Disciplinary Matters

18/01/2011

DISCIPLINARY POLICY – A BROAD OUTLINE

St Benedict’s College is committed to providing a safe and orderly learning environment for all boys and staff. All boys are required to conduct themselves in an appropriate and acceptable manner at all times. Responsible and mature citizenship ensures a positive and productive campus environment.

St Benedict’s College and its management believe that it is important for boys to understand that they have a choice for their actions and that appropriate conduct benefits both them and others. St Benedict’s College envisages a discipline policy that reinforces the underlying belief that boys are responsible for their own behaviour. This Discipline Policy is linked to a Code of Conduct and a Demerit System. Staff, Year Heads and Senior Management deal with disciplinary matters on an immediate and continual basis and ensure that inappropriate and damaging behaviour is addressed. Consequently, boys learn that there are always consequence for their actions and they gradually develop into upright and morally sound citizens of the College and society.

The Discipline Policy is a paradigm for achieving appropriate, productive behaviour and ultimately increasing achievement. Boys will receive a “Notice of Disciplinary Action” each time they are assigned demerits as a consequence of their actions. This notice will state the number of demerits the boy received for that particular incident as well as the total number of demerits the boy has accumulated. Parents will be telephoned and asked to collect a copy of this notice from the front office to ensure that parents or guardians are aware of their son’s behavioural status. This Discipline Policy is effective for all boys because it reinforces the belief that boys can make appropriate decisions regarding their behaviour.

Each teacher has specific expectations regarding student behaviour in his/her classroom. The following rules, however, apply to every boy on campus:

1. Treat others with consideration, dignity and respect.
2. Respect the authority of ALL adults on campus.
3. Follow the directions of ALL staff members.
4. Respect the property of others.
5. Be punctual and prepared for class.
6. Contribute positively to the learning environment.
7. Abide by the College Dress Code.
8. Abide by all College rules and regulations

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS WILL INCLUDE, BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

1. Verbal reprimand from staff member
2. Interviews with and reprimands from Year Heads / Deputy Headmasters / Headmaster
3. Assignment of demerits
4. Parent/Guardian Interviews
5. Teacher-assigned detentions (Level 1)
6. Year Head/Deputy Headmaster/Headmaster’s Detentions (Level 2)
7. Community service
8. Manual Labour detentions
9. Suspension
10. Suspension pending Disciplinary Hearing
11. Expulsion

Extenuating circumstances may create unique situations for which the disciplinary action will be subject to the discretion of the Year Head/Deputy Headmaster/Headmaster.

BEHAVIOUR GUIDELINES

Every boy is entitled to a safe and orderly learning environment. The majority of boys have a positive attitude towards school and are conscientious about their academic and extracurricular performance. Unfortunately some boys experience difficulty in maintaining an appropriate and respectful attitude toward College rules.

Inappropriate behaviour creates problems for the boys themselves, as well as for peers, their parents/guardians, and College staff. When difficulties occur, disciplinary action must be taken in order to maintain a safe, orderly learning environment.

Boys will be asked to sign their acceptance of safe school and network-use responsibilities. Boys who display excessive absenteeism or behavioural problems are asked to sign behavioural agreements.

Refusal to sign acceptance of the Code of Conduct and Discipline Policy in no way indicates these rules are not binding. It should also be noted that all inappropriate behaviour taking place off campus in school uniform or to and from College or at College activities will be addressed under the Discipline Policy.

In addition to College discipline, boys may be cited for fighting, possession of controlled substances including tobacco, truancy, weapons, vandalism, and other unlawful behaviours. Driving and parking violations are also subject to disciplinary measures but the College reserves the right to refer such offences to the SAPS.  Consequences may vary according to the seriousness of the infraction per administrative discretion.

REWARDS AND SANCTIONS

Good work and effort – be it academic, sporting or cultural – is rewarded with public acknowledgement through the College’s Colours Policy. At the end of each cycle, the academic achievement of the Top 20 boys in each grade is publically acknowledged and rewarded. In addition, boys in Grade 12 are accorded certain privileges to acknowledge their growing maturity and the increasing responsibility that they accept within the College.

The College Code of Conduct and Demerit System provide a framework for an orderly environment within which boys must operate and the College has a series of sanctions which are imposed on those boys  found to be contravening College rules.

Minor offences are dealt with by rebuke and reprimands as well as Progress Chart Entries. A Friday afternoon detention is given for repeated occurrences of minor offences or more serious offences. College detention involves boys being kept in school on a Friday afternoon from 14:30 to 15:30. Boys are always given twenty-four hours notice of a detention so that they may make alternative arrangements for travelling home. Friday evening/Saturday or Sunday detentions consist of a minimum of two hours work in school and are supervised by a member of the Senior Management Team.

In the most extreme circumstances, the Headmaster may exclude or suspend a boy from the College. In some cases, a boy will be expelled following a Disciplinary Hearing. Although the boy’s best interests will be taken into consideration, the interests of the other boys and the College community will be of particular significance. Further details concerning removal and permanent exclusion of a pupil can be obtained in the College’s Disciplinary Code.

DRUGS POLICY

St Benedict’s College has a zero-tolerance policy towards the misuse of drugs and steroids and towards the illegal possession or storage of such substances on its premises. Boys are expelled for contravening this policy. This prohibition applies to all College activities and includes the use of steroids and other performance enhancing substances.

Random drug testing takes place on a regular basis and testing for the use of steroids occurs on reasonable grounds of suspicion.

As part of our responsibility for the welfare of our boys, the College believes it has a duty to educate and inform them of the consequences of drug use and the misuse thereof. This includes the dangers involved in the smoking and drinking.

STEROID TESTING POLICY

Reason for the policy

The desire to achieve a desirable body image, to succeed on the sports field, or play for the first or provincial team are strong motivators and influences.  These influences can cause boys to risk their long-term health by using performance-enhancing substances as a short cut to meeting their goals.  This is cheating and a violation of the honesty and integrity of fair participation.  St Benedict’s College is committed to act against this behaviour by introducing a steroid testing programme and to educate boys on the health dangers of taking anabolic steroids.  The Headmasters of the boys’ school have also agreed to work together in eradicating this behaviour by introducing testing in their schools.

Reasons for testing

• Using steroids without a prescription can cause serious, adverse health effects.
• Using steroids and other performance-enhancing drugs can give an unfair advantage over
• the competition, and is cheating.
• Testing for steroids can help deter their use among school pupils.
• Steroids are drugs that should only be used to treat medical conditions.  Possession, use or dealing of most steroids without a prescription is illegal.

St Benedict’s College recognizes that it will take a community-wide effort by parents, coaches, pupils, teachers and physicians to attack this growing challenge.  Steroid testing is one tool that can assist in discouraging pupils from taking steroids.

Definition of Steroids

Anabolic steroids, officially known as anabolic-androgen steroids (AAS) or colloquially simply as “steroids”, are drugs which mimic the effects of the male sex hormones testosterone and dihydrotestosterone.  They increase protein synthesis within cells, which results in the build-up of the cellular tissue (anabolism), especially in muscles.  Anabolic steroids also have androgenic and virilising properties, including the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics.  www.wada-ama.org.

The policy definition

It shall be considered a violation of the sportsmanship code of conduct for any student to possess, ingest or otherwise use any substance on the list of banned substances as indicated by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS), without written prescription by a fully-licensed physician as recognised by the South African Medical Association, to treat a medical condition.

In short, use of performance-enhancing drugs by pupils at St Benedict’s College is considered to be cheating and will be penalized.
The testing programme

• Testing can be conducted at any time of the year, pre-season, during a particular season or after.
• Testing will not be restricted to any one particular sport.
• The testing will be administered at the College through Drug Detection International
• The process is as follows:  
• Interview - Medical information i.e. current medication being used, including any and all drugs being  used, either  over the counter or prescription
• Collect urine sample    
• Complete Chain of Custody Form
• Seal and sign chain of custody procedure
• Send specimens to the laboratory
• Return of results to the College within a framework of complete confidentiality between the client, St Benedict’s College, and DDI.
• The substances tested for will include any substances that are banned by the South African Institute for Drug Free Sport (SAIDS) which falls under the banner of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).  Using any substance belonging to a banned class violates the rules of sportsmanship, can be detrimental to the pupil’s health and is considered cheating.
• Nutritional and dietary supplements are not on the banned substances list but all pupils must be aware that many supplements are not on the banned substances list due to the unregulated supplement industry.  Impure supplements may lead to positive test results because the purity and safety of nutritional dietary supplements cannot be guaranteed.  The use of supplements is at the student’s own risk.

Testing Sample

In the summer season, the sample tested will include, but may not be limited to, 20 boys. The breakdown of boys tested will be as follows; 7 rowers (4 x First VIII and 3 x U16’s), 3 waterpolo players (2 x first team and 1 x U16), 3 swimmers (2 x first team and 1 x U16), 3 athletes and 4 “gym squad”/recreational users. In the winter season, the sample tested will include, but may not be limited to, 20 boys. The breakdown of boys tested would be as follows; 12 rugby players (6 x first team, 3 other U18’s and 3 x U16’s), 4 hockey players (2 x first team and 2 x U16’s) and 4 “gym squad”/recreational users. St Benedict’s College reserves the right to conduct the appropriate medical tests if in the opinion of the relevant Headmaster, such tests are indicated as being necessary to confirm or disprove the use of steroids.

Recommended consequences for violating the steroid policy

Any person, who tests positive in a test, or any person who refuses to provide a testing sample will:

• Be informed, along with his parents, according to the same process as per the substance abuse policy, of the consequences in regards to the violation.
• Will be required to attend a Disciplinary Hearing
• If found guilty, will be obliged to leave St Benedict’s College immediately.

Any pupil who deals in steroids is in violation of the substance abuse policy and will be called before the Disciplinary Council with his parents.  The consequence of selling drugs at St Benedict’s College may lead to expulsion.

HIGH SCHOOL CODE OF CONDUCT

1. I have the right to be educated in an orderly and disciplined environment, and the responsibility to be co-operative, attentive and not disrupt lessons or distract others.
2. I have the right to voice my opinions in a polite and respectful manner, and the responsibility to listen to and consider the opinions of others.
3. I have the right to have my work marked and returned within a reasonable time, and the responsibility of ensuring that my homework and assignments are completed and handed in on time.
4. I have the right to be treated fairly, and the responsibility to uphold honest behaviour, refrain from cheating and from any form of aggressive or abusive behaviour towards others. Respect should be shown to all those who hold positions of authority, as well as those who do not.
5. It is my right that my property be safe and secure, and my responsibility to show respect for the property of others by not damaging, stealing or in any way interfering with property which is not my own.
6. It is my right to be treated with respect by other members of the school, regardless of personal, cultural, racial or religious differences, and my responsibility to display tolerance and consideration and refrain from ridiculing others.
7. I have the right to have all school activities and lessons commence punctually, and the responsibility to arrive at school and at lessons on time.
8. I have the right to benefit from the good reputation and facilities of the school, and the responsibility to respect and maintain these facilities, to uphold the name of the College, and to behave and dress in such a way that I bring no discredit to the College.
9. I have the right to the support of the College in sporting, cultural, academic and religious matters, and the responsibility to abide by the norms of good sportsmanship, good manners in my interaction with other schools or the general public, and to show loyalty and commitment toward my team.
10. I have the right to work in a healthy and litter free environment, and the responsibility to ensure that the school premises are kept clean and that no littering, graffiti or despoiling of any area occurs.
11. My parents have the right to be fully informed of my academic progress and behaviour at school, consequently it is my responsibility to ensure that information entrusted to my care, e.g. Progress Files, Term and Cycle Reports, Detentions slips, etc. are directly and speedily conveyed to my parents.

THE DEMERIT SYSTEM

PROCEDURE

Demerits have been allocated for conduct that contravenes the College’s Code of Conduct. The number of demerits will be determined by the severity of the incident and will progressively increase each time a boy is referred for the same violation of College rules. Demerits are allocated at the discretion of the Headmaster, a Deputy Headmaster (in collaboration with a Year Head) after the following procedure has taken place:

1. Year Heads and Deputy Headmasters follow-up on all referrals made by staff members as well as entries made by staff on a boy’s Progress Chart.
2. If, after the Year Head or Deputy Headmaster has dealt with these instances of misconduct, a boy persists with his unacceptable behaviour, the Deputy Headmaster may allocate demerits. The boy must be present when this is done. Demerits are recorded on the boy’s Code of Conduct card which will be kept in the boy's personal file (EdLab).
3. Boys will receive a “Notice of Disciplinary Action” each time they are assigned demerits as a consequence of their actions. This notice will state the number of demerits the boy received for that particular incident as well as the total number of demerits the boy has accumulated.
4. Once a boy has been issued demerits, parents will be telephoned and asked to collect a copy of this notice from the front office. This will ensure that parents are aware of their son’s behavioural status.
5. These procedures allow the Year Heads, Deputy Headmasters and Headmaster to deal with most of the everyday problems and only penalise a boy once he has clearly demonstrated that he is unresponsive to corrective measures and will not/cannot modify his behaviour.
6. A maximum of 50 demerits will be permitted for a boy who joins the College at the start of Grade 8. A sliding scale applies for boys enrolled at the College after the start of Grade 8.
   
   

   Grade	Maximum Demerits	Interview 1 Deputy Headmaster	Disciplinary Hearing
   8	50	25	40
   9	40	20	30
   10	30	15	20
   11	20	10	10
   12	10	5	5

7. When a boy accumulates 25 demerits he must be interviewed by a Deputy Headmaster. The boy’s parent/parents will be required to attend this interview.
8. A boy who has accumulated 40 demerits will appear before a disciplinary hearing convened by a Deputy Headmaster. The boy's parents will be required to attend this disciplinary hearing.
9. Following this disciplinary hearing, a Notice of Final Warning must be issued to the boy and his parents. A copy of this letter must be placed in the boy’s personal record file.
10. A copy of this letter must be tabled at the following Board Meeting. The Board, at their discretion, reserves the right to interview the parents and boy.
11. At the discretion of the Headmaster and Board of Governors, a boy who accumulates 50 demerits will be asked to leave the College.
12. Demerits are cumulative and are carried from one grade to the next. If a boy leaves the College and then returns, previous demerits will be re-instated.

SCHEDULE OF MISCONDUCT AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS AND SANCTIONS

POLICY ON BULLYING

With an enrolment of over 1400 boys, some incidents of bullying are unfortunately inevitable. However, bullying is an offence listed in our Code of Conduct that carries severe sanctions. Our Code of Conduct states that “Each person has the right to be treated fairly and the responsibility to refrain from any form of aggressive or abusive behaviour towards others.”
 
Depending on the severity a first offence carries a sanction of four hours detention, suspension, community service and/or expulsion. A second offence automatically leads to expulsion. Throughout the history of St Benedict’s, boys who have been found guilty of bullying have been disciplined and expelled in accordance with this Code of Conduct.

We believe that we have appropriate structures in place to raise awareness amongst our boys and to educate them with regards to bullying. We believe, too, that we have appropriate policies and procedures in place for boys and parents to bring incidents of bullying to our attention so that action can be taken against the perpetrators.

For the first six weeks of their Grade 8 year, instead of writing Cycle Tests, our boys complete a Bullying Programme. During the course of their orientation at the College, our Grade 8’s and their parents are also introduced to the College’s Pastoral Care structures.

St Benedict’s is a school that prides itself on its strong academic tradition and achievements. We treasure a safe and supportive environment in which all boys can maximise their learning. The College’s academic achievements are not up for discussion here, but they certainly reveal that we are successful in establishing that environment. Our academic success over the years has always been built on:

• the close interest staff take in the progress of each boy;
• the good relationships between staff and boys;
• and good communication with parents.

Boys and parents are also regularly encouraged to use the Pastoral Care structures that are in place to draw attention to problems they may be experiencing. This structure is used effectively by boys and parents to draw attention to a wide range of concerns, problems and conflict; to address concerns regarding unfairness (especially with regard to academic assessment) and to appeal decisions and actions of staff members that may have a negative impact on boys.

When an incident is reported to the Year Heads, Deputy Headmaster or Headmaster (or any other person in authority), a thorough investigation is done. When necessary, the investigative and disciplinary process conducted by the staff is informed and guided not only by the College’s Code of Conduct, but also ISASA’s Employment Relations Manual (which includes comprehensive guidelines for learner discipline) and input from legal representatives on the College’s Board of Governors.

Disciplinary Hearings, when convened, are governed by the guidelines laid down by law, including procedural and substantive fairness. From a substantive fairness perspective, acceptable universal norms must apply and these include (a) a presumption of innocence until the contrary is proven by the accuser; (b) action taken should primarily have a corrective intention and be focused on preventing a re-occurrence and (c) the penalty, or “punishment” must be appropriate to the seriousness of the transgression.

From July 2009 boys and parents who are uncomfortable using the extensive structures that are already in place will be able to phone a Bullying Helpline (0721647806) to draw a designated staff member’s (Mr Gill) attention to any incidents that they may be experiencing. (A separate line is available for Elementary and Preparatory boys.)

The College also runs a “Family Wellness Programme” that address a number of issues which we believe are prevalent for today’s youth and parents.