator, school etc. will be used with the meaning as described in the South African Schools Law of This applies also to all similar words which appear in this code of conduct. GENERAL Parents/guardians, learners and educators were involved in drawing up and implementing this code of conduct. The Governing Body has the statutory right and duty to implement the code of conduct, and will be specifically responsible for dealing with category 3 offences. VISION AND MISSION OF THE SCHOOL Our vision for J.G. Meiring High School is to prepare each learner for his/her future (academic, spiritual, social, physical) in such a way that he/she may take his/her place in society with ease. The mission of J.G. Meiring High School is to create a climate which is favourable to all involved, and in which the learners can reach their full potential. Consequently, we regard the following as important: the moral values of honesty, sincerity and respect for others; the social values of good manners, neatness and respect for the property of other people/the school; pride in and loyalty towards our school; the value of conscientiousness, punctuality and responsibility; a balanced lifestyle characterised by participation in different constructive activities.

8 4. 5. SCHOOL RULES Learners must attend school during prescribed times; comply with school rules, and prescriptions for school uniform and appearance; effectively support the tuition and education process; allow other pupils the right to tuition; have respect for school property and grounds, and keep them tidy; never make the lives of others unpleasant or make them feel threatened; abstain from the use, handling or being in possession of tobacco, alcohol or drugs; behave in a disciplined manner; abstain from aggressive and/or insulting behaviour; abstain from unacceptable social and/or sexual behaviour; show mutual respect for each other; show mutual respect for the property of others; abstain from using crude language; show respect for educators and obey that which is reasonable and right; always behave in such a manner, both in and beyond the school, that no dishonour is brought to the name of the school. Specific rules relating to school uniform, appearance and general rules of conduct are included. CATEGORIES OF OFFENCES / PUNITIVE MEASURES AND PROCEDURES Offences are divided into THREE categories: 5.1. Category 1 Offences: Lateness for class/lines/school Violation of general rules for neatness Disorderly conduct in class or corridors Failure to return reply slips timeously No letter or telephone notification for absence Failure to do homework Occupying prohibited areas Littering Defacing desks or walls Bad behaviour during assembly Using foul language Leaving necessary articles at home Untidy appearance Eating during lessons or period changes Chewing bubblegum Absence from practices (without reason) Incorrect uniform without letter from parent giving acceptable reason Other minor offences Category 1 Punitive Measures and Procedures: Personal discussion with parents Verbal warning Written warning (head of grade informed) Punishment work (homework not done) School Community Service 1 hour detention 2 hour detention Withholding of privileges Personal discussion with head of grade 6

9 7 5.2 Category 2 Offences: Repeated category 1 offences Cheating/dishonesty in tests Cheating/dishonesty in examinations Rebellious or disrespectful attitude to authority Playing truant (period) Playing truant (day) Smoking at school Smoking outside school grounds where he/she may be identified as a learner of the school In the presence of smokers Disrupting class Forgery of signatures Damage to property of others, e.g. cases, clothing, bicycles, motorbikes, cars, etc. Unacceptable behaviour on the sports field Absence from matches (without reason) Poor behaviour in public (in school uniform) Religious intolerance Other offences which the Governing Body may deem fit to be placed in this category Category 2 Punitive Measures and Procedures: Sent out of class for part of a period 1 hour detention 2 hour detention (parents informed) 5 day / Multiple day detention Personal discussion with head of grade Personal discussion with parents Withholding of privileges 1 day suspension / 2 day suspension 5.3 Category 3 Offences: Repeated category 2 offences Racism Sexual harassment Fighting / Physical attack Vandalism Theft Insubordination Physical aggression towards staff Serious disruption of class Victimisation by a group or individual Gangsterism Use of/being under the influence of/being in possession of drugs and alcohol/liquor Absence from detention / Repeated detentions Possession of pornographic material Threatening the safety of others Possession / display of knives or other dangerous items Possession / display of firearms Bomb threats / false alarms Criminal offence / record Any conduct deemed by the Governing Body to be disgraceful, unseemly or grossly reprehensible

10 5.3.1 Category 3 Punitive Measures and Procedures: - 5 day / multiple day detention - TIME OUT: Sent out of class for serious class disruption. Parents attend meeting with learner and staff members involved, after which learner returns to that class. Detention given. After 2 nd TIME OUT learner may be required to appear before Governing Body. - All learners guilty of a category 3 transgression may be excluded from certain privileges (e.g. not being allowed to attend Matric farewell functions; wearing of civilian clothes on civvie days, etc.) - Appear before Governing Body - Maximum 7 day suspension - Permanent expulsion - Where applicable, offence may be reported to the SAP 5.4 Suspension and expulsion of learners are conducted in terms of prescribed regulations GENERAL ORDER RULES 6.1 When the bell rings at the beginning of the school day, or the end of an interval, learners go to the correct lining-up position. When the second bell rings, learners must be in their lines and silent. 6.2 Movement to classrooms (and during lesson changes) must be done quickly, silently and in an orderly manner. 6.3 Classrooms must be entered in silence. 6.4 When a learner is absent, the parents/guardians must inform the school telephonically not later than 10:00 the same day. Alternatively, a written explanation for the learner s absence must be handed to the register teacher on the first day of the learner s return to school. 6.5 Absence during examinations/official tests or repeated absenteeism must be verified by a doctor s certificate. 6.6 The school building is out of bounds before school and during intervals. Special arrangements will be applied on rainy days. The corridor next to the administration block may not be used during class changes. 6.7 Unlawful entry of the school terrain after school hours is not permitted. 6.8 Learners may not enter prohibited areas during intervals. 6.9 All ball games are prohibited in the quads, on the tarmac behind the school, and on the tennis courts during school hours Cell Phone Policy: No cell phones/mp3 players/earphones, etc. may be seen or heard whilst learners are in any part of the school building or when changing classes (even outside). All such technology must always be switched off during school hours except during intervals or before and after school, outside the school building. For first offences a cell phone (including sim card)/mp3 player/etc. will be taken away for three months, irrespective of whether it belongs to the learner or anybody else. For second offences the instrument/s will be taken away for the period of a year Three forms of detention may be applied: Friday detentions Weekday detentions or Detention for groups / individuals arranged by teachers. All the above detentions will be applied in accordance with the school s managerial prescriptions.

11 Rights of learners: A learner may appeal against a transgression by taking the following steps: discuss the matter with the teacher / Meiring Council member in question after school hours; if not satisfied, arrange a meeting with the Head of Grade. If still not satisfied with the outcome; lodge appeal with the deputy-principal concerned with discipline. If still not happy with the outcome; lodge an appeal with the school principal. 7. APPEARANCE: GENERAL 7.1 It is the responsibility of each learner to see to it that his/her appearance is at all times neat, acceptable and in accordance with the school rules. 7.2 It is in the interests of the learner that his/her school clothes and sports clothes should be clearly labelled to assist in the tracing of lost clothing. 7.3 CASES: Only reinforced cases, sling bags or satchels are acceptable. They must be clean and have no slogans, pictures or stickers on them. The name, surname, grade and section of the learner must be written on the inside of the case. 7.4 Rain coats, rain jackets, caps and hats may not be worn with the school uniform in the school building. 7.5 ALL RULES APPLY OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL IF THE SCHOOL UNIFORM IS WORN. 7.6 All the rules apply for sports meetings also. 8. GIRLS: UNIFORM AND APPEARANCE 8.1 HAIRSTYLES: Hair may not cover the eyebrows As soon as the hair touches the collar it must be tied up No way-out hairstyles are allowed Only natural-looking hair colour may be used. No streaks and no radical change of colour are allowed. Girls who do not abide by this rule will be required to correct the colour, and will be placed on detention if they do not comply Permed hair must be controllable Gel or mousse may not be used to create a way-out or untidy style Ribbons, scrunchies, hairbands, etc. must be white, black or school navy. Clips, elastic bands, combs, etc. may be white, colourless or the colour of the girl s hair Decorative bows, beads and exceptionally wide hair bands are not allowed A long bob with a long fringe: the hair may be tucked behind the ears, but may never hang in the face A deep step that is shaved at the back is not allowed. Offenders will have to restyle their hair No undercut is allowed A section of the fringe pulled out so that it hangs down on either side of the face is not allowed. It must be tucked behind the ears or, if it looks untidy, securely fastened NAILS The white of the nail may not be longer than 2mm Coloured nail polish is not allowed Colourless nail polish may be used to strengthen the nails Henna must be grown out and not re-applied. JEWELLERY Only earrings, (as specified below) and wrist-watches are allowed. No coloured straps or bangles Plain silver or gold sleepers (not more than 1 cm in diameter), or small silver or gold studs without stones or patterns (not more than 4mm in diameter) may be worn Only one pair of studs/earrings is allowed - one in each ear, in the lowest hole of the earlobe Only school-related badges may be worn.

12 MAKE-UP Make-up is not allowed Girls with skin problems may ask permission to wear a medicinal base ONLY colourless lip-ice/lip-gloss may be used. SCHOOL UNIFORM SUMMER: Dark blue school uniform, white short-sleeved shirt with open collar. Prescribed school jersey, black shoes and white socks WINTER: Dark blue school uniform and long-sleeved white shirt. Prescribed long black plain stockings, school tie. Black shoes (with laces or a T-Bar). Blazer with school badge. School jerseys are optional. (N.B.: A school jersey may not be worn without a blazer.) The prescribed navy blue or black windbreaker may be worn over (not under) the blazer during the winter months or in wet weather. Navy blue (plain, knitted) gloves and the prescribed school scarf may be worn in the second and third terms. Moslem girls may wear the navy blue scarf which has been prescribed for the school The school belt may either be worn or removed. The dress may not be pulled up and folded over the belt The dress may not be shorter than 15cm above the knee (when kneeling on the ground) Shoes must be buckled and shoelaces tied. No writing on shoes SPORTS WEAR: (Boys and girls): As prescribed for each sports event. School track suit is optional. CLOTHING FOR CIVILIAN DAYS Shoes must be worn Only earrings are permitted - rings through the nose, etc. are not permitted No indecent pictures and/or words or political slogans are allowed on clothing No bare midriffs are allowed Very short dresses and shorts are not allowed Revealing or low-cut tops may not be worn The necessary underclothing must be worn, but may not be visible BOYS: UNIFORM AND APPEARANCE Summer Wear - A white shirt with the school badge printed on the pocket, grey trousers of the approved design (long or short), black or grey belt, grey school socks, black leather shoes with laces. The prescribed school jersey or pullover. Winter Wear - School blazer with badge, school tie, white shirt, grey trousers of the approved design (long or short), black or grey belt, grey school socks, black leather shoes with laces. School jerseys are optional. (N.B.: A school jersey may not be worn without a blazer.) Navy blue (knitted) gloves and the prescribed school scarf, black or dark blue windbreaker (without any printing) may be worn during winter months. School track suits (optional) are sold at Rothmans. 9.1 SHOES Clean and polished. 9.2 SOCKS Pulled up. 9.3 TROUSERS Trouser-legs must be standard width and must not be made narrower A belt with a normal buckle and no studs MUST be worn with long trousers. 9.4 SHIRT Short-sleeved shirt: With school badge on pocket. Only one (top) button unfastened. All other buttons fastened. Shirt at all times to be tucked in Long-sleeved shirt: For winter use only and with a school tie and blazer. All buttons to be fastened at all times. A short-sleeved shirt with a top button for a tie may be worn during winter but with all the buttons fastened and with a tie and blazer.

13 9.5 TIE School tie neatly knotted and pulled tight against the collar. 9.6 SCHOOL JERSEY May only be worn without a blazer during summer. Correct size. 9.7 BLAZER All buttons to be sewn on. School badge must appear on breast pocket. School blazer may be worn without a tie during the summer terms, but the collar of the shirt must be folded out at all times. 9.8 HAIR Must be cut short, neatly graduated from the shape of the head, shampooed and neatly combed. It must be of the pupil s natural hair colour. May not touch the top of the ears, the collar or the eyebrows. It may not form a thick wedge behind the neck or above the ears. The following are not acceptable: Fringes - hair cut short with a long/longer forelock Steps Undercuts Heads cleanly shaven Hair which has been coloured/dyed Horns hanging over the eyes. Gel, hair with a wet look, or hair styled with gel or other substances in the form of spikes or a fringe which stands up. 9.9 BEARD Clean shaven. Side whiskers not lower than the middle of the ear-hole. Moustaches are not allowed NAILS Short and clean JEWELLERY Only watches and standard medic alert tokens allowed VESTS Only plain white vests or T-shirts - not to be visible JACKETS and HATS Raincoats, rain jackets, caps and hats may not be worn in school with the school uniform. Navy gloves and the prescribed school scarves may be worn during winter months. A black or navy windbreaker (without any printing) may be worn over (not under) the blazer on rainy days. Only the prescribed school beanie may be worn, in winter, and only outside the school building Shoes must be worn. CLOTHING FOR CIVILIAN DAYS No bare midriffs are allowed No indecent pictures and/or words or political slogans are allowed on clothing Only one earring per ear is permitted - rings through the nose, etc. are not permitted Caps may be worn in the classroom only with the permission of the teacher concerned. 11