Code of Conduct

The following are guidelines for pupils and parents, detailing what is required of the students at Raphael Independent School in terms of rules to be observed and behaviour that is acceptable.  This code of conduct is based upon self-discipline, good behaviour both in and out of class, smart appearance, punctuality, respect and consideration for others and their property, politeness and good manners, honesty and tolerance.   These values apply equally on all school occasions, whether inside or outside the school premises.

Certain guidelines are given in greater detail in the Agreement that is signed between parents and Raphael Independent School.

Attendance & Punctuality
Regular and punctual attendance at school is required, and the co-operation of parents is expected to see that this is achieved.  Whilst occasional, isolated lateness may be unavoidable, pupils cannot be persistently late in arriving for school (or for classes).

School  Times
Normal school times are:    
Seniors    8.40am - 3.55pm
Juniors    8.40am - 3.25pm
Infants    8.40am - 3.25pm                
Registration is at 8.40am and pupils arriving after this time will be marked late.

School Uniform & Personal Appearance
The official school uniform is to be worn to and from school and through the school day, including during outings or visits and at other school occasions.  

The guidelines concerning jewellery and make-up are in the Agreement.

People are judged by the smartness of their uniform - and so is the organisation to which they belong.  Raphael wants to be proud of its pupils, and hopes that they will be proud of their school.

Discipline

1. Raphael Independent School expects certain standards from it pupils and good discipline in all areas of school life.  It is not the intention to use frequent punishment or to emphasise a heavy-handed discipline; but - as in other parts of our lives - we must expect that ill-disciplined actions on our part will have consequences that we may not like, as will our failure to do certain things that are expected of us.  In other words, we have to take responsibility for our actions.
2. Without giving an exhaustive list, behaviour which is unacceptable basically comprises all forms of anti-social behaviour, be it contrary to what is expected in school or in society at large.  
3. There is to be no buying, selling or trading amongst pupils whilst at school.
4. The following disciplinary sanctions may be used at Raphael Independent School:
   • Various minor internal sanctions (“demerits”, essays etc)
   • A detention in free time (break, lunchtime or after school); generally this would involve the setting of extra work to do in this time, and would be notified to parents by the relevant member of staff.
   • Exclusion from class or other function; this would be accompanied by reference to the relevant Assistant Head.
   • Use of a report card for a fixed period
   • Reference to the Head
   • Formal notification to parents
   • Suspension of the pupil from school
   • Expulsion of the pupil
   • Obviously the more severe sanctions would only be used as a last resort and parents would be made aware of problems long before such a stage were reached.
5. All Staff are involved in the maintenance of good discipline around the school, and have the full authority of the Head to deal as they see fit with all but major offences.
6. Please note that the journeys to and from school are occasions when the school uniform is being worn, and that therefore we expect pupils to conduct themselves accordingly and maintain the good name of the school.  This includes the wearing of uniform.
7. It is worth mentioning that punishments are designed for pupils whose behaviour or appearance is not acceptable, or who have failed to put in the necessary time or effort to achieve their best results.  They are not intended for the punishment of pupils who have genuinely tried their best and have not succeeded.

Encouragement

1. Clearly, good performances should be recognised.  A pupil’s achievements are often  rewarded verbally, “merits” can be gained, which benefit House points; congratulations may be made public in Assembly when weekly Letters of Praise are awarded by the Headmaster.
2. When it is felt that they are ready for it, pupils are encouraged to take on responsibility appropriate to their position.  This might be as a Monitor, a House or Form Captain, a Librarian, a Prefect, Head Boy or Girl, or their Deputies.

Homework
Regular homework is considered to be a necessary and useful part of school life and is expected to be done in appropriate amounts throughout the school.  Parents are asked to ensure that their children have adequate facilities for completing their homework and to ensure that it is completed.  Failure to do homework is unacceptable and will lead to the work being completed in the pupil’s own time.

Physical Education
Regular physical education is important for all pupils.  All pupils are required to take part in PE and games sessions, organised according to their age.  Swimming lessons form a compulsory part of these activities for Junior pupils.
The correct school sports kit is to be worn for all sports and games, on and off school premises.

Health
Your attention is drawn to the Agreement, paragraph 6.  In particular, please note that pupils are not to bring to school any form of pills or medicine unless the specific agreement of the Head has been obtained.

Personal Property
Pupils are expected to look after their own personal property, including clothing (which must be labelled).  Since the school cannot accept responsibility for loss of, or damage to, pupils’ personal possessions, it follows that valuable articles, or large sums of money should not be brought into school.  Pupils may bring mobile telephones to school for reasons of personal safety, but these must be handed into and collected from the Office at the beginning and end of the school day.

The House System
Each pupil is allocated upon arrival to one of two Houses, named Mauney and Wykeham.  Houses compete against one another in sporting competitions; they also gain points for “merits” awarded to their members and lose points for “demerits”.

Amendments
This Code of Conduct may be revised from time to time as deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors; parents will be advised of any such alterations or additions.

[ Discuss ]