Policies & Procedures

Policy for Absenteeism

1. Parents are required to inform the school every time their child is absent from school.

2. Students who are absent for more than 2 consecutive days are required to bring a letter from parents or a doctor’s certificate on their return to school.

3. Should a student be absent for a test or exam, no marks will be allocated. In the event of illness, a doctor’s certificate must be presented when the student returns to school. The Administrator will consider if the test / exam may be taken at a later date.

4.The school cannot give permission for students to go away on holiday during school time.

5. In line with the requirements set out by the Department of Basic Education, students who do not attend 26 or more days of school per annum may not necessarily proceed to the next class. The College of Teachers will make the final decision in such cases.

The College of Teachers

Policy for dealing with Bullying

Is it Bullying?

When someone says or does something unintentionally hurtful
And they do it once, that’s rude!
When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful
And they do it once, that’s mean!
When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful
And they keep doing it –
Even when told to stop and the person is upset,
That’s bullying!

STEPS / PROCESS

a) Introduction

Michael Mount subscribes to a code of rights and responsibilities. We have a zero tolerance policy with bullying.

b) School response

1. Incidents or observations of bullying incidents are relayed to the Class Teacher / Class Guardian from teachers, parents or other children.
2. The Class Teacher / Class Guardian will have a discussion with the child / children to establish facts. If possible, a resolution is found and the situation dealt with immediately. Feedback would then be provided to the person who reported the incident. Parents of all parties involved must be informed of this meeting.
3. A follow-up meeting between relevant parties will be held to attempt to resolve the situation.
4. If the situation is not resolved, a further meeting with parents and / or teachers will be called to discuss the matter further. Relevant steps (agreed upon by the Class Teacher / Class Guardian and involved parties) will be put in place. This could include outside intervention or community service. In the High School, that meeting will include the Class Guardian of the children involved as well as the Administrator / Deputy Administrator. This meeting must be recorded / documented.
5. If there is still no resolution the matter will be escalated to the Executive Mandate. Along with the Executive Mandate members, the Class Teacher / Class Guardian and all relevant parties will be required to attend. During this meeting help for the child / children will be discussed, as well as any possible therapies which might be deemed necessary, this includes the bully as well as the victim. All parties are accountable for the processes agreed on in Step 4 and Step 5.
6. Where necessary, a follow-up meeting will be held to see if the situation has been resolved.
7. The steps agreed upon will be put in writing and signed by all relevant parties, therefore binding their commitment.
8. In most serious cases where resolution is not achieved (following interventions, therapy etc.), the child’s behaviour could result in expulsion.

Tools of intervention could include: storytelling (stories from the curriculum / healing stories can be used in classes), external intervention, therapy and community service.

Date of last update of this policy: November 2016.

Screen & Electronic Media

Overview

For purposes of this policy, “Screen and Electronic Media” includes television, movies, computers, and all other video and audio devices, including cell phones, video games, and music/MP3 players and smart watches. The scope of this definition changes as media technology and its applications evolve. While Michael Mount’s media policy specifically governs interaction with certain media, care and judgement also should be applied to permitting exposure to media that is not expressly covered by the media policy, including print media (newspapers, magazines, and catalogues) and radio (news and recorded music).

The Michael Mount screen and electronic media policy is designed to support the objectives of Waldorf Education, and to be workable in the homes and lives of school families. Parents have consistently found that reducing the influence of media on their family life has encouraged family members to develop a keener interest in one another, enlivened and deepened their communication, and fostered a deeper connection to the world around them.

The College of Teachers expects, as School policy, that parents appropriately support our screen and electronic media policy, and that it should be followed throughout the year, even when school is not in session.

Baby group to class 4

Ideally children should not be exposed to electronic media. Parents are asked to closely monitor their child’s screen time.

Class 5 – 8

• TV and Movies: It is strongly advised that parents preview, select and monitor all visual and audio media to which their children are exposed
• Music Player: This should be limited and preferably not used with headphones
• Internet Access: Access should be restricted and monitored, with limited time periods
• Cell phones: No cell phones are allowed in the Primary School. If found, the cell phone will be confiscated for a term

For more information, please see the links below

Why do Waldorf schools not make use of technology in the classroom until high school?
Strangers in Our Homes: TV and Our Children’s Minds

High School

The school recognises the importance of media literacy, and that students should develop the skills necessary for Internet research and computer programming and understand the science behind new technologies and the media revolution.

Parents should, however, continue to monitor and limit teenagers’ exposure to electronic media as well as maintain open dialogue with their children about the role of media in their lives.

Internet / Video Games / Social Networking Sites / Email / Chat Rooms:

• The School recommends that teenagers should limit their usage of these forms of media. It is important to maintain a quiet, media-free space for the challenges and creative schoolwork of the High School.

AI and assisted academic applications:

• As an education institution we encourage our students to develop an ethical relationship with technology and artificial intelligence (AI). We acknowledge the growing emergence of AI and its ability to assist with academia. We also acknowledge the value in such tools as continuing to develop our literacy of technology and the changing world around us. While these tools can be used to assist in the learning process and reduce the gap in access to information, it is important that ethics are maintained with regards to these technologies.
• To maintain academic integrity, the use of AI to generate academic work is strictly prohibited. Students are required to engage with their subject content independently and ethically.

The use of cellphones and electronic media whilst at school:

*For the purposes of this policy, school hours are from 07:00 am — 14:50 pm.

Class 9 and 10

1. Students may only use electronic devices on school property during school hours for academic purposes, with the permission of the teacher supervising the assignment.
2. Students needing to use a device to arrange transport or for extra-curricular activities, may only do so:(a) in the presence of a teacher who has given permission, or (b) while in the office, in the presence of a staff member or (c) after school at the shelter.
3. Students may only use electronic devices during school events and functions on the school premises with the permission of a staff member.
4. Students may only use electronic devices at school outings and camps with the permission of the outing or camp co-ordinator.
5. Students may not listen to music on their devices. Teachers may play music for all students during a lesson if it is pedagogically justified and planned in advance.

Class 11 and 12

1. Increasingly, high school students are required to use the Internet to conduct research and to access documents. For this reason, Class 11 and 12 students are permitted to bring their laptops or cell phones to school. Students may only use these devices for academic purposes, in the presence of the teacher who is supervising their work.
2. Class 11 and 12 students will be given access to the School’s Wi-Fi, in order to complete this work.
3. Students needing to use a device to arrange transport or for extra-curricular activities, may only do so: (a) in the presence of a teacher who has given permission, or (b) while in the office, in the presence of a staff member or (c) after school at the shelter.
4. Students may only use electronic devices during school events and functions on the school premises with the permission of a staff member.
5. Students may only use electronic devices at school outings and camps with the permission of the outing or camp co-ordinator.
6. Students may not listen to music on their devices. Teachers may play music for all students during a lesson if it is pedagogically justified and planned in advance.
7. Students must ensure the safety of their own electronic devices. The School will take no responsibility for any electronic device which is stolen or lost.

Consequences of unauthorised use of electronic devices

Our aim, in setting this policy for students in the High School, is to develop students who:

• Use electronic devices mindfully and responsibly
• Use electronic devices as tools to enhance their education
• Maintain social awareness when using electronic devices
• Use electronic devices in compliance with this policy

When a student does not adhere to the principles underpinning this policy, teachers have the right to confiscate the student’s electronic device after issuing a verbal warning. Confiscated devices will be taken to the Administrator or Deputy Administrator and returned at the end of the school day. Students whose devices are repeatedly confiscated will be called for a discussion with parents, relevant school teachers and school management, to agree a way forward.

A signed acknowledgement of the Screen and Electronic Media Policy is a requirement upon admission to Michael Mount.

Reviewed August 2023

Data Protection & Privacy

Dress Code

Financial Matters

Grievance Procedure

The school has adopted a grievance procedure which should be followed in the event of parents or pupils experiencing any problems.

The procedure is set out below:

1. Parents deal one on one with the Class Teacher or Class Guardian. This is an important step.  The process also applies the other way around, where the teacher must approach the parent before speaking to Executive*.

2. After the parent/teacher meeting, the teacher confirms the conversation, and keeps a record of the meeting in his/her diary.

3. If no satisfactory resolution is reached, either party may now refer the problem to the Administrator or Executive*.

* Executive is the working arm of the College of Teachers.  This body is composed of representatives from all sections of the school (Nursery, Primary and High Schools) and the Administrator.

Indemnity

	MICHAEL MOUNT WALDORF SCHOOL (“the School”) GENERAL INDEMNITY/LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

 

 

 

 

1. I,  ____________________________________________________________            (full name and surname)

 

wish my following child/children:-

Name                                                     Class                                       Teacher

______________________________________________________________

 

______________________________________________________________           full name(s) and surname(s)

 

______________________________________________________________

 

To participate in the following activity/excursion:-

 

2.   I accept that all reasonable precautions will be taken to ensure the safety and welfare of my aforesaid child/children, however, I understand that participation therein is at the sole risk of the participants and/or their legal guardians.  Accordingly, I confirm and agree that the School shall not be liable for any loss, mishap, injury or damage of whatever nature which may be suffered by those participating in the abovementioned activity, their families and/or invitees, whether or not same is suffered on or near the route/site of such activity and irrespective of whether such loss, mishap, injury or damage is caused by fire, storm, flood, riot, civil commotion, theft, robbery, accident or any other cause whatsoever, and further irrespective of whether such loss, mishap, injury or damage is caused by any act, omission or default on the part of the School, its employees and/or its agents.  In furtherance of this, I indemnify the School in respect of any such loss, mishap, injury or damage and hold the School harmless in respect thereof.

 

3. I further agree that I shall be responsible for the payment of any medical and/or hospital accounts, where applicable, should an injury be sustained by my said child/children and, in this regard, I cede my powers as parent/guardian to an authorised representative of the School should medical treatment of any nature whatsoever be deemed necessary for my child/children by such duly authorised representative.

 

PARENT/GUARDIAN’S SIGNATURE _____________________________________________________________

 

IDENTITY NUMBER___________________________________________________________________________

 

FULL NAMES OF PARENT/GUARDIAN _____________________________________________________________
DATE   __________________________________________________________________________________________

Statement of Principles

Waldorf Pedagogy is based on the needs of the child at the various stages of its physical and psychological development.   In this sense it is child-centered, hence the core curriculum as outlined by Rudolf Steiner and enlarged upon by other educationists is, in content and method, designed to promote the growth of the child and young person as a free and creative personality.

Michael Mount Waldorf School has a non-discriminatory policy towards pupils infected with HIV/AIDS, provided such infection is disclosed to the Class Teacher upon registration of the pupil.   Such information will be held in the strictest confidence.

When Rudolf Steiner formulated the principles of Waldorf Education he placed emphasis on the fact that education, rooted as it is in the free spiritual life, should be allowed to develop on its own ground, untrammeled by economic and political considerations.   Consequently, Waldorf Schools all over the world avoid active participation in controversial social and political issues which would hinder them in their true task, namely the development of the free individual.   It is a requirement that parents who wish to have their children educated at Michael Mount Waldorf School recognize and support these principles as a condition of entry.

Declaration

I, the undersigned, acknowledge that I am aware that the Council of Management of the Michael Mount Waldorf School Association has the right to make adjustments to the School fees from time to time, as it may deem fit, I hereby agree and undertake to pay such School fees NOT LATER THAN THE FIRST DAY OF EACH SCHOOL TERM.

I agree that interest may be charged on any fees due and payable calculated from the start of the term from when they are outstanding, at 2% above the current prime overdraft rate applicable on the date such fees become due.   I agree that I am liable for any legal fees that may arise on the collection of monies due by me on the scale as between attorney and client.

I agree that any dispute whatsoever which may arise will not give me the right to withhold School fees on any account.

Should I withdraw my child from the School for any reason whatsoever, I undertake to give one full term’s notice of such withdrawal, or alternatively to pay one term’s fees in lieu of notice.

I acknowledge and agree that the Chairman of the College of Teachers will stand in loco parentis to all pupils while they are under the supervision of the School.   While I accept that every possible effort will be made to contact parents in cases of emergency, I hereby empower the Chairman of the College of Teachers to act on my behalf if necessary.

I hereby agree that neither the Michael Mount Waldorf School Association nor the School, nor any teacher of the School shall be held responsible for any loss, damage, injury or death which I or my child/children shall suffer arising directly or indirectly from any act or omission of the Michael Mount Waldorf School Association, the School or any teacher of the School, save to the extent that the above-named are indemnified against any claims arising out of any such occurrences under any policy of insurance which may be in force at the relevant time.

I understand that any queries regarding the education of my child should first be discussed with the Class Teacher or Class Guardian.   If this should prove insufficient, the Executive of the College of Teachers is the only other organ of the School that may be approached.

I understand and agree that my child has been accepted by the School for a six month trial period.   If at any time during this period, the School forms the opinion that the further attendance of my child at the School is undesirable, the trial period will come to an end and I shall be obliged to remove my child from the School forthwith.   In this event no portion of the School fees due at the commencement of the trial period or paid by me will be refundable by the School to me.

I acknowledge I have read the School’s policy statement on television and undertake to co-operate with the staff of the School in this matter.

In enrolling my child/children at the Michael Mount Waldorf School, I agree to abide by the principles of the School as set out above.

I state that I have the legal power to contract with the School.

 

Terms of Site Use

These terms, together with our Web-related Data Protection / Privacy Policy govern Michael Mount Waldorf School’s relationship with you, the site visitor, and this website – including blog pages on the site.

• The term ‘Michael Mount’ or ‘us’ or ‘we’ or ‘our’ refers to Michael Mount Waldorf School – the registered owner of the website, whose registered offices are at 231 Bryanston Drive, Bryanston (entrance to the school is at 40 Culross Road, Bryanston).
• The term ‘you’ refers to the visitor/s to our website and blogs.

Michael Mount Waldorf School is a registered Non-Profit Organisation (NPO no: 001/314), as well as a Public Benefit Organisation in South Africa (PBO no: 930003714). The aims of this site are:

• To promote the school.
• To communicate with parents, school personnel, pupils and with the wider community.
• To ensure that all statutory information that should be available, is made available publicly.
• To provide useful, thought provoking, non-prescriptive information to parents, educators and caretakers of children and young people.

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• By accessing or using our site, you accept these Terms of Use as well as our Web-related Data Protection / Privacy Policy in full.
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• We reserve the right to modify these terms and policies at any time. You should therefore check periodically for changes. By using this site after we post any changes, you agree to accept those changes, whether or not you have reviewed them.
• Please note that these Terms of Use limit our liability and that we do not provide warranties for the site or its contents. It also limits your remedies.
• Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own discretion and risk, the results of which we shall not be liable for in any way whatsoever.

Permitted use of the site and its contents

• The site and all its contents and functions are provided “as is” and “as available” for your information and personal use only, in accordance with these Terms of Use.
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Information on the site

• While every attempt has been made to ensure that the site’s content is both accurate and useful, we cannot provide any guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this site for any particular purpose.
• The content included on this site has been compiled from a variety of sources. We reserve the right to revise, update or change any or all content on our site – including these terms and conditions – without notice.

Intellectual property rights

• All information, content and materials on this site are protected by copyright and intellectual property laws and are the property of Michael Mount Waldorf School or of the individual authors or sources indicated per instance. As such, you may access and download the materials and information provided on our site for personal, non-commercial use only. Under no circumstances do you acquire any title or interest to any part of the site or its contents.

• While we try to obtain permission to showcase information, content and materials from external sources, we have not always been successful in doing so. Reasons for failure to obtain permission: contact information unobtainable; original author or source not credited where we found the material; no response to our written requests; insufficient time to obtain permission for inclusion of information in a newsletter, etc.

• It is our policy to give credit to sources and / or authors, where this information is available – regardless of whether permission to reprint / re-publish has been obtained.
• Where permission to reprint / re-publish has been obtained, the letters of permission are on file.
• Where permission to reprint / re-publish was NOT obtained, please know that it was not done with any ill-intent, but in a spirit of sharing what we consider useful or thought-provoking information. We do hope that by giving credit to authors and sources, we help promote their work to a wider audience.
• Please write to us at waldorf@michaelmount.co.za if you want copyrighted material removed or if you want an acknowledgement of author and/or source to be added.

Icons, names and logos

• The Michael Mount Waldorf School name and logo, as well as graphics and images used on the site, belong to the school. Other marks, graphics, icons, names and logos used or displayed on the site are the property of their respective owners, who may or may not be affiliated with or connected to us.
• You may not copy or use any of the aforementioned marks, graphics or images without our and the respective owner’s prior written permission.

• This site includes links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information and such inclusion does not imply affiliation, endorsement or adoption by us.
• We are not responsible for the content of any linked site/s or information. You are knowingly and voluntarily assuming all risks of using third party sites and we shall have no liability whatsoever with respect to such third party sites and your usage of them.

Links to our blogs

• Links from external sites to blogs on our site may be posted, provided these links do not lead to content that is unlawful, illegal, fraudulent or harmful, or in connection with any unlawful, illegal, fraudulent or harmful purpose or activity.
• Content posted to our blogs is often from parents or members of the public. Views expressed are theirs.
• It must be clear that Michael Mount is not necessarily affiliated to, nor do we necessarily endorse the activity, business, products, services or any information linked to our blogs by a third party.
• By sharing any contribution (including any text, photographs, graphics, video or audio) with us you agree to grant us, free of charge, permission to use the material in any way we want (including modifying or deleting it). In order that we can use your contribution, you confirm that your contribution is your own original work, is not defamatory and does not infringe any laws and that you have the right to give us permission to use it for the purposes specified above.

Viruses

• While every attempt has been made to ensure the safety of the website, we cannot guarantee that it will be secure or free from bugs or viruses. You should use your own virus protection software.
• You must not misuse the site by knowingly introducing viruses, Trojans, worms, logic bombs or other material that is malicious or technologically harmful.
• You must not attempt to gain unauthorised access to the site, the server on which the site is stored or any server, computer or database connected to the site. You must not attack our site via a denial-of-service attack or a distributed denial-of service attack.
• We will not be liable for any loss or damage caused by a virus, distributed denial-of-service attack, or other technologically harmful material that may infect your equipment, programmes, data or other proprietary material due to your use of the site or to your downloading of any content on it, or on any website linked to it.

Disclaimer

• Michael Mount does not provide any warranties – implied or otherwise – as to the fitness of any information for any particular purpose.
• You are cautioned to use common sense and to consult relevant professionals when making decisions that could affect the health and wellbeing of your family and your children.
• Under no circumstances will Michael Mount Waldorf School or any of its sources of information be liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages that result from your use of our site.

Governing laws and disputes

• This site can be accessed from numerous places and countries around the world. That shall not be understood as venue or consent to that local jurisdiction as we did not avail ourselves to any other local jurisdiction other than the one stated and expressly implied in these Terms of Use.
• The construction, validity and performance of these Terms of Use and any claim or dispute arising out of them shall be governed in all respects by the laws of South Africa. The courts in Johannesburg, South Africa, shall have exclusive jurisdiction in any legal matter arising from or related to the site and these Terms of Use.

Questions?

• Should you have any questions or concerns about any of these Terms of Use, please see the ‘Contact Us’ tab on this site and let us know.

 

Date of last update to this document: March 2016

Values & Vision

Vision

• To work out of Anthroposophy and Rudolf Steiner’s Image of Man.
• To enable learners to develop their full potential and meet their destiny as free and responsible individuals.
• To nurture conscious, creative, independent thinkers.
• To foster reverence, respect and responsibility for the community and nature.
• To establish a strong self-sustaining school.
• To educate and prepare students, teachers and parents to meet the needs and challenges of the 21st century.
• To deepen our understanding of the Waldorf curriculum.
• To play an active role in the ongoing development of education in our country.

Mission

“… to awaken what is
actually there
within the human being …”

“… to develop free
human beings who are able
of themselves
to impart purpose and direction to their lives.”

– Rudolf Steiner

Values

• Ethical and moral responsibility
• Transparency and accountability
• Integrity
• Respect for all of humanity and for the individual at any age
• Independence, free thinking, self-respect and pride in achievement
• Honouring the family
• Empathetic social awareness
• Service to community and society
• Collaboration
• Respect for all of life
• Reverence for nature
• Healthy bodies and minds
• Creating a brighter future for all by instilling an appreciation for the past, driving active participation in the present and creating an understanding of the integral part each individual can play in shaping the future.

POLICY: Smoking, Alcohol & Drugs

 

 

1. INTRODUCTION

 

1.1.     PURPOSE AND APPLICATION OF THIS POLICY

 

1.1.1   The Michael Mount Waldorf School (the “School”) acknowledges that the use of tobacco products including vaping and e-cigarettes (the “tobacco“) is extremely injurious to the health of both smokers and non-smokers and warrants, in the public interest and in particular the interest of its learners, appropriate restriction.  This Policy on Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs (the “Policy”) therefore seeks to prevent the distribution, exposure and use of tobacco products including vaping and e-cigarettes by the School’s learners, to rehabilitate learners who smoke, and to comply with national legislation.

 

1.1.2   The School similarly acknowledges that alcohol and/or drug abuse is also extremely injurious to health and wellbeing and warrants, in the public interest and in particular the interest of its learners, appropriate prohibition and also, where applicable, disciplining, help and support to be given to those learners who abuse alcohol and/or drugs.  This Policy therefore seeks to prevent the distribution, exposure and use of alcohol and drugs by the School’s learners, to discipline and rehabilitate learners who abuse alcohol and/or drugs and to comply with the national legislation applicable thereto.

 

1.1.3   This Policy therefore applies to the use (including being under the influence), possession and/or distribution of tobacco products, alcohol and/or drugs at or near the School and/or School activities and/or when a learner’s behaviour pertaining thereto brings the School’s name into disrepute.

 

• Any reference to the word “parent/s” in this Policy means:

 

1.1.4.1                        the parent/s or guardian/s of a learner;

 

1.1.4.2                        the person/s legally entitled to custody of a learner; or

 

1.1.4.3                        the person/s who undertakes to fulfil obligations of a person referred in paragraphs 1.1.4.1 and 1.1.4.2 above towards the learner’s education at the School,

 

as the case may be.

 

1.2       AWARENESS AND EDUCATION PROGRAMMES

 

1.2.1   In keeping with the core values of the School and the principle that prevention is better than cure, the School strives to ensure that all learners, parents/guardians and staff are regularly educated about the problems of alcohol and drug abuse and tobacco, alcohol and drug dependency through:

 

• talks, workshops and other informal activities, including special assemblies at the School;

 

• lessons during appropriate subjects in the School curriculum; and

 

• proactive involvement with other professional and community-based organisations involved in the fight against alcohol and drug abuse and tobacco, alcohol and drug dependency.

 

 

1.2.2      The School further strives to do the following on an annual basis:

 

1.2.2.1                        present prevention and information sessions to all learners on smoking, alcohol abuse and on all categories of drugs;

 

 

 

• make appropriate information and training thereon available to educators;

 

1.2.2.3                        involve outside organisations (e.g. drug educational agencies) and individuals on a consultative basis as part of a team approach;

 

1.2.2.4                        support the founding of positive peer groups;

 

1.2.2.5                        evaluate on an ongoing basis this Policy and adapt it, if and when necessary, according to changing circumstances and conditions;

 

1.2.2.6                        support a healthy, drug-free life through word and deed; and

 

1.2.2.7                        develop and implement a Learner Support Programme.

 

1.2.3   Notwithstanding the above, it remains the responsibility of every parent/s and learner to familiarise themselves with the contents of this Policy and to ensure that the Policy is properly understood by them. Where a parent/s and/or learner does not understand the Policy and the consequences of failing to adhere to the Policy, he/she must consult with the Administrator of the School (the “Administrator”) to obtain the necessary clarification.

 

2. POLICY ON SMOKING

 

2.1       POLICY

 

2.1.1   The School abides by all relevant legislation concerning the use of tobacco products.  In terms of this Policy, the following principles are applicable:

 

2.1.1.1                        tobacco products may not be sold or advertised on the School campus;

 

2.1.1.2                        smoking is not permitted in front of learners;

 

2.1.1.3                        smoking is not allowed in the School buildings and parents, family members, staff, contractors, suppliers and visitors at the School may only smoke in the School’s designated smoking areas on the School grounds and in the designated smoking areas in the Market on the School premises; and

 

2.1.1.4.                       while staff members are on official duty or attending School functions, whether sporting, cultural or recreational, they are permitted to smoke only in the applicable designated smoking areas and then in strict compliance with clause 2.1.1.2.

 

2.1.2   Smoking and/or being in possession of tobacco in any form whatsoever is strictly forbidden by leaners. Learners who are found to be smoking at or in the vicinity of the School, or on any School outing or tour, or in any other situation where they may be identifiable as learners of the School, will be liable for corrective and, if appropriate, disciplinary action. Any learner found in the company of a group of learners who are smoking will also be liable for corrective and, if deemed appropriate, disciplinary action. Learners found in possession of cigarettes or other tobacco products, or holding a cigarette or other tobacco product, lit or not, will also be liable for corrective and, if deemed appropriate, disciplinary action.

 

2.2       CORRECTIVE AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

 

Any learner found smoking and/or in the possession of cigarettes or tobacco in any form whatsoever on or in the vicinity of the School property, and/or during any School-related event, activity, outing or tour, or in any other situation where the learner may be identified as a learner of the School, will be dealt with in the following manner:

 

2.2.1                New learners on the stipulated initial 6 months’ probationary period may be expelled from the School with immediate effect following a disciplinary hearing as outlined in paragraph 4 below.

 

2.2.2                A learner who has previously been placed or is currently on probation for behavioural or pedagogic misconduct, may also be expelled from the School with immediate effect following a disciplinary hearing as outlined in paragraph 4 below.

 

2.2.3                In the event of the learner not falling within either of the above two categories specified in paragraphs 2.2.1 and 2.2.2 above, the following programme will be implemented, at the discretion of the College of Teachers (“College”):

 

In Respect of First Offenders

 

2.2.3.1                        A learner found to have transgressed any aspect of the above Policy on smoking will immediately be suspended and a meeting will be arranged between the Executive Committee of the School (“Executive”), or any of their members selected by them for this meeting (with the School recording that its Administrator and/or the Deputy Administrator are two such members selected for this purpose), the learner, his/her parent/s and the learner’s class guardian, regarding this first transgression.

 

2.2.3.2                        Such first offender will receive a written warning from the School, warning him/her not to commit the same and/or similar transgression/s again.

 

2.2.3.3                        In addition, such first offender will be required to do a total of 20 hours of work within the School, as stipulated by Executive or its selected member/s (as the case may be), which work will take place outside of School hours, usually over weekends.  In the event of the learner failing to carry out any such work as and when specified by Executive or its selected member/s (as the case may be), this will render the learner liable to disciplinary action being taken against him/her by the School, which may include (but is not restricted to) the School suspending the learner and convening a disciplinary hearing into the matter as outlined in paragraph 4 below, which could result in his/her explusion from the School.

 

In Respect of Second Time Offenders

 

2.2.3.4                        A learner transgressing any aspect of the above Policy on smoking for a second time will immediately be suspended and a meeting will be convened between Executive, or any of their members selected by them for this meeting (with the School recording that its Administrator and/or Deputy Administrator are two such members selected for this purpose), the learner, his/her parent/s and the learner’s class guardian, regarding this second transgression/s.

 

2.2.3.5                        The learner will further be required immediately to enlist in and successfully complete a formal “Smoke Enders” programme at an appropriate “Smoke Ending” institution selected by Executive for this purpose, during which programme the learner is to obtain and provide to the School regular progress reports from the counsellors/therapists working with the learner, and at the end of this programme a certificate is to be issued by that institution concerned to the effect that the learner has successfully completed the programme and is no longer addicted to tobacco. The parent/s will be liable for, and will timeously pay, all of the relevant institutions’ charges for the learner’s attendance at such institution and completion of its “Smoke Enders” programme.

 

2.2.3.6                        The learner is also to serve 20 hours of formal community service stipulated by Executive at the times and within the period/s specified by Executive, which may include weekends.

 

2.2.3.7                        Such second offender will further receive a final written warning from the School, warning him/her not to commit the same and/or similar such transgression again, failing which he/she will be liable for disciplinary action which could result in his/her expulsion from the School.

 

2.2.3.9                        In the event of the learner failing to successfully complete the formal “Smoke Enders” programme and/or failing to carry out any of the community work, as and when specified by Executive, the learner will become liable to disciplinary action being taken against him/her by the School, which may include (but is not restricted to) the School suspending the learner and convening a disciplinary hearing into the matter as outlined in paragraph 4 below, which could result in his/her expulsion from the School.

 

In Respect of Third Time Offenders

 

2.2.3.10                      In all cases of a third time offender, the learner concerned will immediately be suspended and a disciplinary hearing will be convened into the matter as outlined in paragraph 4 below, which could result in the expulsion of the learner from the School.  In this regard, it is the firm policy of the School always to expel third time offenders unless compelling mitigating circumstances exist which justify disciplinary action short of expulsion.

 

3. POLICY ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS

 

3.1       DEFINITION OF DRUGS

 

For the purposes of this Policy reference to the words “drug”, “drugs”, “illegal drug” or “illegal drugs” means any unlawful intoxicating or stupefying substance and includes (but is not restricted to) any drug/drugs or substance/ substances which:

 

• is/are not legally obtainable (such as cocaine, dagga, ecstasy, Tik or Khat); or

 

• is/are legally obtainable but was/were not legally obtained (such as prescription drugs); or

 

• was/were legally obtained but is/are used improperly or unlawfully (such as inhalants like petrol, thinners, acetone or alcohol).

 

3.2       POLICY

 

3.2.1   The key thrust of this Policy in respect of alcohol and drugs is to help and support not only those learners who abuse alcohol and/or drugs (or who are tempted to do so by peer pressure) in circumstances where they are prepared to cooperate and work with the School’s educators and/or other professionals involved in the treatment and rehabilitation process, but also to help and support those learners and staff who do not use illegal substances but who may be effected by the usage thereof by others.

 

3.2.2   It is a cornerstone of this Policy that the School will work as closely as possible with parent/s of learners in implementing this Policy, with the School therefore requiring and expecting full cooperation from the parent/s in this regard.

 

3.2.3   It is therefore the School’s policy, as part of its general ethos, not to condemn, but rather to support learners who do need and want assistance in this area, without necessarily endangering their school careers.  However and in cases where the learner and/or his/her parent/s do not wish to make use of such assistance offered to them, the School will have no choice but to take appropriate disciplinary steps, including (but not restricted to) the convening of a disciplinary hearing into the matter as outlined in paragraph 4, which could result in the learner being expelled from the School.

 

3.2.4   Notwithstanding the above, the use (including, but not restricted to, being under the influence) and/or possession of alcohol and/or any drug is strictly forbidden on or in the vicinity of the School property, and/or during any School related event, activity, outing or tour, and/or in any other situation where the learner may be identified as a learner of the School.

 

3.2.5   Unless authorised by Executive for legitimate educational purposes, no person may bring any alcohol and/or drugs onto School property and/or have any such substance in his/her possession on or in the vicinity of the School property and/or during any School event, activity, outing or tour and/or in any other situation where the learner may be identified as a learner of the School.

 

3.2.6   Any form of distribution and/or supply of any alcohol and/or drugs to any other person is strictly forbidden, and it is in the School’s Policy not to tolerate any dealing in and/or supplying of alcohol and/or drugs, with the parent/s and the learner agreeing that expulsion is, in most cases, the only appropriate sanction for this.

 

3.7       In light of the School’s strict Policy regarding drugs, the School is to be notified in writing by parent/s if learners are taking prescription drugs.

 

3.3       SEARCH, SEIZURE AND TESTING

 

In terms of Section 8A of the South African Schools Act, No. 84 of 1996 (“the Act”):

 

• Unless authorised byExecutive for legitimate educational purposes, no person may bring a dangerous object or illegal drug onto School premises or have such object or drug in his/her possession on School premises or during any School activity.  Any reference in this clause 3.3 to “dangerous object” or “dangerous objects” means:

 

3.3.2.1                   any explosive material or device;

 

3.3.2.2                   any firearm or gas weapon;

 

3.3.2.3                   any article, object or instrument which may be employed to cause bodily harm to a person, or to render a person temporarily paralysed or unconscious, or to cause damage to property; or

 

3.3.2.4                   any object which the Minister of Education may by notice in the Government Gazette declare to be a dangerous object for the purposes of the regulations promulgated in terms of the Act,

 

unless such objects are used for educational purposes with the full knowledge and authority of the School.

 

• Subject toparagraph 3.3.3 hereunder, the Administrator of the School or his/ her delegate may, at random, search any group of learners, or the property of a group of learners, for any dangerous object or illegal drug, if a fair and reasonable suspicion has been established –

 

• that adangerous object or an illegal drug may be found on School premises or during a School activity; or

 

• that one or morelearners on School premises or during a School activity are in possession of dangerous objects or illegal drugs.

 

• A search contemplated inparagraph3.2 above may only be conducted after taking into account all relevant factors, including –

 

• the best interests of thelearner/s in question or of any other learner at the School;

 

• the safety and health of thelearner/s in question or of any other learner at the School;

 

• reasonable evidence of illegal activity; and

 

• all relevant evidence received.

 

• When conducting a search contemplated inparagraph3.2 above, the Administrator or his/ her delegate must do so in a manner that is reasonable and proportional to the suspected illegal activity.

 

• Where a search contemplated inparagraph3.2 above entails a body search of the learner/s in question, such search may only –

 

• be conducted by—

 

• theAdministrator, if he/she is of the same gender as the learner being searched; or

 

• by theAdministrator’s delegate, who must be of the same gender as the learner being searched;

 

• be done in a private area, and not in view of anotherlearner;

 

• be done if one adult witness, of the same gender as the learner, is present; and

 

• be done if it does not extend to a search of a body cavity of the learner.

 

• Any dangerous object or illegal drug that has been seized must be—

 

• clearly and correctly labelled with full particulars, including—

 

• the name oflearner in whose possession it was found;

 

• the time and date of search and seizure;

 

• an incident reference number;

 

• the name of person who searched thelearner;

 

• the name of the witness; and

 

• any other details that may be necessary to identify the item and incident;

 

3.3.6.2                 recorded in the School record book; and

3.3.6.3                        handed over to the police immediately to dispose of in terms of section 31 of the Criminal Procedure Act, No. 51 of 1977 (“the Criminal Procedure Act”).

 

• If the police cannot collect the dangerous object or illegal drug from the School immediately, the Administrator or his/her delegate must-

 

3.3.7.1                        take the dangerous object or illegal drug to the nearest police station; and

 

3.3.7.2                        hand the dangerous object or illegal drug over to the police to dispose of in terms of section 31 of the Criminal Procedure Act.

 

• The police officer who receives the dangerous object or illegal drug must issue an official receipt for it to the Administrator or his/her delegate, as the case may be.

 

• TheAdministrator or his/ her delegate may at random administer a urine or other non-invasive test to any group of learners that is on fair and reasonable grounds suspected of using illegal drugs, after taking into account all relevant factors contemplated in paragraph3.3 above.

 

• Alearner contemplated in paragraph 3.3.9 above may be subjected to a urine or other non-invasive test for illegal drugs only if –

 

• the test is conducted by a suitably qualified person and, if appropriate, by a person of the same gender;

 

• it is done in a private area and not in view of anotherlearner;

 

• one adult witness, of the same gender as thelearner, is present;

 

• the sample is clearly and correctly labelled with full particulars as contemplated inparagraph3.6 above, with the necessary changes; and

 

• a device contemplated ins8A(11) of the Act is used.

 

• TheAdministrator or his/ her delegate must—

 

• within one working day, if practicable, inform theparent that a random test or search and seizure was done in respect of his/her child; and

 

• inform thelearner and his/her parent of the result of the test immediately after it becomes available.

 

• No criminal proceedings may be instituted by theSchool against a learner in respect of whom—

 

• a search contemplated inparagraph3.2 above was conducted and a dangerous object or illegal drug was found; or

 

• a test contemplated inparagraph 3.3.9 above was conducted, which proved to be positive.

 

3.4       CORRECTIVE AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

 

3.4.1   It is again confirmed that it is the School’s Policy not to condemn learners but to support those who need help.  Where possible, this will be managed in a way that least impacts on the learner’s school career.

 

Voluntary Request For Help

 

3.4.2   Learners who voluntarily request help from the School and/or those referred voluntarily by parents or teachers will be dealt with in a non-judgmental and non-disciplinary manner.  The School will provide assistance in recommending the best possible course of rehabilitation.  If deemed necessary by the School, an appropriate agreement for rehabilitation will be drafted by the School and signed by the learner, his/her parent/s  and the Administrator on behalf of the School.  The confidentiality of the learner and the family will be paramount throughout this process.

 

3.4.3   Further in this regard, the School will play a co-ordinating and managing role in the establishment of rehabilitation programmes and support groups for those learners and parent/s.

 

3.4.4   In this process, the School recognises that confidentiality is an important concern, and will strive to limit educator involvement in these cases.

 

3.4.5   The designated institution undertaking rehabilitation and treatment will be requested to supply the School with progress reports addressed to the Administrator or to a trained person designated by the School.  The learner and his/her parent/s hereby consent to these reports being furnished to the School.

 

3.4.6   If necessary, the rehabilitation programme can be adapted after consultation with the learner and his/her parent/s.

 

All Other Transgressions

 

3.4.7   Any learner found for the first time (i.e., a first offender) in possession of and/or under the influence of alcohol and/or any drugs on or in the vicinity of the School property, and/or during any school-related event, activity, outing or tour, and/or in any other situation where the learner may be identified as a learner of the School, will be dealt with in the following manner:

 

3.4.7.1                        A learner who is still in the stipulated initial 6 months’ probationary period or a learner who has been placed and is currently on probation for behavioural or pedagogic misconduct, will immediately be suspended and a disciplinary hearing regarding the transgressions/s will be convened, which could result in that learner being expelled from the School.

 

3.4.7.2                        In the event of the learner being a first offender but not falling within either of the categories specified in paragraph 3.4.7.1 above, the following programme will be implemented, at the discretion of College:

 

3.4.7.2.1                                 The learner will immediately be suspended from the School and a meeting will be arranged with the learner, his or her parent/s and Executive.

 

3.4.7.2.2                                 In light of the outcome of the meeting between the learner, his or her parent/s and Executive, and in light of the results of any urine/blood/breathalyzer test that may have been administered, the Executive will, in its discretion, determine whether or not a disciplinary hearing is to be convened in respect of the matter, which disciplinary hearing, if convened, may lead to the learner’s expulsion from the School.

 

3.4.7.2.3                                 If Executive determine that a disciplinary hearing is not warranted:

 

3.4.7.2.3.1                                    Executive will determine, in its discretion and after consultation with the learner and his/her parent/s, whether or not the learner is to enter a formal programme, approved of by the School, dealing specifically with substance abuse and, in this regard, it is the general policy of the School to require the learner concerned to enter such formal programme in these circumstances;

 

3.4.7.2.3.2                                    the learner will be required to carry out 20 hours of work within the School as directed by Executive or its selected member/s (as the case may be); and

 

3.4.7.2.3.3                                    a formal written warning will be issued by the School to the learner, warning him/her against committing the same or similar transgression/s again.

 

3.4.7.2.4                     The parent/s concerned will take full responsibility for all related costs of and/or associated with the learner entering into such formal programme.

 

3.4.7.2.5                     In the event of the learner concerned so entering a formal programme, the School will require a report from the counsellor of the programme after the learner has completed the programme and, in light of the contents of the report, the Executive will decide, in its sole discretion in this regard, whether or not a disciplinary hearing is, after all, to be convened in respect of the matter, which could result in the learner’s explusion from the School.

 

3.4.8   Any learner found for a second or further time in possession of and/or under the influence of alcohol and/or any drugs on or in the vicinity of the School property, and/or during any School related event, activity, outing or tour, and/or in any other situation where the learner may be identified as a learner of the School, then:

 

3.4.8.1                        the learner will immediately be suspended;

 

3.4.8.2                        the learner will be required to enter a complete rehabilitation programme with SANCA or other body approved of by the School for this purpose; and

 

3.4.8.3                        a final decision as to whether a disciplinary hearing is to be convened into the matter will be made by Executive or its selected member/s (as the case may be), in its/their/his/her (as the case may be) sole discretion in this regard, after a report feedback has been received from the counsellor concerned at either SANCA or the other approved body.

 

3.4.9    Should the learner be found dealing in and/or supplying alcohol and/or any drugs to any other person whomsoever on or in the vicinity of the School property, and/or during any School related event, activity, outing or tour, or in any other situation where the learner may be identified as a learner of the School, the learner will immediately be suspended and a disciplinary hearing in respect of the learner will be convened, whereat the School will seek the expulsion of the learner, with it being the firm policy of the School always to expel learners guilty of this transgression, unless compelling mitigating circumstances exist which compel disciplinary action short of expulsion.

 

3.4.10  Any learner who is in the company of either another learner or a group of learners who are carrying out any transgressions of this Policy on alcohol and drugs as set out in this paragraph 3, will be liable for corrective and/or disciplinary action as may be appropriate in the circumstances.

 

3.4.11 In the event of it being decided, in any of the circumstances described above in this paragraph 3.4, or in any other circumstances, to convene a disciplinary hearing into the matter, then the provisions of paragraph 4 will apply thereto.

 

4. PROCEDURE AT DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS

 

4.1       Learner’s Rights

 

4.1.1    A learner must:

 

4.1.1.1                        receive written notification of the date, time and venue of any disciplinary hearing;

 

4.1.1.2                        be informed in writing of the alleged transgression/s he/she has been charged with;

 

4.1.1.3                        receive such particulars of the alleged transgression/s as he/she may reasonably request;

 

4.1.1.4                        be given the opportunity to be heard and to present his/her side of the matter, to present relevant facts, to call relevant witnesses and to question any witnesses called by the School.

 

4.1.1.5                        be heard by an impartial person/s;

 

4.1.1.6                        be treated with dignity during the process; and

 

4.1.1.7                        be informed of the decision on whether or not he/she is guilty of the transgression/s and the penalty to be imposed.

 

4.1.2    The chairperson of the disciplinary hearing (the “Chairperson”) must cause a record of the proceedings of the hearing to be kept.

 

4.2       Procedure during Hearings

 

4.2.1   When all the evidence has been heard, the Chairperson must then weigh-up the evidence and come to a decision as to whether the learner is guilty or not of the transgression/s concerned.

 

4.2.2   Once this decision is reached, the Chairperson must reconvene all parties and communicate the decision reached to the learner.

 

4.2.3   If the decision is that the learner is not guilty of the transgression/s, that is the end of the matter.

 

4.2.4   If the decision is that the learner is guilty of the transgression/s, the Chairperson must then allow the School and the learner to present aggravating and/or mitigating circumstances pertaining to what penalty or penalties are appropriate.

 

4.2.5   The Chairperson is then to consider all aggravating and mitigating circumstances together with the provisions of this Policy, and is to come to a decision on an appropriate disciplinary sanction or sanctions.

 

4.2.6   The Chairperson must then inform, and explain to, the parties to the hearing this decision and the reasons for the sanction or sanctions (if any) that are being imposed.

 

4.2.7   Finally, the Chairperson must advise the learner of his/her right to appeal.

 

4.3       Appeal

 

4.3.1   The learner then has 5 working days from the date that the Chairperson handed down the penalty or penalties, in which to appeal against the decision taken at the hearing.

 

4.3.2   The appeal is to be in writing and is to state precisely what is being appealed against and the grounds for the appeal.

 

4.3.3   The appeal hearing will be chaired by the Chairperson of Council (or any other person either from Council or outside of the School selected by the Chairperson of Council for that purpose), provided that no person who acted as Chairperson of the disciplinary hearing will be entitled to chair the appeal hearing.  A representative of the School must be present at the appeal hearing.

 

4.3.4   At the appeal hearing the learner will have the same rights as at the disciplinary hearing.

 

4.3.5   The proceedings and the result of the appeal are to be minuted.

 

5. REVISION OF POLICY

 

• The School reserves the right to revise this Policy from time to time. Learners and their parent/s will be notified by the School of any such changes, which changes will come into effect 3 weeks after such notification. Copies of the revised Policy will be available at the School on request.

 

• Nothing in this Policy is to derogate from the right of the School to act in applicable situations according to the Regulations Relating to Safety Measures at Independent Schools as published in the Government Gazette No: 26663 on 20 August 2004. These regulations, amongst other things, deal with violence, drugs and trespassing on Independent School premises.

 

ADDENDUM AS REVISION TO SMOKING, ALCOHOL AND DRUG POLICY

A: This revision is given effect by Clause 5.1 of the Michael Mount Waldorf School (MMWS) Smoking, Alcohol and Drug Policy

B: The prescripts of this revision are in addition to the existing MMWS Smoking, Alcohol and Drug Policy (‘the Policy’) and should be read in conjunction.

C: This revision is necessitated to resolve any ambiguity and give effect to a new warning system.

D: Notice has been given and, in terms of the MMWS Smoking, Alcohol and Drug Policy, this revision will be in effect three weeks hence, and will be strictly enforced from 1 January 2023.

1. The corrective and disciplinary procedures for the Smoking section of this Policy and the Alcohol and Drug Policy section of the Policy are currently mutually exclusive – this is to say that any corrective/disciplinary procedures meted out in terms of the one section, do not have automatic effect on the other section.
2. Upon the first transgression of the Smoking section of the Policy, an ordinary warning will be issued to the student in addition to the current prescripts.
3. Upon the second transgression of the Smoking section of the Policy, a final warning will be issued to the student in addition to the current prescripts.
4. Upon the first transgression of the Alcohol and Drug section of the Policy, an ordinary warning will be issued to the student in addition to the current prescripts.
5. Upon the second transgression of the Alcohol and Drug section of the Policy, a final warning will be issued to the student in addition to the current prescripts.
6. Where a student has been issued an ordinary warning in terms of one section of the Policy and is then issued with an ordinary warning in terms of the other section of the Policy, no further action than currently prescribed will be meted out.
7. Where a student commits an infraction of the Policy that carries an automatic suspension, the student shall be issued with a final warning for the offence.
8. Where a student has been issued with a final warning in terms of either section of the Policy and is then issued with an ordinary warning in terms of the other section of the Policy, a Formal Disciplinary Hearing will automatically be convened as soon as possible thereafter.
9. All warnings shall be in writing and formally drafted and shall contain the details of the offence.
10. All warnings, to be valid, shall contain the signature of the School Administrator or his/her designated deputy in the absence of the School Administrator for any reason.
11. An ordinary warning shall expire automatically after a period of 12 months or on year.
12. A final warning shall expire automatically after a period of one calendar year – that is to say at the end of the year following its issue.
13. For example, if a final warning is issued at any time during 2023, it expires at the end of 2024 ad if an ordinary warning is issued on 1 April 2023, it expires on 31 March 2024.
14. There is no appeal or review process available to a student where either form of warning is issued.
15. The School administrator may, at his/her sole discretion extinguish either type of warning at the end of the school year in return for good behaviour and reform on the part of the student to whom a warning or warnings have been issued.
16. Smoking encompasses any and all tobacco products, including all electronic Vape-type products- whether the device (including batteries and chargers) or the fluid, irrespective of whether the fluid contains nicotine, as well as edible/chewing tobacco and all nicotine products and peripherals as well as all hookah products and peripherals.
17. Any offences involving cannabis, in whatever form, are considered as a Drug offence rather than a Smoking offence.
18. All persons are reminded that it is an offence for any person under 18 years of age to buy tobacco products – this includes hookah as well as vape flavours and liquids.

 

PARENTS/LEARNERS CONSENT AND SIGNATURES

 

CONSENT FORM: PARENT/S

 

Name of learner:          __________________________________

 

1. I have read and understand the contents of the School’s Policy on Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs (“the Policy”) and hereby agree that my child whose name appears above and I will abide by the contents of the Policy, having explained in detail to my child the meaning and consequences of the Policy.

 

2. I further authorise the School to conduct a urine or other non-invasive test on my child to test for alcohol and/or drug use, and to search my child’s body and property on reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use or possession, in accordance with the Policy.

 

3. I understand why these searches and tests are necessary, and I fully appreciate what the procedure involved will be and what the consequences of either a positive test or a search and seizure are, and do hereby freely give my consent thereto.

 

4. I agree I am liable for the costs of the test, and I consent to this amount being debited to my School account.

 

5. I acknowledge that it is my duty to disclose to the School any medicine that my child has taken that may affect the outcome of the test. I will provide the School with a doctor’s certificate as soon as is reasonably possible after any such test, which will state precisely what the nature of such medication is.

 

6. I understand that this form remains in effect until my child matriculates or leaves the School, whichever occurs the earlier.

 

 

Mother / Guardian / Care Giver Full Names:                 __________________________________

 

Mother / Guardian / Care Giver Signature:                    __________________________________

 

Date:                                                                            __________________________________

 

Father / Guardian / Care Give Full names:                    __________________________________

 

Father / Guardian / Care Giver Signature:                     __________________________________

 

Date:                                                                            __________________________________

 

 

 

 

CONSENT FORM: LEARNER

 

1. I hereby declare that I am over 12 years of age and have consulted with my parent/s on the School’s Policy on Smoking, Alcohol and Drugs (“the Policy”) prior to me signing this document.

 

2. I have read and understand the contents of the Policy and hereby agree to be bound by the contents of the Policy.

 

3. I further authorise the School to conduct on me a urine or other non-invasive test to test for alcohol and/or drug use, and to search my body and property on reasonable suspicion of drug or alcohol use or possession, in accordance with the Policy.

 

4. I understand why these searches and tests are necessary, and I fully appreciate what the procedure involved will be and what the consequences of either a positive test or a search and seizure are, and do hereby freely give my consent thereto.

 

5. I acknowledge that it is my duty to disclose to the School any medicine that I may have taken that may affect the outcome of the test. I will provide the School with a doctor’s certificate as soon as is reasonably possible after any such test, which will state precisely what the nature of such medication is.

 

6. I understand that this form remains in effect until my matriculation or leaving the School, whichever occurs the earlier.

 

 

 

Learner’s Full Name:                            _________________________________________

 

Learner’s Signature:                            _________________________________________

 

Duly Assisted By My Parent/s:              _________________________________________

Signature/s

 

Date:                                                    _________________________________________

 

 

November 2022

Rights and Responsibilities

 

Teachers have a right to teach and children have a right to learn

 

Rights	Responsibilities
§  I have the right to feel safe	§  I have the responsibility to allow others to feel safe
§  I have the right to be spoken to and treated with respect	§  I have the responsibility to speak to and treat others with respect
§  I have the right to be touched only in a respectful way	§  I have the responsibility to touch others only in a respectful way
§  I have the right to my personal space	§  I have the responsibility to respect the personal space of others
§  I have the right to expect others to hear and respect my feelings	§  I have the responsibility to hear and respect the feelings of others
§  I have the right for my gender culture and differences to be appreciated and valued	§  I have the responsibility to respect the gender, culture and feelings of others
§  I have the right to co-operative participation in School activities	§  I have the responsibility to participate co-operatively in School activities
§  I have the right to a safe and clean environment	§  I have the responsibility to help maintain a safe and clean environment
§  I have the right to have my property treated with care	§  I have the responsibility to treat my, and other people’s, property with care.

EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT

Safeguarding & promoting children’s wellness

Illness Policy for Baby Care

STATEMENT OF INTENT

It is our intention to protect the health and well-being of all the children and the staff at Michael Mount.

MMWS will promote the good health of the children and staff taking necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection and taking appropriate action when they are ill.

The good health of all children left in our care is important to us. Unfortunately, children do fall ill from time to time for a multitude of reasons. It is the intention of MMWS to act quickly where symptoms of an illness are evident for the well-being of the child involved, and to minimise the risk of spreading any illness.

SICK CHILD PROCEDURE

If a child arrives at the School and appears to have an infectious illness they may not be admitted to the School for risk of infecting others.

A teacher may request that a child be taken home if they are considered to be unwell, or not well enough to be attending School.

If a child becomes ill during the day, the following will apply:

• If staff members suspect that a child is unwell they must inform the teacher;
• Staff will take the child’s temperature and carefully monitor the child. The temperature will be recorded stating date and time that the temperature was taken;

The parent shall be contacted to take the child home if the following apply:
A high temperature (38.5C) and two or more of the following;

• Cough;
• Flu like symptoms;
• Vomiting and diarrhoea;
• There is blood in their faeces;
• The child has continuing or severe stomach pains;
• The child has a unidentifiable rash;
• The child is generally unwell (feels hot or looks flushed) and needs consoling continually on a one-on-one basis;
• Obvious contagious conditions

COLLECTION OF SICK CHILDREN

When a parent is contacted to fetch a child due to illness, the following will apply:

• The parent will collect the child as soon as possible and preferably within the hour;
• If this is not possible, then the parent must arrange for another person to collect the child, giving the teacher a full name and description;
• If the parent cannot be contacted within 15 minutes of the initial telephone call, then the School will contact the emergency contact person on the child’s file to arrange collection. In this event the School will endeavour to leave a message for the parents notifying them of the actions.
• If the child’s condition gives on-going cause for concern, and no person is able to collect the child within a reasonable time frame, then we will inform the Administrator and in turn, call the emergency services. Parents will be informed of this decision and advised to where the child is being taken.
• A member of staff will accompany the child to hospital, and will remain with the child until the parents/carer arrives.

If a child is or has been ill at home the following will apply:

• All incubation periods will be adhered to, to ensure no further spread of infection;
• Parents are asked to inform the teacher if their child has an infectious illness or develops one after attending school, so that the other parents can be advised.

Administering medicine at school:

• If it is necessary to administer medicine at school, the parent will need to sign in the medication book, giving a description of the medicine and dosage to be given. Without this no medicine will be administered.

EXCLUSION PERIODS FOR COMMON INFECTIONS

No child will be re-admitted until symptoms have cleared, or until a doctor has cleared the child to our care.

Michael Mount Waldorf School Sexual Harassment Policy

Michael Mount Waldorf School (MMWS) in line with our values to build a school community that understands our ethical and moral responsibility to one another and the world we aim for this policy to ensure accountability and integrity of spirit. We believe in respect for all of humanity, all ages, and we believe in empathetic social awareness that ensures safety for all. Sexual harassment infringes upon the basic human rights and undermines the values of the South African constitution.

1. STATEMENT OF INTENT
MMWS is committed to provide a working and learning environment which is:

• Free from all form of sexual harassment
• Committed to manage all forms of sexual harassment.
• Align with MMWS mission & vision.
• Safe and Secure
• Ensuring the dignity, respect, and integrity of all individuals
• Emphasis that sexual harassment is a serious breach of the school’s ethos.

This policy aims to:

• Implement strategies outlined in the SA Constitution to ensure the awareness of rights and responsibilities and MMWS code of ethics
• Encourage the reporting of unacceptable behaviour
• Create a complaints procedure for natural justice (3 main requirements of natural justice. Adequate notice, fair hearing and no bias)
• Treat all complaints in a serious, sensitive, fair and timely manner
• Guarantee that all incidents of victimisation or retaliation are managed and dealt with
• Follow processes that create communal healing and redemption for all parties involved
• Always promote appropriate standards of conduct

2. KEY DEFINITIONS

What Constitutes Sexual Harassment?

Sexual harassment is defined by law from the perspective of the recipient: sexual harassment is an unwelcome sexual advance, requests for sexual favours or other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature and it occurs if the behaviour makes a person feel offended, humiliated, or intimidated and it is reasonable in all the circumstances that the recipient would feel that way.
Sexual harassment can take many forms – it can be obvious or indirect, physical or verbal, non-verbal repeated or once-off and perpetrated by all persons against people of the same and/or opposite sex or gender.

Examples include but are not limited to:

1. Verbal forms such as unwelcome enquiries regarding a person’s sex life, telephone calls with a sexual undertone, continuous rude or sexist jokes/remarks, unwelcome requests for dates, remarks about a person’s figure, lewd or obscene sexual jokes, whistling, rude gestures, questioning someone about their sex life or sexual orientation or their gender identity, requests for sex
2. Non-verbal forms such as gestures with a sexual meaning, leering, continuous unwelcome flirtation, etc
3. Visual forms such as exhibiting pornographic photos, comics, objects, etc. that create a hostile environment
4. Quid pro quo forms such as sexual bribery (e.g. promising a promotion in return for granting sexual favours) and sexual extortion (e.g. refusal to promote an individual if he/she does not consent to granting sexual favours)

Sexual Assault

Physical forms of unwanted sexual activity such as unwelcome contact through non-consensual physical touching, pinching, fondling, kissing, pawing, assault, molesting, and rape.
Consent

When someone unambiguously and voluntarily agrees to do something without coercion, and fully understanding the consequences of their decision. In this regard:

• In any instance of sexual activity, it is the responsibility of both/all parties to ascertain whether the other person consents freely and without coercion
• Consent to one type or instance of sexual activity does not imply consent to other types or instances of sexual activity
• Silence does not imply consent
• Consent should be explicit and not implied and must take into account power dynamics
• Relenting and submitting does not equate to consent
• A previous or present consensual sexual or other relationship between the parties does not imply subsequent or future consent
• Consent is not implicit in a person’s manner of dress
• Accepting a social invitation is not consent nor does it imply consent
• Consent will not be effective when it is obtained from a person whose capacity to consent is diminished because they are asleep, unconscious or in an altered state of consciousness resulting from the use of alcohol, medicines or drugs to the extent that it adversely affects their judgement

Coercion

The use of force, threats or persuasive language.

Survivor or victim

• A person who has experienced sexual harassment. The terms ‘victim’ and ‘survivor’ are sometimes used interchangeably. Victims/survivors can be understood as both staff and students who are covered within the scope of this policy
• Complainant A person who, individually or in conjunction with others, make(s) a complaint of sexual harassment under the School’s Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedure.
  Respondent A person or organisation against whom a complaint has been made under the School’s Sexual Harassment Policy and Procedure

Discrimination

There are two forms of discrimination:

1. Direct discrimination – occurs when people are treated less favourably because they belong to a particular group or category of people, for example, women or men. It also includes treating someone unfairly because of a stereotype about the particular group or category of people
2. Indirect discrimination – exists when there is a requirement (a rule, policy, practice or procedure) that is the same for everyone, but which has an unequal or disproportionate effect or result on particular groups. Unless this type of requirement is reasonable in all the circumstances, it is likely to be indirect discrimination.
   Confidentiality An ethical principle that restricts access to and dissemination of information. In investigations on sexual harassment, abuse, fraud and corruption, it requires that information is available only to a limited number of authorised people for the purposes of concluding the investigation. Confidentiality helps create an environment in which witnesses are more willing to recount their versions of events and builds trust in the system and in the greater school

3. PROCEDURE FOR MANAGING CLAIMS OF SEXUAL HARASSMENT

The principles of procedural fairness should apply during all stages of the complaint’s resolution process. Persons responsible or investigating and resolving complaints have a duty not to be affected by bias or conflict of interest and must act fairly and impartially. Each party shall be informed of the case against him or her and given the opportunity to be heard.

The matter must always be dealt with in a manner that is both procedurally and substantively fair. The complainant has the right for the matter to be treated informally or formally. The principles of natural justice to be observed include:

• The right of each party to be heard
• The right of each party to be treated fairly
• The right of the respondent to have a witness or support person, who may be a representative, present at any meetings
• The right of the respondent to know the allegations made against them
• The right of the respondent to respond to the allegation(s) made against them, and
• The right of both parties to a decision-maker who acts fairly and in good faith

1. Complaints should be investigated as soon as possible, with as few individuals involved as possible
2. Complainant and respondent are entitled to be informed of the progress of the complaint
3. Anyone who is part of this process need to be aware that the matter must be treated with the strictest confidentiality
4. During and after the process, appropriate efforts should be made to ensure harmonious working and learning relationships

MMWS will continue to review the resolutions and the wellbeing of the complainant and the alleged harasser for a period, to ensure the actions taken have been effective in stopping the sexual harassment.

Process to lay a complaint of sexual harassment:

• Complainant to report to key contact person
• The key contact person must emphasise that the matter will be reported
• Key contact person to inform the school administrator, mediator, or direct line manager
• The school administrator will determine the category of the case as a minor or major offence

Minor offence category

• The key contact person should deal with the issue accordingly with pedagogical intent
• Due steps to be taken for counselling, education, and support

Major offence category

• The school administrator must escalate the complaint to the Executive Committee for further investigation and due process

Key Contact person

• Key contact person for students: Class guardian, class teacher, any other teacher you comfortable with.
  *If the complaint is against the key contact person, a subsequent person of equal authority may be approached.

4. CORRECTIVE AND DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES

Any student of MMWS accused of sexual harassment or sexual abuse in any form whatsoever on or in the vicinity of the school property, and/or during any school-related event, activity, outing or tour, or in any other situation will be dealt with in the following manner:

• A student who is still in the stipulated initial 6 months’ probation period or who has been placed on a current probation period for behavioural or misconduct issues, will immediately be suspended and a disciplinary hearing will take place with the Executive Committee which could result in the student being expelled.
• A student who is a first-time offender or does not fall in the categories of paragraph 4.1.1 the following programme will be implemented at the discretion of the College of Teachers.
• The student will immediately be suspended from MMWS, and a meeting will be arranged with the learner, parent/s and the Executive Committee.

5. PROCEDURE AT DISCIPLINARY HEARINGS

Student’s Rights

A student must:

• receive written notification of the date, time, and venue of any disciplinary hearing
• be informed in writing of the alleged transgression/s he/she has been charged with
• receive such particulars of the alleged transgression/s as he/she may reasonably request
• be given the opportunity to be heard and to present his/her side of the matter, to present relevant facts, to call relevant witnesses and to question any witnesses called by the school
• be heard by impartial person/s
• be treated with dignity during the process; and
• be informed of the decision on whether or not he/she is guilty of the transgression/s and the penalty to be imposed
• The chairperson of the disciplinary hearing (the “Chairperson”) must cause a record of the proceedings of the hearing to be kept

Procedure during Hearings

• When all the evidence has been heard, the Chairperson must then weigh-up the evidence and come to a decision as to whether the learner is guilty or not of the transgression/s concerned
• Once this decision is reached, the Chairperson must reconvene all parties and communicate the decision reached to the student
• If the decision is that the student is not guilty of the transgression/s, that is the end of the matter
• If the decision is that the student is guilty of the transgression/s, the Chairperson must then allow the school and the student to present aggravating and/or mitigating circumstances pertaining to what penalty or penalties are appropriate
• The Chairperson is then to consider all aggravating and mitigating circumstances together with the provisions of this Policy and is to come to a decision on an appropriate disciplinary penalty or penalties
• The Chairperson must then inform, and explain to, the parties to the hearing this decision and the reasons for the sanction or sanctions (if any) that are being imposed
• Finally, the Chairperson must advise the student of his/her right to appeal

6. APPEAL

• The student then has 5 working days from the date that the Chairperson handed down the penalty or penalties, in which to appeal against the decision taken at the hearing
• The appeal is to be in writing and is to state precisely what is being appealed against and the grounds of the appeal
• The appeal hearing will be chaired by the Chairperson of the College of Teachers (or any other person either from College of Teachers or outside of the school selected by the Chairperson of College of Teachers for that purpose), provided that no person who acted as Chairperson of the disciplinary hearing will be entitled to chair the appeal hearing. A representative of the school must be present at the appeal hearing
• At the appeal hearing the student will have the same rights as at the disciplinary hearing

7. EDUCATION PROGRAMME AND REHABILITATION

• Students who have been found guilty of sexual harassment and who wish to better understand, why their offences are deemed inappropriate or persons who have been selected to be a part of the programme voluntarily by parents or teachers will be dealt with in a non-judgmental and non-disciplinary manner. The school will provide assistance in recommending the best possible programme/ course of action. The confidentiality of the person(s) will be paramount throughout this process
• Further in this regard, the school will play a co-ordinating and managing role in the establishment of educational programmes and counselling support students who have been affected
• In this process, the school recognises that confidentiality is an important concern, and will strive to limit staff and student body involvement in these cases
• The designated institution undertaking rehabilitation and treatment will be requested to supply the school with progress reports addressed to the Administrator or to a trained person designated by the School. The student and his/her parent/s hereby consent to these reports being furnished to the School
• Necessary, the rehabilitation programme can be adapted after consultation with the learner and his/her parent/s

PAIA Compliance

Michael Mount Waldorf School is committed to complying with the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) of South Africa. This act serves as the national legislation intended to promote transparency, accountability, and governance by granting public and private bodies the right to access information. These documents are available below:

PAIA Compliance form 2

PAIA Compliance form 3