School Policies

Code of Conduct, Disciplinary Procedures & School Rules

Code of Conduct for Learners

Preamble

In terms of the South African Schools Act (SASA — Act 84 of 1996), the School Governing Body (SGB) must develop a Code of Conduct for learners. This Code of Conduct has been developed in accordance with the Act and applies to all learners enrolled at Windsor Secondary School.

Purpose

To protect and promote the integrity and security of each learner and all members of the school community.

Objectives

(a) Ensure that no learner is unlawfully treated.
(b) Foster mutual respect and tolerance among all members of the school community.
(c) Ensure that administrative procedures are clearly defined and consistently applied.

School Rules

👔 School Wear & Appearance

  • Learners must wear a neat, complete school uniform every day.
  • Girls' hair must be neat and tied back at all times.
  • Boys' hair must be kept short.
  • No hair highlights or colouring of any kind.
  • A wristwatch is the only jewellery permitted.
  • No earrings, necklaces, or bangles.
  • Nails must be kept short — no nail polish.

📅 School Attendance

  • Learners must attend school regularly and punctually.
  • If a learner is absent, a parent or guardian must notify the school in writing.
  • Truancy will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

📚 Classroom Rules

  • Learners must follow all instructions given by educators.
  • All homework and assignments must be completed on time.
  • No learner may leave the classroom without the educator's permission.

🏫 Care of School Property

  • Learners must protect and care for all school equipment and facilities.
  • Vandalism of any kind is strictly prohibited.
  • Learners will be required to pay for any damage caused.

🚫 Drug, Alcohol & Weapon Free Zone

  • Windsor Secondary School is a drug, alcohol, and weapon free zone.
  • No smoking, consumption of alcohol, or use of drugs is permitted on school premises.
  • The following items are strictly prohibited: cigarettes, lighters, matches, drugs, alcohol, pornographic material, firearms, and knives.

✋ Violence, Bullying & Foul Language

  • No violence, bullying, intimidation, or threatening behaviour of any kind.
  • Swearing and the use of foul language is strictly prohibited.

📱 Property of Learners

  • Cell phones, games, and radios may not be brought to school without explicit permission.
  • Learners are advised not to bring valuable items to school.
  • Theft of any kind will not be tolerated.

🚪 Early Departure

  • No learner may leave the school premises without permission from the school office.
  • Sick learners must first report to their class teacher before going to the office.

🌟 General Behaviour

  • No selling of goods or services on school premises.
  • Dishonesty in any form is not permitted.
  • Learners must respect national symbols at all times.
  • No littering — learners must keep the school clean.
  • No disruption of the school environment or learning process.

Disciplinary Procedures

Windsor Secondary School follows a structured four-level disciplinary framework. Misconduct is categorised by severity, and appropriate action is taken at each level.

Level 1

Minor Misconduct — Action by Educator

Examples include:

  • Late coming
  • Bunking class
  • Incomplete homework
  • Failing to respond to instructions
  • Dishonesty with minor consequences
  • Littering
  • Shouting / minor vulgarity
  • Not following instructions
  • Loitering in toilets
  • Leaving class without permission
  • Late for school
  • Minor uniform infringements
  • Hair infringements
  • Carrying cell phones

There is no single blueprint for every incident. However, one or more of the following actions may be administered:

Action by Educator:

  • Reprimand: A stern reprimand often takes care of the problem.
  • Menial task: Such as picking up litter immediately or removing graffiti / cleaning the classroom or windows.
  • Warning: More serious offences and all warnings must be recorded in the Learner Discipline Book.
  • Further referral: If inappropriate behaviour continues after two warnings, the learner is referred to the HOD as a Level 2 misconduct.
Level 2

More Serious Misconduct — Action by HOD/DH

Examples include:

  • Frequently repeating Level 1 misconduct
  • Smoking / tobacco / weed
  • Leaving school without permission
  • Abusive language
  • Interrupting the education process
  • Disrespect towards staff or learners
  • Minor vandalism / graffiti
  • Dishonesty with serious consequences
  • Swearing
  • Selling items at school
  • Minor damage to property
  • Cheating in tests
  • Copying work / dishonesty

All cases must be recorded in the Discipline Book.

Action to be taken by DH:

  • Interview learner: The learner is interviewed and documented to establish the reason underpinning the misbehaviour.
  • Official reprimand: A stern reprimand from the person in authority often corrects inappropriate behaviour. Details of all official reprimands must be recorded in the Discipline Book.
  • Menial tasks: Such as cleaning the walls to remove marks or unauthorized writing or graffiti.
  • Confiscation: Items being sold should be confiscated and immediately lodged with the office for security reasons. Such items must be returned only to the parent, who should be called to school the following day.
  • Composition: Besides any other action, all losses must be compensated for and repairs to damages must be paid for by the parent/guardian.
  • Inform parent/guardian: Issue a D.C. Form to the learner and contact the parent. Allow two days for the parent/guardian to respond by acknowledging receipt of the message.
  • Further referral: If inappropriate behaviour continues after the above procedures have been implemented, the matter must be referred to the Principal.
Level 3

Serious Misconduct — Action by Deputy Principal

Examples include:

  • Frequently repeating Level 2 misconduct where action taken by school authorities is considered ineffective
  • Substance abuse
  • Inflicting minor injury on another person
  • Gambling
  • Being severely disruptive in class
  • Forging documents or signatures with minor consequences
  • Racist, sexist or other discriminatory behaviour
  • Possessing or distributing pornographic, racist or sexist materials
  • Theft
  • Fighting / bullying / intimidation
  • Vandalism
  • Cheating during tests / examinations
  • Sexual offence
  • Carrying matches, cigarettes, or weed (dagga)

A detailed report must be kept by the Deputy Principal. Such records will play a pivotal role in any eventual suspension or explanation.

Action to be taken by Deputy Principal:

  • Interview offender/witness/educator: Since Level 3 misconduct is serious, it is essential to get all the facts before taking action. This provides a global picture of the offender and may include a statement by the offender.
  • Counselling: Depending on the nature of the offence and the character of the learner, counselling at school may be necessary to solve the problem.
  • Confiscation: The incriminating material must be immediately confiscated and held in safe custody. Such material may be used as evidence in a tribunal.
  • Call parent/guardian: The parent/guardian must be called in as a matter of urgency.
  • Compensation: Besides taking any other form of action, all losses must be compensated for and repairs to damages must be paid for by the parent/guardian.
  • Further referral: If the desired outcome is not achieved even after the above procedures have been implemented, the matter must be referred to the Principal. It may be necessary to refer certain cases to a social worker only in consultation with the Principal.
Level 4

Very Serious Misconduct — Action by Principal / SAPS

Examples include:

  • Repetition of Level 3 misconduct
  • Substance abuse
  • Carrying dangerous objects to school
  • Threatening another person with dangerous objects
  • Causing intentional injury to another person
  • Engaging in sexual activities
  • Selling drugs
  • Possessing or using alcohol / narcotics
  • Disrupting the entire school
  • Forging documents or signatures with serious consequences
  • Sexual abuse and/or rape
  • Major theft
  • Breaking and entering locked premises

Action by Principal / SAPS / Social Workers / NGOs:

  • Confiscation of items
  • Call parent / guardian
  • Compensation for damage
  • Suspension (maximum 7 school days)
  • Disciplinary hearing
  • Expulsion
  • Involvement of SAPS
  • Referral to social workers
  • Referral to NGOs

Cell Phone Policy

📵 Cell Phones Are NOT Allowed at School

Windsor Secondary School has a strict no cell phone policy. Learners are not permitted to bring cell phones onto school premises.

Reasons for This Policy

  • Cell phones cause fights and disputes among learners.
  • Cell phones are a target for theft and create security concerns.
  • Cell phones are a distraction from learning and academic work.
  • Cell phones encourage copying and dishonesty during examinations.

Communication Procedures

If a learner needs to contact a parent or guardian: The learner must report to the school reception, where a call can be made.

If a parent or guardian needs to contact a learner: Parents must contact the school directly. The school will relay the message to the learner.
⚠️ SANCTION: Any cell phone found on a learner will be confiscated.
A fine of R250.00 is payable before the phone will be returned.

Acts Considered Misconduct — Uniform

The following are considered acts of misconduct with regard to school uniform and appearance. Learners found in violation will be subject to disciplinary action.

Shortened and narrowed school pants for both boys and girls
Suede Shoes
Hair colour/Dye/Polish
More than one set of earrings for girls
Nose ring
Rings, Bracelets, Neck chains worn
Long Nails
Nail with nail polish
Lip Gloss, Lipstick, Eye liner, Mascara and any other make-up worn
Colour contact lenses
Fancy beads and silver rings in hair
Fancy headbands and hair accessories
Bandanas worn
Secret socks
Caps and sun hats worn
Decorative shaved patterns on hair
Long sleeve vest worn under short sleeve shirt
Loop earrings
HAIR PIECES AND EXTENSIONS
NB: Learners MUST be attired according to the monthly prescribed uniform ONLY. No deviations will be allowed.
Refer to the Uniform Schedule for the monthly dress code.
View Full Uniform Schedule