Discipline Policy
Student Responsibilities
Students are expected to:
- Respect school property and use it responsibly, avoiding deliberate damage or negligence.
- Interact with others using respectful language and gestures, fostering tolerance, empathy, and understanding.
- Refrain from discriminatory or derogatory behaviour, such as racism, bullying in all forms including but not limited cyber-bullying (contact school for definition of cyber-bullying), or sexism, which will be strictly addressed.
- Adhere to the Newlands Uniform Policy and dress and groom themselves accordingly.
- Attend school regularly and be punctual for all classes and events, following the Newlands Attendance Policy.
- Follow guidelines for electronic device usage outlined in the BYOD Policy.
Parental Responsibilities
Parents play a vital role in supporting their child’s education and behaviour:
- Ensure your child arrives punctually and is picked up promptly according to school hours and guidelines.
- Adhere to the school’s uniform policy for your child.
- Notify the school of any absences and reasons promptly.
- Inform the school of any changes in contact information or personal circumstances.
- Follow traffic and safety protocols when dropping off or picking up your child.
- Collaborate with school staff to address any discipline-related issues or concerns.
- Participate in parent-teacher meetings and school functions regularly.
- Understand the rules of the school and talk to your child about the importance of adhering to them.
- Assist your child in responsibly caring for and using electronic devices.
Offence Matrix
Description | 1st Offence | 2nd Offence | 3rd Offence | 4th Offence |
Bunking lessons, clubs and/ or sports | Detention* | Detention | Detention | Suspension |
Academic dishonesty/ cheating | Suspension** | Suspension | Expulsion | N/A |
Forgery | Suspension | Suspension | Expulsion | N/A |
Failure to comply with instructions | Verbal warning | Detention | Suspension | Suspension |
Smoking/ Drugs/ Alcohol (the act or possession of) | Suspension | Expulsion | N/A | N/A |
Sharing of inappropriate messages/ Pictures / Videos / Calls | Detention & Confiscation of device *** | Suspension & Confiscation of device *** | Expulsion | N/A |
Taking pictures or making videos without consent | Verbal warning | Detention | Suspension | Suspension |
Using mobile phones in class without permission | Verbal warning | Detention | Suspension | Suspension |
Misuse of computer, Internet, and technology | Detention & Confiscation of device ***
| Suspension & Confiscation of device ***
| Expulsion | N/A |
Use of offensive language or misconduct | Verbal Warning | Detention | Suspension | Suspension |
Physical harassment, gang activity or fighting | Detention | Suspension | Expulsion | N/A |
Minor damage, marking, defacing etc. of school property | Verbal Warning | Detention | Suspension | Suspension |
Willful damage, forceful possession, vandalism and/ or arson of property | Detention | Suspension | Expulsion | N/A |
Bullying, hazing, teasing and harassment | Verbal Warning | Detention | Suspension | Expulsion |
Theft | Detention | Suspension | Expulsion | N/A |
Possession of weapons, dangerous objects and knives | Suspension | Expulsion | N/A | N/A |
Failure to comply with the Newlands Uniform Policy | Verbal Warning | Verbal Warning | Suspension | Suspension |
Failure to comply with the Newlands Attendance Policy | Verbal Warning | Detention | Suspension | Suspension |
Failure to comply with the BYOD Policy | Verbal Warning | Detention | Detention | Suspension |
-Detention: 1 point deducted from the student’s house
-Suspension: 2 points deducted from the student’s house
-Personal devices such as smartphones will be confiscated and returned only to the parent
At Newlands, we are committed to maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment where every student can thrive. By working together, we can uphold the values of our community and support the success of all our students. For the complete version of this policy or for more information, please contact the school. Thank you for your cooperation and support.