Discipline
BenStel expects every student to exhibit respect for others, self-discipline, and ethical behaviour. Every BenStel student enjoys the right to a teaching and learning environment conducive to positive self-development and learning. Likewise, every student is responsible for protecting and maintaining that environment through their behaviour.
BenStel does not permit any of its staff to cane or hit its students. We train and expect our teachers and staff to be well versed in alternative methods of student motivation and discipline. Teachers are also required to show respect to students and parents. Teachers found to be in violation of this policy will be severely disciplined, if not terminated. Any serious misbehaviour exhibited by students in class will be reported to parents. We encourage parents to support the school’s disciplinary efforts and to take additional steps at home, as necessary, to curb any problematic behaviour they see exhibited in their children.
Generally, bad behaviour will be punished by warnings, detentions, extra assignments, and the elimination of school privileges (for example, recess time). Other disciplinary measures may include: “Rabbit” jumps, squats, and other physical exercises; and time-outs, where students will be required to face the wall and not interact with other students for a specified period of time. Continued bad behaviour or egregiously bad behaviour may subject the student to expulsion/dismissal.
BenStel School System has zero tolerance for bullying or any violent behaviour between students. A student found mocking another student will be made to write a letter of apology and read it to the entire class as a first warning. Continued bullying may result in more serious punishment. Any physical assault in the form of slapping, punching, kicking, wrestling etc. will be strictly punished, depending on the seriousness of the offence. Additionally,no abusive or unsuitable language or words between staff or students will be tolerated. These may include swearing, threats, sensual comments etc.
Students who fail to complete assignments on time may be held during recess and made to complete the assignments, and may be given additional assignments as necessary. If the problem persists, parents will be asked to attend a parent/teacher conference to discuss the situation. Continued failure to complete classroom assignments may result in expulsion/dismissal.
In the case of damages to school or other people’s property, student will bear all damage cost. Students who are dressed inappropriately may be denied entry into their classrooms. Other general campus rules include:
- Love God and your neighbour as yourself;
- Respect the rights and dignity of others;
- Ensure personal safety and also the safety of others;
- Be on time and prepared for all school functions;
- All noneducational items that are not sanctioned by the school are prohibited on school grounds;
- Do not leave campus during school hours unless specifically sanctioned by your teacher to do so.
Additionally, playground rules include:
- Respect and protect your peers, staff and school property;
- Avoid inappropriate or aggressive touching and pushing;
- Allow everyone access to school property, unless under special circumstances;
- Dress appropriately for all school functions;
- Avoid throwing objects of any kind at other people, unless it’s approved as part of the game or sports.
Students are also required to honour any additional rules imposed by teachers to enhance the educational experience during classroom time. In the event a student or parent feels a teacher’s behaviour has violated this policy, we strongly encourage that student or parent to bring the issue to the attention of a member of the BenStel Leadership Team.
STUDENT UNIFORMS AND APPEARANCE
Uniforms
Students must wear the prescribed school uniform at all times during school hours, unless instructed otherwise. Uniforms will be provided to students by the BenStel Administrative Team. Any modifications to the uniform are strictly prohibited.
Additionally, Physical Education kits are provided by the school and come in different colours. Students will be informed a day before to bring their prescribed kits along for P.E sessions.
Student Appearance and Grooming
• Hair must be kept neat and tidy at all times.
• Students are encouraged to wear their natural hair colour. Artificial colouring is not permitted in student hair.
• Boys must neatly shave their hair.
• Nail polish and/or make-up are not permitted.
• Shorts must be at least long enough to reach students’ knees.
• Stockings are only permitted for creche and nursery students, but they must be either black or brown in colour.
STUDENT HEALTH
Parents are required to immediately inform the Administrative Team of any known allergies their children may have. Additionally, all parents will be asked to sign a form consenting to the administration of medical aid in the event of a medical emergency at the beginning of the academic year.
BenStel maintains first aid kits and a sick-bay on stand-by to assist students in case of minor injuries. Anything more serious than a minor injury may require BenStel to transport the student to a medical centre for treatment. In the event of a student injury or sickness, parents will be contacted immediately and informed of their child’s condition before any action is taken (unless delaying action to inform parents before treatment would jeopardize the health and safety of the child). Generally, no action will be taken with regard to an injured student without parent consent.
In accordance with government regulations, BenStel staff will not be responsible for administering any medication to students. Rather, a sick child must be picked up from school by the parent/guardian within an hour of receiving the information. Students should not attend school if they are ill.
BenStel is a smoke-free campus – smoking is strictly prohibited.
Covid-19
Importantly, any student exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 must abstain from returning to school until they are free of symptoms for a minimum of 14 days and cleared by a licensed medical professional to re-engage with the public. We also ask that parents inform the BenStel Administrative Team of any incidents of Covid-19 so appropriate action can be taken to limit the spread of the virus. Students will not be charged fees or suffer any academic consequences for Covid-19 related absences. In addition to this policy, BenStel will also be implementing a comprehensive Covid-19 management plan to avoid spread of the disease. Please consult the BenStel website for a full accounting of the Covid-19 Management Plan.