Policies

Michael Mount Waldorf School's pledge

Michael Mount Waldorf School strives to work out of anthroposophy, thus upholding the principle of equality while embracing freedom and respect for human dignity. We strive to support the development of each unique individual in our community so each may be nurtured and become a conscious, creative independent thinker. We are committed to the belief that it is through compassion and an understanding of others that we can protect the dignity of our diverse community.

We understand the importance of transforming the systemic injustices of our past by dismantling structural prejudice. We will actively create an environment that is anti-racist, inclusive, that upholds and protects human dignity while being a place of safety for all in our community. We acknowledge that given the history of our country, the future depends on our commitment to build a community that is inclusive, equitable and just. We will actively listen and build an environment that is based on human relationships where professionalism is upheld. All Acts and forms of discrimination are rejected.

Dress code for High School pupils — Classes 8 - 12

• All clothes and footwear are to be clean, neat, of appropriate size, suitable for school and
  conducive to learning
• Dresses, shorts and skirts must be of an appropriate length for learning;
  • Ski pants/leggings/excessively tight fitting pants are not acceptable except when worn under a dress or skirt;
  • Sleeveless tops may be worn but must have straps of an appropriate width and must not be low cut or see through;
  • No midriffs may be exposed
• Hair should be neat and not obscure vision, and be a natural colour
• Piercings in ears are acceptable and the earrings should be appropriate for school
• Make-up must be discreet
• Caps may only be worn outdoors

Matric Privileges

• Girls may wear nail varnish of a subtle colour and boys are allowed neat facial hair while in
  their Matric year

When a student arrives at school and is found to be in breach of the dress code, parents will be
contacted and asked to bring a change of clothes, or the student will be sent home.

Dress code for Primary School pupils — Classes 1 - 7

• All clothes must be appropriate for school; clean, neat, preferably natural fibre - no holes or
  tears.
• Dresses, skirts, shorts – just above the knee.
• Pants, leggings, jeans – comfortable fit.
• Shirts – shoulders must be covered, no bare midriffs.
• All clothes – plain or patterned, no writing, cartoons or questionable motifs and images.
• Shoes – secure to feet, appropriate for weather.
• Hair – tied up; out of the face. No unnatural hair colour or styles/cuts.
• Jewellery – one small stud in each ear only.
• No nail varnish or makeup.
• Hats to be worn outside only.

If a student arrives at school, and is in breach of the dress code, parents will be contacted and asked to bring a change of clothes or the student will be sent home.

Lost property is kept in the wooden cupboard outside the administration offices. Please label your child’s
clothing for easy identification.

Rights and Responsibilities

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.

Screen and 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 — 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 cell phones and Electronic media whilst at school

*For the purposes of this policy, school hours are from 07:00 am to 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.

Preparing young people for life

Values Statement

• The Staff, Pupils and Parents of Michael Mount Waldorf School embrace the following values:
  • Christian Ethics and Morals
  • Respect for other Human Beings and the Recognition of Individuality
  • Upholding the Principles of Integrity
  • Enthusiasm for Work and Pride in Achievement
  • Acknowledgement of Self-worth
  • Respect for and appreciation of Nature

We believe in 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.

Vision

• The Vision for Michael Mount Waldorf School is:
• 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 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.

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.

• 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 necessary 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.

Access to and use of our site

• By accessing or using our site, you accept these Terms of Use as well as our Web-related Data Protection and Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy in full.
• IF YOU DO NOT AGREE TO THESE TERMS OF USE, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM USING OUR SITE.
• We reserve the right to modify these terms and policies at any time without notice.
• 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.
• You may not re-publish any of the information, content and material contained in the site, in whole or in part, without our and the respective author’s prior written permission.
• You may not use this website or any portion of it for monetary gain.
• Without limitation, you are NOT granted the right to manipulate or in any other way change the site or its contents.
• You also agree not to remove, obscure, or alter any copyright notice, trademarks, or other proprietary rights notices affixed to or contained within or accessed in conjunction with or through the site.
• We reserve all rights not expressly granted in and to the site.

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.

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 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.

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. We advise using 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.

Last reviewed: 24 November 2023

Michael Mount Waldorf School Web-related data protection and privacy policy

This policy sets out how Michael Mount Waldorf School, as the data controller, treats information that is received and / or collected through your use of our site.

The information we collect

Every time you browse/use our site we may record the following information: transactional information based on activities on the website, Internet Protocol address, browser information and application numbers, Cookies; and Geographical location. This data is anonymized and used for statistical purposes. Should you wish to subscribe to receive certain information on offer on our site, we may request that you
provide certain additional information such as your name and email address. You may choose to ‘unsubscribe’ from receiving these at any time.

When you sign up, subscribe, fill out a form, comment, send us an e-mail or ask us to respond to you or when you communicate with us in any other way, we retain the information that you have included in the respective Communication as well as our responses to such Communication. We may associate such information with information received from other channels such as your site usage information. In line with the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA), we will attempt to ensure the confidentiality of all personal information.

We will never sell your information

We will never share your information unless we are required by law to do so or with third-party service providers who process data on our behalf, such as email service providers.

Your consent

If you do not agree to the terms of this Data Protection and Privacy Policy, please do not use our site. Upon your request, we will endeavour to delete your personal information.

Security

We respect your right to privacy and are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure we have put in place suitable measures to safeguard and secure the information we collect. Although we take reasonable steps to safeguard information, we cannot be responsible for the acts of those who gain unauthorised access and we make no warranty, express, implied or otherwise, that we can prevent such access. In the event of a data breach, we have an incident response plan in place which includes notifying the Information Regulator and affected data subjects.

Cookies

We may use cookies and Google analytics when you visit our site. A cookie is a small file that asks permission to be placed on your computer’s hard drive. A cookie does not give us access to your computer or any information about you. For more information about the types of cookies we use and their purposes, please see our Cookie Policy.

Links

This site includes links to and from 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. These external sites have their own privacy policies, and we encourage you to review them.

Questions?

Should you have any questions or concerns about this Data and Privacy Policy, please contact us at nchoonoo@michaelmount.co.za.

Last reviewed: 24 November 2023

Michael Mount Waldorf School cookie policy

The Cookie Policy outlines how Michael Mount Waldorf School (“we”, “us”, or “our”) uses cookies and similar technologies to recognise you when you visit our website. www.michaelmount.co.za. It explains what these technologies are and why we use them, as well as your rights to control the use of them.

What are cookies?

Cookies are small data files, which are used for access to the internet, that are stored on your computer, mobile device, tablet, or any other device of any given user.

Cookies are installed through a request by the server of a given web page to your web browser and are completely "passive" (they do not contain any software, viruses or spyware and do not have access to the information of the User hardware). Thanks to their flexibility and the fact that most websites use cookies, their use is almost inevitable.

What are cookies used for?

Cookies are used in various ways. They allow the website to function more efficiently. Cookies are required for you to browse the website and to use its services and functionalities.

Essential website cookies: These cookies are strictly necessary to provide you with services available through our website. Without these essential cookies, our website will not function as well as we would like it to, and it may hinder certain services or features.

Performance and functionality cookies: These cookies are used to enhance the performance and functionality of our website but are non-essential to their use. Without these, certain functionalities may become unavailable.

Analytics and customisation cookies: These cookies collect information that is used in aggregate form, to help us understand how our website is being used, how effective our marketing campaigns are, and to help us customise the website for users.

Security and confidentiality

Cookies are not viruses. They take the form of simple text. They are not made out of code and cannot therefore be executed or execute themselves alone. Consequently, they may not be duplicated or copied into other networks in order to get started and copied once more. Since
cookies cannot perform those functions, they cannot be regarded as viruses.

Most often, browsers have built-in privacy settings, which provide different levels for the acceptance of cookies, the period of their validity and their automatic deletion after a user has visited a given website.

How can I control cookies?

You have the right to decide whether to accept or reject cookies. You can set or amend your web browser controls or refuse cookies. If you choose to reject cookies, you may still use our website though your access to some functionalities and areas of our website may be restricted.

How often will we update the Cookie Policy?

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time in order to reflect, for example, changes to the cookies we use or for other operational, legal or regulatory reasons. Please therefore re-visit this Cookie Policy to stay informed about our use of cookies and related technologies.

Where can I get further information:

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or any other technologies, please email us at waldorf@michaelmount.co.za.

Useful links

If you want to read more about cookies and what are they used for, we recommend you visit:https://allaboutcookies.org/

Last reviewed: 24 November 2023