The purpose of the code of conduct is to promote and enforce positive discipline.

The Code of Conduct is binding on every learner at the school as set out in Section 8(4) of the SA Schools Act. The governing body, management, staff, R.C.L, prefects and security of the school are empowered to maintain discipline in school or when the learners are away from school representing it or attending a school function. The governing body can, in the case of serious transgression, recommend that a learner be expelled.         The principal or an educator, upon reasonable suspicion has the legal authority to conduct a search of any learner or property in possession of the learner for a dangerous weapon, firearm, drugs, or harmful substance or stolen property. A search may be performed in terms of the following acts of general application: Control of Access to Public Premises and Vehicles Act, Act No. 53 of 1985, Drugs and Trafficking Act No. 140 of 1992, Arms and Ammunition Act, Act. No.75 of 1969.

The ultimate responsibility for the learners behavior rests with the parents or guardians.

       It is expected that parents will support the school by ensuring that the school’s code of conduct is strictly adhered to by:

1. Supporting the values, authority and discipline of the school as set out in this document and the schools disciplinary policy.
2. Taking a firm and active interest in their child’s academic performance.
3. Attending all school meetings.
4. Ensuring their child’s awareness and understanding of the general school rules and consequences.

       BOYS

       Uniform

1. School black long pants. No alterations to be done, especially narrowing/shortening of the school pants
2. White shirt with monogram on pocket
3. Black school shoes (no suede shoes, takkies, or fancy styles may be worn)
4. Black school socks
5. Black jersey
6. Black blazer with school tie
7. Plain Black anorak / raincoat on rainy days

       Hairstyles

1. Hair must be kept short, neat and well groomed at all times
2. No extremes of styles or lengths are allowed
3. Hair must be kept clear of the forehead, ears and collar
4. Sideburns may not extend below the middle of the ear and must be kept short
5. No braids/dreadlocks allowed
6. Hair must not be artificially bleached, dyed or coloured
7. Hair must not have any contemporary style e.g. gelled, spiked, stepped, mo-hawks etc.
8. No beards or moustaches
9. Learners must be clean shaven at all times

Sportswear

1. Black shorts
2. White T-shirt
3. Athletic shoes
4. School-Track suit
5. No jewellery
6. No hats, caps, sunglasses

       GIRLS

       Uniform

1. Black inverted pleated skirt worn at knee length or below. (No alterations allowed)
2. White shirt with Red/Black piping around collar and sleeve, with school monogram on pocket
3. Black jersey
4. Black blazer
5. Plain Black anorak / raincoat on rainy days
6. White school ankle socks
7. No jewellery. Learners may wear wrist watches and one pair stud earrings on lower lobe.
8. No make-up allowed

       Hair

1. Must be neat and well groomed. Short hair must be cut above the collar.
2. Hair must be fastened back or preferably plaited if it is shoulder length or longer.
3. Hair must not be artificially bleached, tinted, dyed, or coloured.
4. Only neat short braids allowed.

       Sportswear

1. Black shorts
2. White T-shirt
3. Athletic shoes
4. School tracksuit
5. No jewellery
6. No hats, caps, sunglasses

     GENERAL

1. School identification badge must be worn at all times while the learner is attired in school uniform.
2. Show pride in your school by ensuring that your uniform is always neat with shirts tucked in.
3. Full uniform must be worn at all times between school and home, at school functions and on excursions.
4. Full school uniform or school tracksuit must be worn after sports activities or games.
5. Medical identification may be worn at all times but no jewellery or lapel badges unrelated to school.
6. All items of clothing must be identified by being marked with the owners name.

1. Be punctual in attending school and all classes
2. The school day commences at 8:00 a.m., it is recommended that learners be present by 7.45.

 Punctuality is a very important life skill that every child must adopt. It has come to our attention that many learners are reporting to school after 08h00. This severely disrupts the culture of teaching and learning. Please note that the school will adopt the following :

• No valid reason – learner will be kept in the safe zone, SMS sent to Parent
• Late more than three times – Parent must report to school.
• Absent for twenty days with no valid reason – Learner will be removed from school as per Department Regulation.

1. Learners must remain in school for the full duration of the school day.
2. No learner may leave school at any time except with the permission of Management.
3. Female learners will not be allowed to leave school early unless a parent calls at school to pick up the learner.
4. A learner must attend school regularly. Learners that absent themselves must provide a letter providing sound reasons for his or her absence. The letter must be signed by the parent. A medical certificate will be required for absenteeism for 3 or more days. Absence for more than 10 days without any valid reason will result in exclusion.
5. A learner will be deregistered for failure to attend school regularly without reason as set out in the South African School’s Act.

1. Observe all regulations that specify areas that are out of bounds, or where access is restricted to certain times.
2. Toilets and the taps are out of bounds during the lesson times unless in an emergency.
3. Toilets must not be used as a venue for social gathering. No loitering in the toilets.
4. Walking on the lawn between blocks is prohibited.
5. Learners are to keep away from the school boundary fence.
6. Office corridors are out of bounds unless on official business.
7. Areas outside the staff room are to be kept clear at all times.
8. Car park and staircase on the side of car park is out of bounds to learners at all times.
9. All staircases, area near rooms 50 / 51 are out of bounds during the breaks.

Learners are expected to:

1. Report to class within three (3) minutes of the sound of the siren. It is advised that learners take the shortest route between classes.
2. Await entry to class by forming two (2) lines, one for boys and one for girls.
3. Respect the right of the educator to teach and others to learn.
4. Engage in working quietly and diligently or reading silently irrespective of whether the teacher is present or not.
5. Respond to instructions from the educator to leave when the siren is sounded and not to respond to the siren of their own accord.
6. To know the class rules of each educator and to respect them.
7. Take care of furniture and equipment. (cost will be incurred by parent if there is damage to furniture & equipment)

The following behavior will apply. A learner :

1. Must develop a positive attitude towards school, studies and involvement in activities.
2. Must develop self discipline and responsibility for their own academic progress by doing all tasks set in and out of school.
3. Will meet all deadlines and honor commitments.
4. Will not absent himself / herself from any lesson or activity without permission.
5. May not be present in a classroom/venue unless an educator/security/school leader/RCL is present.
6. Will be respectful to other learners and adults at all times, greet visitors and educators, be courteous and of assistance.
7. Will respect the views and cultures of other learners/educators in the school.
8. Will refrain from any racist comments.
9. Will comply with instructions given by school leaders and security.
10. Will refrain from raucous behavior, vulgarity, extortion, bullying, teasing, screaming and hysteria.
11. Will respect the property of all others.
12. Will refrain from inappropriate physical contact with fellow learners.
13. Will refrain from being in possession of, or bringing onto the school premises, weapons, alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, cigarette lighters, matches or any form of pornography.
14. Will refrain from carrying scissors, or any other such item such as dividers, compasses, etc. in their pockets. Such items must be kept in the school bag.
15. Will refrain from carrying large sums of money or valuables to school.
16. Is not allowed to carry Cell Phones to school.
17. Is not allowed to carry Electronic devices (except for calculators) to school
    
    

A learner :

1. Will use the correct staircase to get to and from class as indicated by markings and afford courtesy to all.
2. Learners must step aside for teachers and visitors.
3. Will keep the noise level down. There will be no boisterous behaviour, shouting, screaming or whistling.
4. Will walk in a single file and in an orderly manner(follow arrows)
5. Will not sit on the staircase as this can cause an obstruction.

       Specialist Rooms.

       A learner will :

1. Not tamper with any equipment, apparatus, or furniture.
2. Not engage in any activity unless supervised by an educator.
3. Enter and exit in an orderly manner.

A learner :

1. Will proceed immediately to the assembly area at the sound of the siren
2. Will silently take up a position in the class line
3. Is not permitted to talk
4. Will not sit on the stands or on the tarmac
5. Will be attentive to all announcements
6. Will treat guest speakers at the school with dignity and respect

     Learners are expected to :

1. Line up in an orderly fashion without pushing or jumping the queue.
2. Make their own purchases.
3. Treat the tuck-shop staff with respect.
4. Make purchases only during breaks.
5. Vacate the area immediately a purchase is made.

Please note that all textbooks on loan for the year must be returned to the school. Parents are responsible for the loss of books and are required to replace the book if lost. Should a book not be replaced, the total cost of the textbook will be added to the school fund account of that learner.

REPORTS WILL NOT BE ISSUED TO PARENTS IF ALL TEXTBOOKS ARE NOT RETURNED.

Level 1

• Home Work not done
• Eating /drinking in class
• Littering
• Noisy in Class
• Disrupting lessons
• Minor Uniform infringements
• Sleeping in class
• Not bringing stationery
• Failing to Respond to Instruction
• Use of inappropriate language
• Flouting school rules
• No absentee note

Level 2

• Repeated level 1 infringement
• Bullying
• Sexual Harassment
• Threats
• Arguing with member of staff
• Gambling
• Cass Assess not done
• Disrespectful in assembly
• Arrogant
• Late coming
• Areas out of bounds infringement
• Vulgarity

Level 3

• Repeated level 2 infringement
• Absconding / truancy
• Cheating
• Extortion
• Racism
• Possession /distribution of pornographic material
• Possession / use of cigarettes
• Sexual Intimacy
• Vandalism
• Forgery
• Use / possession of cell phone / electronic device

Level 4

• Repeated level 3 infringements
• Assault/ fights
• Possession / using dangerous weapons
• Possession / selling drugs
• Theft
• Serious damage to school property
• Sexual Assault

Since it is impossible to list every possible infringement, we at Burnwood Secondary school set

out broad principles of fair discipline. The Teachers, Principal and SGB, are entitled to apply action that they believe is appropriate in the circumstances as set out by the South African Schools Act.

1. Less Serious Infringements (level 1) will be entered into the RED BOOKS and the learner will be given a verbal warning by the teacher concerned.

2. Level 2 infringements, the form teacher will counsel the learner, the parent will be called to school to discuss their child’s behavior and to remedy it if this behavior persists. Written warning issued.

3. Level 3 infringements after counseling by relevant teachers, the parent will be called in and a date for a disciplinary hearing will be set.

4. With Serious Infringements (level 4), the police will be called in, the parent will be notified and a date for a disciplinary hearing will be set.

• Selling of Drugs – Police Case Opened, Immediate Application for Expulsion
• Participation and formation of Gangs – Application For Expulsion

5. Extremely serious infringements may result in the Governing Body and Principal recommending the learner for expulsion.

6. Cellphones and any other Electronic devices are not allowed at school. In the event of an emergency the child may lodge the cellphone in the office for safekeeping. When confiscated the following shall apply

• Device to be returned to the parent upon payment of a fine of R 500 ( Cellphone Policy ).