Rondebosch Boys' Preparatory School

School Rules

School Rules / General Information
Code of Conduct
The focus of discipline at RBPS
Parent/teacher expectations

Every Rondebosch learner should behave in a manner which will not bring him or the school into disrepute. He must, in public and in private, maintain a standard which is expected of a learner of Rondebosch Prep. All learners will be expected to behave in a responsible and sensible manner and any behaviour which is destructive, discourteous or dishonest,will be considered as a serious offence. It is our hope that every learner will uphold the name of his school with pride. The reason for these rules is to ensure that a disciplined and purposeful school environment is maintained which is dedicated to the quality of the learning process.

School Rules

School Uniform

Learners are required to wear the official school uniform as stipulated by the Governing Body. The uniform should always be clean. Learners should take note of the following rules while in school uniform:

a) Do not walk around with your hands in your pockets.
b) No visible jewellery except if permission has been granted by the Headmaster.
c) Shoes must be polished.
d) Uniform to be presentable at all times eg. No missing buttons.
e) All items of clothing to be clearly marked.
f) Chewing gum is forbidden at all times on school premises, or at any time whilst the learner is in school uniform.
g) School uniform may not be worn together with casual clothes.

School Property

School property, including textbooks, musical instruments, computer equipment and library books or anything which is the property of anyone other than the learners in question, shall not be negligently or willfully damaged, defaced or soiled by a learner, nor may such property be borrowed or used without permission. Learners may not tamper with any other learner's suitcase, tog bag, etc.

Places out of bounds

Unless a learner is engaged in some school activity that requires his presence there, or unless he has the permission of the Headmaster or a teacher, the following places are out of bounds:
a) Lilacs building
b) Foundation Phase atrium
c) The school hall
d) Front entrance to the school
e) Swimming pool area
f) Bosch Centre
g) Staff room and kitchen
h) Cleaners' quarters
i) Classrooms, school corridors and library during breaks, before school or after school.
j) Administration block.
k) Computer room.

Absence

When a learner is absent from school, a letter must be brought to school on the day he returns to explain the absence. This letter must be signed by a parent or guardian of the learner.

Late Arrival at School

Learners, arriving late must report to the office and be accompanied by a parent/guardian or have a note written by a parent/guardian explaining the reason for the late arrival.

Extra - Mural Activities

When a learner has committed himself to an extra-mural activity he must fulfill all obligations and responsibilities in this regard to the satisfaction of the Headmaster or teacher-in-charge. Every learner is required to participate in the extra-mural programme offered at the school. Learners are to wear the correct attire to all sporting activities. Learners attending school functions must be in school uniform or school tracksuit.

Education Programmes

Learners shall participate in all education programmes and curricula as prescribed by the Western Cape Education Department, unless exemption has been granted by the Headmaster.

Use of School Facilities

A learner shall not, without the permission of the Headmaster, use any of the school's facilities or equipment including those for sport, except during such times as may be specified by the Headmaster.

Arrival and Departure Times

Learners are to arrive at school in the morning before the first bell and to line up as required. The first bell rings at 08:10, but 08:05 on Monday mornings. Learners may not leave the school before closing time without a written request by the parent and permission of the Headmaster. Learners may not leave school grounds during breaks.

Hair

A neatly shaped hairstyle, off the collar and ears is considered part of the uniform. The hair should be clean and never cut in a way that it will attract attention by being too long, too short, tinted or treated in any way. Please take note of the following points:
a) No gel.
b) No wax.
c) No unusual or elaborate styles (this includes but is not limited to dreadlocks, mohicans, braids and mullets).
d) Learners may not shave their hair completely.
e) Hair should be graded with no steps.

Click here to download A Nit’s Guide to Lice

Litter

a) No littering in the grounds, gardens, buildings, or around the lockers. Use the dustbins provided.
b) Any litter seen lying around is to be picked up and placed in the nearest bin.
c) Whether away or at school make sure that all litter has been cleared before leaving any function or sports event.

General Manners

a) Learners are expected to greet staff and all visitors to the school.
b) Learners must stand when staff or visitors enter the classroom, or meet/speak to them in the playground.
c) Learners may not talk before, during or after assemblies while in the hall.
d) Learners must always be courteous and friendly.
e) Learners must be helpful to visitors and everyone at the school.
f) Learners must be respectful to staff members at all times.
g) Learners must stand quietly at lines.

Serious Offences

The following offences will not be tolerated by any RBPS learner:
a) Theft
b) Vandalism
c) Bullying
d) Substance abuse
e) Possessing dangerous weapons at school
f) Cheating
g) Lying
h) Playing truant.

General

a) No bad language will be tolerated.
b) No skateboarding or rollerblading is permitted on school grounds, including at organised functions or activities held at the school.
c) Bicycles may not be ridden in the school grounds.
d) Learners may not run in the school buildings.
e) Learners should not bring items of value to school, except by arrangement.
f) Learners may not play in the areas designated for staff parking.
g) Learners are encouraged to be honest and act with integrity.

Respect

Learners are to respect other members of the school community, regardless of personal, religious or cultural differences.

Homework

RBPS homework books are compulsory and are to be with learners at all times during the academic day. Learners are to ensure that homework is done on a daily basis and that homework books are signed by the learner's parent or guardian every day.

Reply Slips

Learners are to ensure that reply slips to school circulars and other documents are returned by the due date.

Disciplinary Action

Possible courses of action, depending on the circumstances, will be followed in accordance with WCED protocols.

Closing Comments

The school looks forward to your support and co-operation at all times and reserves the right to act as it deems fit, in accordance with its disciplinary measures, should your son(s) not adhere to any of the school rules.

Code of Conduct

The Rondebosch Boys' Preparatory School community commits itself to the attainment of excellence, which lays the foundation for life long learning and leadership. This commitment is characterised by a set of rights for its members. By implication these rights impose responsibilities upon the members, which it is their duty to uphold. The members have the right:

To be respected by other members of the school community, regardless of personal, religious or cultural differences. And thus the responsibility: To be courteous and demonstrate mutual respect for our differences.
To privacy of property and personal space And thus the responsibility: To be honest and act with integrity and show respect for property and personal space of others.
To make use of available school facilities and property And thus the responsibility: To use these resources carefully and wisely.
To security of self and property And thus the responsibility: To adopt a practice which will help to secure a safe and healthy environment for all.
To educate or be educated in a harmonious, academic environment And thus the responsibility: To create the opportunity for others to work without interference and thus to create a harmonious environment.
To participate in a wide range of school activities and where possible to represent the school And thus the responsibility: To participate honestly and with personal integrity, allowing everyone to discover and develop their personal potential through enjoyment and in such a way uphold school spirit
To have a social life outside of school And thus the responsibility: To embrace a lifestyle which promotes good health and happiness and serves to bring credit to the school.
To be informed about decisions taken in the school And thus the responsibility: To respect the decisions made and to react to them in an appropriate manner.
To work in a clean environment And thus the responsibility: To assist in maintaining such an environment.
To ask for help and advice And thus the responsibility: To do so at a time and in a manner which is appropriate
To have school activities begin punctually And thus the responsibility: Be punctual in all aspects of school life
To be educated in a non- threatening environment which is both nurturing and supportive And thus the responsibility: To be supportive and encouraging of all other members of the school community
To appeal disciplinary action via the grade leader or the teacher in charge of discipline And thus the responsibility: To do so appropriately and for valid reasons
To make mistakes And thus the responsibility: To learn from these mistakes

NOTE: This code of conduct is underpinned by a set of school rules and a school dress code.

The focus of discipline at RBPS

The focus and tone of the discipline should be positive and encouraging. However, this needs to be balanced with the reality that children thrive in an environment where there is structure and routine. Clear boundaries need to be set. When these boundaries are crossed, there must be a disciplinary reaction. In this environment the child learns responsibility and a respect for authority.

The Role of the class teacher

THE NURTURER: The class teacher is responsible for the behaviour of her/his class. Their role is to nurture the child in his development towards adulthood. This process is very difficult and needs to be shared with the parents who are the primary educators.
The class teacher encourages her/his class by:

Identifying GOOD WORK and sending the child to the Headmaster for recognition
Issuing MERIT AWARDS
Recognising successes
Positive marking of class work
Making use of a REWARD SYSTEM
Giving the children special attention

THE DISCIPLINARIAN: When the pupil's action is contrary to expected behaviour, the role of the class teacher may need to change. The positive focus gives rise to a managed system of discipline, which may include firm disciplinary methods. This management process could include one or more of the following strategies.

Discussion with the child
Group discussions within the classroom situation
Individual counselling
Verbal warning
Awarding of demerits
Issuing of disciplinary stamps
Note of complaint to parents
Break time tasks
Interview with parents
Discussion with Support Team or Phase Head
Discussion with Senior Deputy Headmaster (Head of Discipline)

MANAGING WHOLE - SCHOOL DISCIPLINE
The discipline portfolio is managed by the Senior Deputy Headmaster (up to the level 1 stage). Our vision remains paramount. We want to maintain a culture of teaching and learning, which cannot happen in a climate of disorder.

In order to equip the Senior Deputy Headmaster and Staff with an instrument for effective behaviour management, the following Disciplinary Management programme is used.

The RBPS PROGRAMME has 4 tiers:

DETENTION (Criteria detailed in Detention guidelines)
DAILY REPORT
INTERNAL SUSPENSION (After 4 detentions or a serious offence)
DISCIPLINARY HEARING BY GOVERNING BODY

Which may lead to suspension as a correctional measure for a period not exceeding 5 (five)-school days
Which may lead to a recommendation for expulsion by the Governing Body to the Western Cape Education Department

These 4 tiers are not necessarily consecutive. The Senior Deputy Headmaster makes the decision to implement a particular disciplinary programme once he has heard from the role-players.

To reinforce the severity of this disciplinary process, the Senior Deputy Headmaster will, as a matter of procedure, hand over to the Headmaster when disciplinary interventions are anticipated.

Parent / Teacher Expectations

As a parent, you could expect the following from a teacher:

To educate your child according to the set academic syllabus with the freedom to deviate where necessary, in order to handle current issues.
To provide an all round education with equal emphasis on academic, cultural and sporting activities.
To make RBPS a happy school with self-discipline being the primary objective and ultimate goal. Your child will be guided in the development of self-discipline by acceptance of authority and discipline in school, at home and in the community.
To highlight potential problems so that you can assist the teacher in handling the situation.
To foster a positive self-image in your son through loving guidance. He will be led to display a positive attitude towards his school and work.
To develop the full intellectual potential of your son by developing his ability to think, assimilate knowledge and to encourage him to be creative.
To develop in his life spiritual and moral values, respect for other people, awareness of ethical values and principles and at the same time develop responsibility for the consequences of personal conduct.
To help your child stand on his own feet by becoming independent and responsible and to teach him to communicate easily.
To inculcate a caring attitude and concern for those less privileged, as well as fostering the right attitude towards others.

As teachers, we expect the following from parents:

To support the teacher and the school in the education of the child, thereby creating a parent/teacher alliance in the eyes of the child.
To communicate with the teacher any serious domestic occurrence that will affect your child's learning ability.
To maintain a vigilant control over the child's academic progress. The homework book must be checked and signed on a daily basis.
To build up and not break down the child so that his self-image is boosted.
To encourage the child to strive for obtainable, realistic goals.
To give praise where praise is due and support the teacher in his/her discipline.
To be loyal to our school

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