SCHOOL POLICY

EXAMINATIONS

The School conducts regular tests during the term. These tests are conducted with the view to making sure that the students are ready for their Public Examinations. Report Cards are given out after the tests. The marks obtained in these tests are taken into consideration at the time of Selection for the Public Examination.

ATTENDANCE

  • A minimum of 75% attendance is required if a student is to be sent up for the Public Examination. A student having less than the required percentage of attendance is liable to be debarred from these Examinations. Parents are earnestly requested to help us by checking with the School Office from time to time regarding the attendance of the Student.
  • Any student who is absent for Two Weeks without prior permission will have his/ her name removed from the register.

GENERAL NORM

  1. Dress and general appearance of the students must be in good taste
  2. Smoking, drinking, eating / consuming tobacco, talab, khaini- kwai; using of mobile phones or eve-teasing in any form is strictly prohibited in the School and any student indulging in any such activity will be suitably punished. Possession of marker pens/indelible ink is prohibited.
  3. Communal harmony is to be preserved and fostered by word and deed.
  4. Change of subjects will not be allowed once ONE MONTH OF CLASS has been completed.
  5. Students wishing to take a transfer certificate during the year have to clear all School dues up to the end of the Academic Year.
  6. Fees once paid will not be refunded.
  7. Each student must have School Identity Card which may be purchased from the School Office for Rs.100/-. The Identity Card is to be brought to the School every day. ONLY ONE DUPLICATE Identity Card may be applied for during the course (two years). This will only be issued after the student satisfies the School authorities that the original has been lost. The cost of a duplicate Identity Card will be Rs. 100/-.
  8. Students must read the Notice Board every day. Ignorance of any notification, such as tests, examinations, special classes etc., will not be accepted as an excuse for not performing a required activity.
  9. Students shall maintain perfect silence in class rooms and should not loiter in the corridors or speak loudly near other class rooms, library and office premises.
  10. Disciplinary action will be taken against any student who causes damage to School property or defaces the walls, classrooms and toilets. Desks and benches must not be taken outside the class rooms. Intentional damages will have to be paid in full with a fine.
  11. Students should abide by the rules, conduct and discipline inside the School. “Ragging” is strictly prohibited. Infractions of good conduct and behavior will lead to suspension/ expulsion of the student from the School.
  12. No Society or Association can be formed by students in the School without the permission of the Principal nor shall any person be invited to address a meeting in the School premises without the prior permission of the Principal.

SCHOOL FEES

  • Details of fees are set out on a separate sheet. Boarding fees are payable on or before the first day of the term for which they are due. The Principal reserves the right to increase the fees without notice, though every effort is made to give a term’s notice of such intended increases.
  • No fee reductions are made for periods of broken attendance or late arrivals and no refund of fees is permitted in the event of a child leaving mid-term or without permission.
  • Boarders must submit a Term’s notice in writing prior to a pupil’s withdrawal. In lieu of notice a Term’s fee will be charged.
  • Amounts paid at the time of admission are not refundable whether a child subsequently joins school or not.

TRANSFER CERTIFICATE

A Transfer Certificate from the school last attended, duly signed by the District Inspector of Schools must be submitted at the time of admission. A written application must be submitted for issue of a Transfer Certificate for day scholars which will be issued only after all dues are cleared. Such application must be submitted on or before 31st December of the year or a Term’s fees will be charged.

DISCIPLINE

  1. The placing of a child in St. John’s School Whitehall implies a full acceptance of all the school rules and regulations.
  2. The school will not be responsible in the event of a child leaving the school premises without the Principal’s permission. In such a case, the child is automatically expelled.
  3. Smoking, chewing pan/khaini, consumption of alcohol, rowdy and disorderly conduct or major breaches of discipline may results in suspension for periods of one week or more and or expulsion depending on the severity of the offence.
  4. The Principal reserves the right to insist on the withdrawal of a child who is considered a bad influence or for major breaches of discipline, or who, in spite of the best efforts of the school, does not appear to have derived any benefit from his/her stay in the school.

STUDENTS’ CODE OF CONDUCT

  1. St. John’s Whitehall is proud of all students and recognizes that continued cooperation of parents and school authorities is essential to our educational mission and to provide our students a safe, supportive and positive learning environment.
  2. The Student Code of Conduct provides information to parents, teachers and students regarding standards of conduct and consequences of misconduct. It will provide guidance to both the school authorities and students in their joint endeavour to achieve a meaningful and successful educational experience.
  3. All students enrolled in St. John’s regardless of age or grade level, shall abide by this Student Code of Conduct.
  4. Conduct Before and After School: Teachers and Administrators have full authority over student conduct during, before school or after school activities on school premises and at school sponsored events of school premises, such as play rehearsal, athletic practice and special study groups or tutorials. Students are subject to the same rules of conduct that apply during the instructional day and will be subject to consequences established by the Student Code of Conduct.
  5. Between Classes: Loitering or standing in the corridors/hall between classes is not permitted

SCHOOL’S AUTHORITY AND JURISDICTION

School rules and authority to administer discipline apply whenever the interest of school and its student is involved, on or off school grounds, in conjunction with or independent of classes and school sponsored activity. The school has disciplinary authority over a student:

  1. During the school day and while the student is going to and from school.
  2. While the student is in attendance at any school related activity, regardless of time or location.
  3. During lunch.
  4. For any school related misconduct, regardless of time or location.
  5. When criminal mischief is committed on or off school properties or at a school related event.
  6. For certain offences committed while on school property or while attending a school sponsored or school related activity of another school.

The school has the right to search students’ bags in school whenever there is a reasonable cause to believe it contains articles or materials prohibited by the school

STANDARDS FOR STUDENT CONDUCT

In order for students to take advantage of available learning opportunities and to be productive members of our school community each student is expected to:

  1. Demonstrate Courtesy, even when others do not.
  2. Behave in a responsible manner, always exercising self-discipline.
  3. Attend all classes, regularly and on time.
  4. Prepare for each class; take appropriate materials and assignments to class.
  5. Meet school standards of grooming and dress.
  6. Obey all school and classroom rules.
  7. Respect the rights and privileges of students; teachers; and other staff and volunteers.
  8. Respect the property of others, including school property and facilities.
  9. Cooperate with the school staff in maintaining safety, order and discipline.
  10. Avoid violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

Students’ responsibilities for achieving a positive learning environment at school or school related activities shall include:

  1. Abiding by the Student Code of Conduct.
  2. Attending all classes regularly and on time.
  3. Being prepared for each class with appropriate materials and assignments.
  4. Dressing and grooming appropriately.
  5. Behaving in a responsible manner.
  6. Paying required fees and fines, unless these are waived.
  7. Seeking changes in school policies and regulations in an orderly and responsible manner through appropriate channels.
  8. Cooperating with staff in investigation of disciplinary cases, and volunteering information within the student’s knowledge relating to a serious offense.
  9. Following all campus and classroom rules, including safety rules.
  10. Respecting the property of others, including school property and facilities.
  11. Respecting the rights and privileges of other students and of teachers and other staff.

DRESS CODE

The school’s dress code is established to teach grooming and hygiene, instill discipline prevent disruptions, avoid safety hazards, and teach respect for authority. The School prohibits any clothing or grooming that may reasonably be expected to cause disruption of or interference with normal school operations.

All students must conform to the following dress code requirements:

  1. Torn clothing is not allowed.
  2. No head gear (i.e. hats, caps, skullcaps, scarves) are to be worn in school unless approved by the authorities for a special occasion, program or unless there is a medical justification.
  3. No sunglasses are to be worn unless there is a medical justification.
  4. Visible body piercing jewellery/accessories is prohibited.
  5. No tattoos.
  6. Shirts must be tucked in and staff members should be able to see the students’ belt.
  7. All pants shall be worn at the waist. No visible draw strings are allowed on pants.
  8. Boy’s shirts / T-shirts must either be half-sleeved or full sleeved.
  9. Girls blouses should be sleeved fall well below the waistline, be modestly cut and not transparent.
  10. Girls’ dresses/ skirts must be of length which maintains modesty.

HAIRSTYLE

Hairstyle should be simple, tidy and in keeping with school uniform.

  1. Coloured combs or ribbons are not to be worn.
  2. Boys or Girls must not cut each other’s hair.
  3. Boys must not have long hair or punk hairstyle.

GENERAL

Jewellery, other than small cross or medal and ear studs for girls, is not permitted. The school takes the utmost care to look after the valuables of the children but will not be held responsible for any losses that may occur.

Steel lockers are available for boarders requiring them. Boarders may use the telephone under the supervision of the house staff and prefects to receive calls during the following hours only.

IN APPROPRIATE CONDUCT

The following offenses are prohibited at school or school related activity and may be punishable by in-school suspension, detention, after school assignment, withdrawal of privileges or any other discipline management techniques as determined by the Principal:

Disregard for authority:

  1. Cheating or copying work of another student and unauthorized communication between students during an examination.
  2. Leaving classes during instructional times without permission.
  3. Loitering or trespassing on school grounds.
  4. Insubordination.
  5. Refusal to accept discipline management techniques assigned by a teacher or administrator.
  6. Leaving school grounds during the academic day without permission
  7. Leaving, without permission, a school-sponsored event in which the student is a participant.
  8. Committing or assisting in a robbery or theft or stealing from a student, staff, campus visitor, or school

Misuse of Computers, Internet, Telecommunications/Electronic Devices. Safety Transgressions:

  1. Engaging in conduct that constitutes a disruption of classes or lawful assemblies, activities, or transportation.
  2. Engaging in any other conduct that disrupts the school environment or educational process but that the Principal/designee determines is an offence.
  3. Engaging or assisting in making threats.
  4. Throwing objects that can cause bodily injury or damage property. Aggressive, disruptive action or group demonstration that substantially disrupts or materially interferes with school activities

Possession of Prohibited Items:

  1. Possessing or using matches or a lighter.
  2. Possessing, smoking or using tobacco products.
  3. Possessing, using, giving or selling intoxicating substances.
  4. Possessing or distribution of pornographic materials.

VIOLATING DRESS AND GROOMING STANDARDS.

Mistreatment of Others:

  1. Engaging in verbal abuse.
  2. Using profanity, vulgar language, or obscene gestures.
  3. Fighting, scuffling, committing physical abuse or threatening physical abuse.
  4. Engaging in inappropriate, verbal, written, physical conduct.
  5. Harassment & Bullying.

Discipline Management Techniques:

Discipline will be designed to improve conduct and to encourage students to adhere to their responsibilities as members of the school community. Disciplinary action will draw on the professional judgment of teachers and administrators and on a range of discipline management techniques. Discipline will be correlated to the seriousness of the offense, the student’s age and grade level, the frequency of misbehavior, the student’s attitude, the effect of the misconduct on the school environment, and statutory requirements.

Techniques:

  1. Verbal correction.
  2. Seating changes within the classroom.
  3. Rewards and incentives.
  4. Counseling by teachers and counselors.
  5. Parent-teacher conferences.
  6. Detention— for infractions of the Student Code of Conduct or other policies and regulations, teachers may detain students after school hours.
  7. Sending the student to the office or other assigned areas.
  8. Assign school duties other than class tasks.
  9. Withdrawal of privileges.
  10. Penalties.
  11. Suspension.
  12. Expulsion.