School Rules

Every person is bound by laws and rules in order to live an orderly and productive life. Adherence to
rules builds character into something noble, commendable, and helps establish a morally strong
nation anchored in its faith in the Almighty.

School rules are not bound by space and time; therefore these rules also apply outside school when a
learner can be identified as a John Orr student.

1. CODE OF CONDUCT

Each learner, upon enrolment, is required to sign a copy of this code. The copy is placed on the
learner’s personal file, and he/she is bound to adhere to this code at all times.

2. ATTENDANCE AND ABSENTEEISM

2.1 School attendance and punctuality is very important as no teacher can teach learners in their absence.
2.2 Learners must attend school regularly, and truancy will be dealt with severely.
2.3 Should any learner have to be absent from school for any valid reason, the school must be notified
of the circumstances by telephone on the first day of absence.
2.4 Learners are not allowed to leave the school premises without permission during school hours.
That permission will be granted for formal appointments only when the learner is being collected
and accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parents must submit a letter in advance.
2.5 After three days or more of any absence related to sickness, a medical certificate is required in
explanation. A letter from parents is required to explain absences up to three days.
2.6 After a learner has accumulated a total of TEN days of absence he/she will have to provide a
doctor’s certificate for each single day of absence thereafter.
2.7 Once a learner has been absent for TEN days or longer WITHOUT having notified the school of
the reason he/she will be considered to have left the school.
2.8 Absence during examinations or tests must be accounted for. Learners absent without a medical
certificate or other acceptable supporting proof or reason will be marked NIL for all examinations
written during the absence. A doctor must indicate on the certificate that he was aware that the
learner had examinations/tests to do.
2.9 The Department of Education does not make provision for time off during exam periods. It is
therefore required that learners attend school as normal school curriculum will carry on. Parents
will be notified in writing of any changes to this arrangement.
2.10 The last day of a term is a normal school day, and requests to leave early cannot be considered.

3. CLOTHING

3.1 Learners must be correctly dressed in the prescribed uniform when attending any school session or function. A letter to the Headmaster is required for not adhering to the regulation school uniform.
3.2 Certain items of clothing are available in the school’s book and clothes store.
3.3 The following scale of clothing represents the uniform which learners are required to wear, for
normal class work and for appropriate occasions.
3.4 Items of clothing not conforming to the prescribed school uniform will be confiscated permanently!
3.5 Bottle green beanies and scarves are allowed during winter only (from 1 May to 31 Aug).
3.6 BOYS’ UNIFORM
1. No Drimacs allowed.
2. School blazer (green)
3. Grey school jersey. May not be tucked in and must be worn over the belt.
4. Grade 12 : special approved jersey / jacket.
5. White short-sleeved school shirt with the school emblem on the pocket, worn with school tie at all times.
6. Long grey school trousers. The trouser legs must not be less than 22 cm in diameter. Alterations are not allowed.
7. Prescribed grey school socks OR plain grey socks.
8. Black, polishable school shoes.
9. Grey OR black belt.
10. White long-sleeved school shirt, buttoned-up, with the school tie. A school jersey may be worn
with this shirt. Sleeves may not be rolled up.
11. School tie; green with red stripes. Grade 12: plain green school tie with the embroidered school emblem.
A tie to be worn at all times.

3.7 GIRL’S UNIFORM
1. No Drimacs allowed.
2. School blazer (green)
3. White short-sleeved school shirt with the school emblem on the pocket. To be worn with the school tie at all times.
4. Long-sleeved school shirt. This shirt must be worn with a blazer or jersey.
5. Short white socks rolled over once only.
6. Black polishable school shoes.
7. School ties; green with red stripes may not be shortened.
8. Grade 12: plain green school tie with embroidered school emblem.
9. Grey box-pleat skirt, KNEE-length; not shorter than 4 fingers from the ground when kneeling down.
May not be rolled at waist.
10. Grey school bobby socks; for winter only.
11. Long grey school pants.
12. Black school tights or stockings.
13. Atie to be worn at all times.
14. Grey sleeveless school pull over.
15. From 1 May - 31August numbers 6 - 9 or 12, are compulsory.

3.8 Protective clothing in technical centres. Overalls are compulsory but may not be worn outside workshop.

3.9 Hotel uniform:
GRADE 8
(std 6) GRADE 9
(std 7) GRADE 10
(std 8) GRADE 11
(std 9) GRADE 12
(std 10)
White chef's apron White chef's apron White chef's apron White chef's apron White chef's apron
White chef's hat White chef's hat White chef's hat White chef's hat White chef's hat
White chef's jacket White chef's jacket White chef's jacket White chef's jacket
White chef's scarf White chef's scarf White chef's scarf White chef's scarf
plus

GIRLS	BOYS
Black skirt (knee length) No trousers	Black trousers. No jeans
White blouse with collar	White shirt with collar
Black bow tie	Black bow tie
Black waistcoat	Black waistcoat
Black stockings	Black socks
Black court shoe	Black shoes

4. PROTECTIVE CLOTHING AND EQUIPMENT

4.1 During workshop periods it is compulsory for learners to wear the prescribed protective clothing.
4.2 Learners doing EGD MUST acquire the prescribed drawing set and have it at school during
drawing periods. NO borrowing will be allowed!
4.3 Learners must have their own calculators where it is required.

5. HAIR

5.1 BOYS
• Boys’ hair should be cut in short-back-and-sides style.
• No side-burns, moustaches and beards, S-curl allowed.
• No dreadlocks/beads or similar hairstyles allowed.
• No relaxer, dyeing and braiding.
5.2 GIRLS
• Girl’s hair must be controlled.
• As soon as it is collar length or can be combed into a ponytail, the hair must be tied.
• Similarly, no front fringe should hang below the eye-brows.
• Colouring is not allowed.
• Hair extensions are allowed, but it has to match the natural hair colour.
• Plain elastic bands, Alice bands and clips may be worn in the hair.(Decorations like flowers are not allowed.)
• Hair accessories must be either black or white, red or green. (Not a combination of.)
• Silver clips are also allowed.
5.3 GENERAL
• No colouring and/or perming gel is allowed and “punk” styles are not permitted.
• The school’s decision on acceptability will be final in cases of disputes.

6. JEWELLERY

• Girls may wear plain earrings or studs (no nose-rings, eyebrow rings, tongue studs). Only one in the middle of each ear lobe.
• No other jewellery (e.g. neck chains, bracelets, beads, rings, strings, etc) may be worn with school uniform, except watches - one per learner.
• Boys - no earrings allowed under any circumstances.

7. GENERAL APPEARANCE AND CONDUCT

It is expected of our learners to behave themselves as true and proud ambassadors of our school at all times. Therefore:

7.1 learners will be dressed in full uniform from the time of leaving home in the morning to arriving back at home.
7.2 no non-uniform accessories such as caps, earrings, studs, scarves, bomber jackets, etc. will be tolerated;
7.3 we expect that the conduct of our learners will be exemplary at all times on and off school grounds.
7.4 We expect our learners to show the necessary respect to our elders;
7.5 No chewing gum allowed at school.

8. HOMEWORK

8.1 Homework will be given daily, and parents must ensure that it is done. Drawing homework is
given once a week.
8.2 At least two hours study work per evening should be planned for, whether there is set homework
or not, and learners should ensure that they clearly understand their homework tasks.
8.3 Learners are required to have the school diary with them at all times. Instructions concerning
homework must be recorded in this diary.
8.4 Parents must provide a quiet study corner with good lighting if at all possible.

9. CLASSROOM AND WORKSHOP RULES

9.1 These rules will be posted up in each classroom and centre.
9.2 Learners are expected to abide by these rules.

10. SCHOOL CASES AND BAGS

10.1 The school will provide most of the textbooks that the learners may require.
10.2 It is therefore Compulsory that strong school bags, with strengthened sides and divisions that will protect our textbooks, must be used at all times. No tog bags, camping bags, haversacks, etc.
will be allowed!
10.3 Incorrect bags will be confiscated permanently, and textbooks will be taken back until the
prescribed school bag is acquired.

11. LATE ARRIVALS AT SCHOOL

11.1 Transport is the responsibility of the parent and can never be used as an excuse for late-coming.
11.2 If a learner arrives later than 07:40 without a valid letter from the parent explaining extraordinary circumstances, the learner will be fined.
11.3 Learners who wish to enter the school grounds with motor vehicles of any kind must produce a valid driver’s licence, plus a letter of consent from their parents/guardians before parking
permission will be granted. These must be signed by the Headmaster.
11.4 Bicycles, motorcycles and cars must be parked in the areas and spaces provided The maximum speed limit within the grounds of the school is 20 kmph.
11.5 No learner is allowed within 10 metres of any vehicle during school hours, including the owner.
11.6 Under no circumstances will hitch-hiking be tolerated.

12. NAILS AND MAKE-UP

12.1 Nails must not be longer than the fingertips.
12.2 Only natural nail polish may be worn with school uniform.
12.3 No make-up of any kind is appropriate with school uniform.
12.4 Boys’ nails must at all times be short and neat.
12.5 No lip gloss.

13. DAMAGE TO PROPERTY AND EQUIPMENT

13.1 A very serious view is taken of wilful damage to buildings, furniture or equipment, and learner responsible are charged for the costs of repair or replacement. In serious cases, expulsion.
13.2 No Tippex (correction pen), aerosol paints and Koki pens etc. are allowed at school.

14. PART-TIME WORK

14.1 Part-time work is not approved by the school, since it invariably has a detrimental effect upon
school progress.
14.2 Under no circumstances will learners be excused from school activities at any time - during or
after school hours - to engage in part-time work.

15. SCHOOL HOURS

15.1 The official school hours are: 07:40 – 14:10 each weekday. Learners are expected to be in the classrooms or at the assembly points by the start of school.
15.2 There is one mid-morning break from approximately 10:45 - 11:15 each day.
15.3 During break learners are not allowed in the quad, behind the workshops or the hotel, or in the school building unless accompanied by an educator.

16. SPORT

16.1 On Tuesdays and Thursdays the school has a compulsory activity period for sport and other
activities. The school makes provision for compulsory activity periods for sport and other activities.
16.2 Learners are required to be dressed in full sport uniform during these periods.
16.3 The school offers facilities for the following activities: Athletics, Soccer, Rugby, Tennis, Cricket,
Netball, Cross-country, Volleyball, Table Tennis, Shooting and Hockey, Chess, Eisteddfod, Public Speaking, Calligraphy, Art, Choir.
16.4 All learners must participate in at least one winter activity and one summer activity.
16.5 Learners with a medical reason for not participating must produce a medical certificate to that effect.
16.6 Clothing and sportswear are prescribed for sport, and must be purchased by parents for each learner.
16.7 Sport coaching and practices will be provided both during and outside official school hours.
Learners will have to remain after school for some of those sessions. All team matches are played after school hours.
16.8 Learners selected for sport events MUST attend and make their own arrangements for
transport. Official transport is provided between schools when an away match is scheduled.
16.9 Parents are required by the education department to complete an indemnity form at the
beginning of each year.
16.10 Parents must make their own arrangements as regards to insurance for accidents and injuries.

17. SPORT CLOTHING (boys and girls)

17.1 White sports shorts must be worn for all activities and Physical Education.
17.2 School T-shirt.
17.3 Athletics – School T-shirt.
17.4 Netball / Soccer: Prescribed kit

18. TELEPHONE CALLS

18.1 Calls to learners during school hours cannot be accepted and no messages will be taken unless very urgent.
18.2 Phone cards can be purchased at school.
18.3 No cell-phones, I-pods, Discman, MP-3 players will be allowed at school. Earphones will be confiscated.
18.4 No phone calls may be made during classes.

19. BOOK AND CLOTHES STORE

There is a book and clothes store at school. The following items can be purchased: exercise
books, pens, pencils, drawing equipment, some textbooks, windbreakers, ties, school sport
shirts, second-hand items of uniform. Hours: before and after school and during break.

20. DISCIPLINE / TRANSGRESSIONS / PUNISHMENT

20.1 The school requires each learner to adhere very strictly to all school rules, and to maintain strict
discipline in the classrooms. Each learner signs The Code of Conduct upon acceptance into the school.
20.2 Courtesy is regarded as fundamental, and every learner is required to treat all other learners, as well as visitors, educators and RCL members with the respect they deserve.
20.3 Littering and noisy, disruptive behaviour must be avoided.

20.4 The following activities are expressly forbidden: hitch-hiking, smoking, drinking,
substance abuse, possession of illegal substances, bunking, fighting, fire-crackers,
gambling, dangerous weapons or objects and vulgar language etc.

20.5 STEP 1: CLASS I MISDEMEANOUR
(Minor violations of general school discipline and transgressions of school rules)
• failing to attend classes on time
• incorrect school uniform and bags
• leaving class without permission
• minor plagiarism
• failing to complete assigned homework
• dishonesty with negligible consequences
• failing to comply with reasonable instructions of educators
• first minor offences or breaking of school rules
CONSEQUENCES
(to be carried out by class teacher)
• verbal warnings
• demerits / poor performance notice
• extra work, provided such is constructive
• small menial tasks
• detention
• contacting the parents/guardians
All misdemeanours will be noted on the record file!
20.6 STEP 2: CLASS II MISDEMEANOURS
(Minor violations of school rules)
• frequent repetition of class I misdemeanours, where disciplinary action by class teachers is deemed ineffective.
• continuous late coming
• truancy of several classes
• leaving school without permission
• using abusive or profane language
• engaging in excessive displays of mutual affection
• interruption of education in the classroom
• disrespect towards another person
• minor vandalism e.g. graffiti
• minor theft
• being in the company of or an accomplice of learners committing the above misdemeanours
• frequent repetition of class II misdemeanours, where disciplinary action by the school authority is deemed ineffective
• minor injury to another person
• school truancy / bunking
• defamation
• hitchhiking
• firecrackers
• gambling
• possession or use of tobacco
• limited arson
• theft
• being in the company of or an accomplice of learners committing the above misdemeanours
CONSEQUENCES
(To be carried out by deputy-principal, HOD, grade heads, designated persons)
• any disciplinary measures proposed for class I misdemeanours
• conferences with learners
• conferences with parents of learners
• written warnings
• behavioural contracts
• internal disciplinary hearing
• daily report
• detention
• duties that contribute to the improvement of the school environment (e.g. cleaning, gardening, administrative tasks)
• (To be carried out by school authority (principal); the learner may be referred to an outside agency for counselling)
• any disciplinary measures proposed for class II misdemeanours
• suspension from some school related activities e.g. sports, extramural activities
• written final warning that out-of-school suspension may be implemented
• referral to psychologist/ counsellors/ clinic/ community or social worker
• community service (pending agreement by department)
Learners are issued with notices to appear before disciplinary committee and personal interviews are arranged with parents of such learners.

20.7 STEP 3: FINAL WARNING - CLASS III MISDEMEANOUR
Learners will be charged to attend a disciplinary hearing of the Governing Body of the school.
• cheating during examinations
• forgery of documents and signatures with negligible consequences
• dishonesty with serious consequences
• possession (without use of) dangerous weapons
• possession or use of narcotic substances or being under the influence of such
• vandalism
• repetition of class II misdemeanours, where prior disciplinary action has been deemed ineffective.
• intentionally causing limited physical injury to another person
• limited sexual abuse e.g. grasping
• sexual conduct or sexual contact by mutual consent / sexual harassment
• extortion of another person’s property
• disruption of the entire school e.g. boycotting, or picketing without prior consent
• being in the company of or an accomplice of learners committing the above misdemeanours
• discriminatory behaviour, including racial intolerance and sexist comments
• possession and use of alcohol or being under the influence of alcohol
• severely disruptive behaviour, e.g. disruption of several classes
• possession of or distribution of pornographic material
• distribution of offensive material e.g. racist or sexist propaganda publications public indecency
• engages in fraud
• trades in / distributes any test or exam paper / any test / exam material
• attempts to or bribes any person
• hitch-hiking
CONSEQUENCES
(to be carried out by school authority, including Governing Body, in conjunction with the Department)
• any disciplinary action proposed for class III misdemeanours
• referral to relevant outside agencies
• application to the Department for LIMITED suspension from all school activities (subject to the South African Schools Act, 1996, section 9)

20.8 STEP 4: EXPULSION: CLASS IV MISDEMEANOUR
Learners will be charged to attend a disciplinary hearing of the Governing Body of the school.
• repetition of class III misdemeanours
• intentional causing major physical injury to another person (assault)
• intentionally using a dangerous weapon
• sexual harassment, sexual abuse, rape
• robbery / major theft
• breaking and entering a locked premise
• murder
• being in the company of or an accomplice of learners committing the above misdemeanours
• threatening another person with a dangerous weapon
• selling narcotic substances (first offence)
• forgery of documents and signatures with serious consequences
• holding a person hostage
CONSEQUENCES
(To be carried out by school authority, Governing Body and the Department)
• Application to the Department for expulsion or transfer of the learner from the school (subject to the South African Schools Act, 1996, section 9).
As these misdemeanours constitute common law or statutory crimes, civil or criminal
prosecutions may follow, pending claims brought against the accused by the victim(s).