Code of Conduct

This summary is a reminder of the behavioural obligations agreed to upon admission to Maragon.

THE SCHOOL HAS ESTABLISHED A CODE OF CONDUCT TO:

promote a high standard of values and behaviour
develop positive characteristics
behave responsibly at all times
be considerate and respectful to others
ensure a consistently neat and tidy appearance
display good manners and always be courteous
show pupils exactly what is expected of them

ABSENTEEISM

Should a pupil be absent from school due to illness, parents are requested to notify the Administration office by telephone.
In all other instances, parents are asked to request permission from the headmaster in writing prior to the absenteeism.
Absentee notes must be brought for all absences from school. Absenteeism will be excused only on receipt of a letter from the parent/guardian or a doctor's certificate.
A doctor's note must be presented for more than 3 days absence from school.
No pupil may leave the school premises without official permission. The official permission slip should be obtained from the admin office and then signed by the grade tutor / the Phase Head. The slip must be handed to the guard at the gate
The school has scheduled mid-term breaks well in advance. Parents are therefore requested to make doctor's appointments and holiday plans that co-incide with the school holidays so that their children do not miss school unnecessarily.
A doctor's note MUST be presented when a test or exam is missed.

ATTITUDE

A Maragon pupil's attitude should always be positive and constructive.
Pupils are to stand when speaking to teachers or other adults and are to refrain from putting/placing their hands in their pockets.
Punctuality is essential. Habitual late arrivals cause disruption. No pupils arriving late will be permitted into class without a late slip. Stern action will be meted out to repeat offenders.
Homework must be done on a daily basis and neglect of schoolwork will be dealt with severely.
Pupils are required to greet all visitors and ask to be of assistance, if this is appropriate.
Talking in assembly or class, getting up and walking around in a classroom and forgetting books, files or notes all constitute a negative attitude and are deemed transgressions.

CELL PHONES

Cell phones may NOT be used during the academic school day. This includes the sending of sms messages, using the phone as a calculator or playing cell phone games.
Cell phones may only be used before and after school. The school accepts no liability if loss or damage is incurred.
Should a phone be confiscated, it will only be returned to the parents at the end of that specific school term.

BEHAVIOUR, DRESS MANNERS FOR SPORTS AND CULTURAL TEAMS REPRESENTING MARAGON

Pupils are to be aware at all times that they are representing the school and in that capacity, they are expected to display impeccable behaviour.
The correct attire is to be adhered to when representing the school. If pupils are in any doubt, they must consult the member of staff in charge. Any other type of attire will not be accepted.
It is expected of pupils to give of their best when on the sports field.
The person in control of the game, (i.e. umpires and referees) must always be treated with respect and, if any queries are to be made, they must be done in a courteous manner.
When being offered refreshments during or after the match, remember to thank the persons who were responsible for providing the refreshments. This must be done by the captain, but team members can also thank all those rendering the service.
Remember to remove your cap or any other headgear when addressing an umpire or when entering a building for refreshments. Check with your coach if in doubt as to the attire to be worn.
Any form of gamesmanship will not be tolerated. A pupil who resorts to gamesmanship will be asked to remove him/herself from the field of play immediately.
It is very important that each pupil is aware of the age group that he/ she falls under for each sport they play. If this is not adhered to, the pupil, and the school, will be considered to be dishonest and acquire a bad reputation. This must not occur.
Reliability and attendance are vital at all times particularly at practice sessions. Do not let your school or team mates down.
No-one is perfect, but you can strive to play your game as close to the code of conduct as possible. Have fun, but remember that the lessons learnt in playing games can be applied to all aspects of the game of life.

GENERAL RULES

Offensive language may never be used.
The chewing of gum is prohibited.
No pupil may wait for a parent at the front entrance unattended, or play in or near the car park.
No pupil may sell anything on the school premises without permission.
No eating or drinking in class is allowed.
Under no circumstances will undesirable literature be allowed on the school premises.
Personal relationships may not include physical intimate contact. This includes holding hands when in school uniform.
Pupils are encouraged to attend school functions, activities and sport events.
Littering of any nature will not be tolerated.
Racial, sexist comments, insults, harassment or victimisation are prohibited.
Noisy and disruptive behaviour (or disturbing the activities of others) will not be tolerated.

IRRESPONSIBLE AND DANGEROUS BEHAVIOUR

No dangerous weapons or toys are allowed at school.
Victimization, intimidation or bullying will not be tolerated.
Smoking, the taking of illegal substances and the drinking of alcohol are not permitted.
No pupil may ride a bicycle, scooter, heelies, skateboards or roller blade on the premises or in the passages.
Tampering with safety equipment (fire hoses) in any way is a criminal offence.

MANNERS

Always say "please" and "thank you" at the appropriate time.
Boys should not enter a public place, such as a school hall, with hats/ caps on their heads.
Boys should remove their hats/caps when speaking to a teacher or any other adult.
No boy should have his hands in his pockets while in school uniform.
Pupils should stand when talking to a teacher or adult at any place outside the classroom.
Pupils should stand when an adult enters the classroom.
Pupils should always greet visitors and offer help, should it be necessary.
A handshake should always be firm while looking the other person in the eye.
When entering a closed room, pupils should knock respectfully on the door and then enter the room.
When entering a classroom, girls should always lead in first. When leaving a classroom, girls should always lead out first.
When a pupil is late for class he/she must respectfully knock at the door, enter, approach the teacher and apologise for being late.
When there are insufficient desks in a classroom, boys should always offer their places to the girls until all the girls are seated.
Girls should be gracious about courtesies shown to them by boys.
Pupils should sit smartly in their desks at all times.
Pupils should always show respect, whether speaking to staff, adults or peers.
A pupil's attitude should always be positive and constructive.

RESPECT FOR PROPERTY

Vandalism will not be tolerated.
Unauthorised removal of the school or other people's property will not be tolerated.
No pupil is allowed to enter any of the following school facilities unless a staff member is present: hall, storerooms, classrooms,computer room, and staff room.
No pupil is allowed on the premises after hours unless:
- he / she is accompanied by a parent or staff member
- he / she attends an after school centre
- he / she is actively involved in an extra mural activity
No graffiti is allowed on school and/or personal property.
Pre-school facilities are for the use of pre-school pupils only. These facilities are out of bounds for the rest of the school.
Unhygienic personal habits and improper use of school facilities and ablutions are prohibited.

Pupils are encouraged to wear their school uniform with pride. The image of our school depends on the appearance and behaviour of pupils at all functions where the general public may judge the school by ONE pupil