Code of Conduct

The objective of formulating the Code of Conduct is to clarify and formalise the conduct rules and regulations that pertain to teachers, parents and students.

  1. Purpose
    1. The purpose of the Code of Conduct is to create an environment in the Centre in which the rights of teachers, students, staff and parents are respected so that effective teaching and learning can take place at all levels.
    2. The Code of Conduct aims to also assist with the maintenance of good conduct and discipline at the Collective Genius Centre to create a culture of mutual respect, tolerance and excellence in education for each individual.
    3. In addition, if all parties adhere, this Code of Conduct will help to create healthy working relationships between the parents, teachers and students; these relationships being the essential foundation for the creation of a healthy learning environment.
    4. Students who contravene the Code of Conduct or any rules laid down from time to time by either the Principal or teachers will be disciplined accordingly, and may be issued with a written warning for failure to abide by rules and regulations set about herein:
    5. First written warnings must be signed by a parent before the student will be allowed to re-enter the premises
    6. Second written warnings will warrant a parent/tutor meeting which must take place before the student will be allowed to re-enter the premises.
    7. Should two written warnings be issued, the following offence will warrant a suspension from the Centre for the period of 1 week.
    8. If, after suspension, any further disciplinary violations occur as set about herein or in the Code of Conduct, The Centre will reserve the right to ask the student to leave the Centre.
    9. Signed acceptance of the Code of Conduct by parents/guardians and students is a prerequisite for admission to the Collective Genius Centre.
    10. The Collective Genius Centre reserves the right to revise the Code of Conduct from time to time. Signatories will be advised of any such changes which will come into effect three weeks after notification. Copies of the revised Code of Conduct will be available on request from the Centre.
  2. Application of the Code of Conduct
    1. This Code of Conduct shall apply when a student is:
      1. On the Collective Genius Centre property
      2. Representing the Centre
      3. Identified with the Collective Genius Centre
  3. Student Responsibilities
    1. While it is a student's right to receive education and while the Centre will strive to provide the educational opportunities, it is important that students acknowledge their responsibilities to themselves, their peers and teachers. Students therefore commit themselves to:
    2. Be punctual at all times.
    3. Establish realistic, clear and meaningful academic goals for each year's study programme.
    4. Establish a sound work ethic to ensure sustained academic progress.
    5. Assist in keeping the buildings and grounds neat and clean by not littering.
    6. Conduct themselves, while on or off the Centre premises, in a manner that will not bring the image or ethos of the Collective Genius Centre into disrepute.
    7. Be courteous and respectful in their conduct towards all staff, fellow peers and visitors to the Centre.
    8. At all times adhere to the Code of Conduct as set out in this document. The Students must also adhere to any rules as laid down by the Principal and/or teachers from time to time.
    9. Ensure that all equipment provided by the Centre, is used with care.
  4. Victimisation
    1. Victimisation, including but not limited to, bullying, fighting, intimidation and any display of racial, religious and sexual orientation intolerance will not be tolerated.
    2. Sexual harassment is unacceptable.
    3. Weapons For the safety of all at the Collective Genius Centre, weapons of any kind may not be brought into the Centre. Weapons are defined as, but not limited to, knives of any sort, firearms and any facsimiles thereof, and any form of martial arts weaponry.
  5. Vandalism
    1. Graffiti Making any signs on tables, chairs, walls or boards anywhere in the Centre is strictly forbidden and offences will be treated as very serious.
    2. Damage to Property belonging to the Collective Genius Centre and/or any other person associated with the Centre is strictly forbidden. The Centre reserves the right to lay claim to compensation due to loss or damage to property on behalf of the Collective Genius Centre or any third party associated with the Collective Genius Centre.
  6. Theft
    1. Theft is a criminal offence. Any student found stealing may be required to leave the Collective Genius Centre with immediate effect. This will be subject to disciplinary action.
    2. The Collective Genius Centre reserves the right, where an incident of theft is suspected, to open and inspect suitcases and bags. Criminal charges may be laid.
    3. Removal of any software or hardware from Collective Genius Centre computers will be treated as theft.
    4. Removal of any material from the Centre without official authorisation, is regarded as theft.
    5. Unauthorised use, misuse or removal of any equipment from the Collective Genius Centre, will be treated as theft.
  7. Substance Abuse
    1. Drugs and Alcohol:
      1. The sale of drugs, alcohol and tobacco products is a criminal offence and is strictly forbidden. Any student found to be in possession or under the influence of, or selling drugs, tobacco products or alcohol, will be subject to disciplinary action. A student in the company of others involved in such activities will be held accountable.
      2. If there is a reasonable suspicion that a student is under the influence of illegal substance or alcohol, the student may be sent for testing, at the parents'/guardians' expense.
      3. Any student who tests positive for drug or any other illegal substance use in a test carried out by the Collective Genius Centre will be required to undergo a process of formal intervention in consultation with the Collective Genius Centre at the parents/guardians' expense. The following procedure must be adhered to:
        1. School Management or any person appointed by the Principal will decide whether a drug test is necessary.
        2. Formal disciplinary hearing procedures need to be followed on any default on a contract by the student.
  8. Centre Attendance Policy
    1. Enrolment of students and their regular and punctual centre attendance are prerequisites for a solid education:
      1. Enrolment at the Collective Genius Centre places a student under an obligation to attend the Centre punctually and regularly, unless there is a valid reason for absence.
      2. Enrolment of a student at the Collective Genius Centre places the parent/guardian under an obligation to ensure that the student under his/her care regularly and punctually attends the Centre and that he/she supports the Centre in its efforts to promote Centre attendance.
    2. Valid Absenteeism While punctual and regular attendance is necessary, from time to time, it may not be possible or desirable for a student to attend. Any of the following is a valid reason for the absence of a student from the Centre:
      1. Physical or psychological illness, for which a Principal may require communication from the parent(s)/guardian(s) that the student is unable to attend and/or written confirmation by a registered medical practitioner if the illness lasts longer than two days.
      2. Religious or cultural observances as disclosed to in advance and supported by the Principal.
      3. Death of a family member.
      4. Appointment at court, social services or another official agency, for which a Principal may require documentary proof.
      5. Acts of nature (that is, events that are beyond human control).
      6. Exceptional circumstances for which, in the view of the Principal, a temporary absence from the Centre is in the best interest of the student or was unavoidable.
    3. Roles and Responsibilities of the Principal:
      1. The Principal is responsible for developing a culture of punctual and regular attendance at the Centre.
      2. The Principal is responsible for fostering a caring centre environment in which the teachers take an interest in each student's well-being and are alert to problems that might affect a student's attendance.
      3. The Principal or the person appointed by the Principal must follow up student absence by confirming the validity of the absenteeism and the related documentation.
    4. If the learner is absent without valid reason for two consecutive centre days, the Principal must:
      1. Inform parents of the importance of regular centre attendance.
      2. Emphasise the student's duty to attend punctually and regularly in terms of the Centre's Code of Conduct.
      3. Request the student's return to the Centre.
      4. Where necessary, elicit the support of Senior Management.
    5. Roles and Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians
      1. Parents/Guardians must ensure that the student attends the Centre daily, on time and for the whole school day, unless there is a valid reason for absence.
      2. Parents/Guardians must ensure that the student is not taken out of the Centre without valid reason.
      3. The Centre must be informed if the student is absent or expected to be absent or expected to be late, providing a valid reason for the absenteeism.
      4. Parents are expected to co-operate with the Centre in resolving the problem if the student is absent from the Centre without valid reason.
      5. Parents/Guardians are encouraged to assist the student to make up for time lost due to valid absence from the Centre.
    6. It remains the parent's responsibility to ensure that school fees are paid up to date and that the student therefore has permission to attend school.
  9. Late Coming
    1. Late coming is not only disruptive but students will miss valuable class time. Disciplinary action may follow in cases where, after consultation with parents/guardians, late-coming is on-going. Continuous late coming will negatively impact on the student's Effort Rating.
    2. Leaving Early If a student needs to leave school early, please contact the school or send a letter with the student explaining the reason. A final decision will be made by the Principal or senior management.
  10. Technology Policy
    1. Electronic Media Policy This policy refers to any electronic data storage, receiver, transmitter or similar device, including but not limited to cell phones, PDA's, laptop computers, iPods, MP3 and any similar device (“electronic devices”). The Collective Genius Centre recognizes that electronic devices are an integral part of social and educational technology, and that cell phones are also a means of security for many children, hence the Collective Genius Centre will allow students to be in possession of electronic devices during school hours, or at school related functions, subject to the provisions below:
    2. It is the student's responsibility to ensure that his/her electronic device is secure at all times.
    3. Students will not be allowed to be in possession of any electronic device during assessments, or examinations, unless expressly authorised. While the school may attempt to safeguard property during such times, the Collective Genius will not be held responsible for loss or damage to same.
      4. Usage:
    4. Students may not respond to calls, texts or communication of any kind during teaching and/or organized activities. Transgression of any of these rules may result in the electronic device being confiscated by the Principal, or his or her nominated representative. It is in the student’s own interest not to jeopardize his/her privilege to bring a cell phone to school.
      5. Content:
    5. Taking photographs, recordings or videos of an unseemly nature is prohibited. “Unacceptable” or “unseemly” content will include any pornographic, erotic, bad language, sexually explicit drawings or cartoons, inflammatory, racist or sexist related content and any other content considered socially unacceptable. A student suspected of using an electronic device contrary to these conditions, will be subject to disciplinary procedures for misconduct, under the Code of Conduct. In the case of a guilty verdict, the student will lose the right to carry an Electronic Device to school in addition to any other sanction.
    6. A student in possession of an electronic device belonging to another person, without that student's or other person's express permission, will be deemed to be in possession of stolen equipment. By allowing students the right to be in possession of electronic devices, the Collective Genius Centre makes no judgement on, and accepts no responsibility for any health-related matters that are possibly associated with electronic devices. The Collective Genius Centre accordingly encourages parents to ensure that all electronic devices are used in a responsible and appropriate manner.
  11. General
    1. Good behaviour is a basic criterion for the attendance of all functions, activities and excursions. Student privileges may be revoked due to poor conduct. The learner will be informed by the Principal in writing, of the denial or loss of privileges/reinstatement of such privileges.
    2. Students are encouraged to take pride in their Centre. Littering is unacceptable, and bathrooms are to be kept clean at all times.
    3. Cheating in tests and examinations will be regarded as a serious offence. Plagiarism, whether from the Internet or from a printed source, is a form of cheating and will be dealt with appropriately.
    4. Swearing and other offensive language is not acceptable. This includes sexually, ethically, racially, culturally or socially insulting others.
    5. Teachers and visitors to the Centre must be treated with courtesy and respect.
    6. All students participating in tours and outings are ambassadors of the Collective Genius Centre and are bound by the provisions of the Code of Conduct.
    7. Students are responsible for their personal belongings and valuables.
    8. Students may not involve themselves in socially unacceptable conduct.
    9. Homework and Late Homework Supervised Homework Sessions are a normal part of the Centre’s school day.
  12. Parents shall strive to:
    1. Support educators in their efforts to teach their children i.e. monitor homework, mark reading results and help set goals.
    2. Communicate with Subject Teachers, Mentors or the Principal timeously regarding areas of concern before they become major issues.
    3. Familiarise themselves with the Collective Genius’ admission documents and the Code of Conduct.
    4. Nurture students learning through guidance, questioning, assisting and showing interest in their child's academic progress.
    5. Provide the support and structure needed by their child to complete set scholastic work at home.
    6. Ensure that their child arrives punctually for all Collective Genius Centre activities.
    7. Support the Centre in the implementation and administration of the Code of Conduct.
    8. Fulfil their financial obligation to the Collective Genius Centre by paying the fees as agreed upon in the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment.
    9. Instil sound values and norms in their child to ensure that every child at the Collective Genius Centre contributes to the establishment and maintenance of a stable learning environment.