PART 4 STATUTORY INFORMATION€¦ · gess part 4 01.08.2012 page 1 contents 1. name 2. place of business 3. objectives of the association 4. members of the association 5. tuition

4.1 Constitution 01 4.2 School Fee Bye-Law 16 4.3 School Bye-Law 20 4.4 GESS Community Code of Conduct 33

P A R T 4 – S T A T U T O R Y I N F O R M A T I O N

CONTENTS

GESS Part 4 01.08.2012 Page 1

CONTENTS

1. NAME

2. PLACE OF BUSINESS

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION

4. MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION

5. TUITION FEES

6. GENERAL MEETING

7. BOARD OF GOVERNORS

8. RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL

9. TRUSTEES

10. AUDIT

11. MISCELLANEOUS

12. AMENDMENT TO RULES

13. INTERPRETATION

14. DISSOLUTION

P A R T 4 . 1 – C O N S T I T U T I O N


GERMAN EUROPEAN SCHOOL SINGAPORE (DEUTSCHE EUROPÄISCHE SCHULE SINGAPUR)

(the ‘Association’)

NAME 1. The Association shall bear the name: “German European School Singapore –

Deutsche Europäische Schule Singapur”.

PLACE OF BUSINESS 2. Both its place of business and its address for correspondence shall be at 72, Bukit

Tinggi Road, Singapore 289760, or such other address as may be decided upon by

the Board of Governors and approved by the Registrar of Societies from time to time.

OBJECTIVES OF THE ASSOCIATION 3.

a. The objectives of the Association are:

i. To establish, run and operate the “German European School Singapore –

Deutsche Europäische Schule Singapur”, (‘the School’), a School for the

purpose of providing education in the German language as well as in one

of the official languages of Singapore and for imparting European values

and to forge links with the different cultures of Singapore.

ii. To provide pupils with the suitable preschool, primary and secondary and

(if appropriate) dual vocational training education with the up-to-date

educational methods and principles and to prepare them for final

examinations recognised in Germany and respectively other

internationally recognised examinations. The integration of the German

pupils into the educational system of the Federal Republic of Germany

must always be possible.

iii. To familiarise pupils with local languages and cultures as well as to

further human and cultural relations outside the School through extra-

curricular activities so as to promote mutual understanding and generally

provide a comprehensive and favourable impression of the Federal

Republic of Germany.

b. The Association shall have the powers to carry out the following activities and

services in furtherance of its objectives:

i. To provide facilities for the education and development of the mental,

physical and moral characters of the pupils.

ii. To provide courses and programmes to develop the pupils’ whole

personality, their mental and physical health and shall inculcate in them

the spirit of tolerance and understanding and appreciation of international

affairs in order to promote peace and goodwill in the world.

iii. To purchase or otherwise acquire land and to build thereon the School

and any additions and improvements thereto and to furnish and equip the

School with such furniture, equipment and educational aids as may be

necessary.

P A R T 4 . 1 – C O N S T I T U T I O N


iv. To borrow such sum or sums of money as the Association at a General

Meeting may approve and to provide security therefore by mortgage or

otherwise.

v. To undertake fund-raising.

vi. To offer extra-curricular activities.

vii. To undertake matters furthering the welfare and education of the pupils

and staff of the School.

viii. To act as a channel through which parents may express their opinion and

desires through the Board of Governors to the principal and the teachers

of the School.

ix. Subject to this Constitution and any laws in force in Singapore for the time

being, to accept not only pupils of German nationality but also those of all

other Nationalities.

x. To enter into any arrangements with any government or authority,

supreme, municipal, local, or otherwise, that may seem conducive to the

Association’s objects, or any of them; and to obtain from any such

government or authority any rights, privileges, and concessions which the

Association may think it desirable to obtain; and to carry out, exercise,

and comply with any such arrangements, rights, privileges, and

concessions.

xi. To apply for, secure, acquire by grant, legislative enactment, assignment,

transfer, purchase, or otherwise, and to exercise, carry out, and enjoy any

charter, licence, power, authority, franchise, concession, right or privilege,

which any government or authority, or any corporation or other public

body may be empowered to grant.

xii. To invest and deal with the money of the Association not immediately

required in such manner as may from time to time be thought fit.

xiii. To purchase, take on lease or in exchange, hire, or otherwise acquire any

movable or immovable property and any rights or privileges which the

Association may think necessary or convenient for the purposes of its

objects.

xiv. To sell, improve, manage, develop, exchange, lease, dispose of, turn to

account, or otherwise deal with all or any part of the property and rights of

the Association.

xv. To carry on any other activity which may seem to the Association capable

of being conveniently carried on in connection with its objects.

xvi. To do all such other things as are incidental or conducive to the

attainment of the objects and the exercise of the powers of the

Association.

MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION 4.

a. Membership Categories:

i. Ordinary Membership: Shall be open to any Person over 18 years of age

irrespective of citizenship and residing in Singapore and Johor Bahru,

Malaysia.

ii. Associate Membership: Shall be open to all persons over 18 years of age

other than those stated in Rule 4.a.i. and to corporate bodies who wish to

advance the interests of the School.


iii. Honorary Membership: Individuals who have offered their services for the

promotion of the School, the German language or the cultural contacts

between The Federal Republic of Germany and The Republic of

Singapore may be elected Honorary Members at the General Meeting

upon nomination by the Board of Governors.

b. Process of Membership

i. Persons and corporate bodies wishing to join the Association should

submit their names to the Hon. Secretary upon such forms as may be

prescribed by the Board of Governors.

ii. The Board of Governors shall decide by simple majority of votes on the

enrolment of Members. An enrolment can be declined without

explanations.

iii. A Member shall cease to be a Member if he resigns, is expelled, fails to

pay his annual subscription or dies.

1. To resign, a Member has to give at least six weeks’ notice to the

end of the quarter. Resignation will take effect as from the end of

the quarter.

2. The Board of Governors has the right to expel a Member by

reason of conduct deemed to be injurious or prejudicial to the

interest and objects of the Association. The Member concerned

must be informed of the reasons. The Member has the right to

appeal against such decision to the General Meeting. The

decision of the General Meeting shall be final and conclusive.

iv. A copy of the Constitution and Bye-Laws shall be made available to every

Member.

c. Cost of Membership

i. The annual subscription shall be:

A - Ordinary Member S$150.00 B - Associate Member

1. Persons S$150.00

2. Corporate Bodies S$500.00

C - Honorary Member Free

Parents of children enrolled in the ‘German European School Singapore’ shall together be required to pay one annual subscription only. Members joining the Association after 1 January of any year shall pay 50% of the above-mentioned amounts. Any Member who ceases to be a Member at any time during the course of the year shall not be entitled to any pro rata refund. If not otherwise declared the year as referred to in this Constitution means the academic year (1 August to 31 July) which coincides with the financial year.

ii. The annual subscription shall be due upon acceptance as a Member and

thereafter in August of each year. Members in arrears of their

subscriptions or other dues shall be informed by the Hon. Secretary. If

they fail to settle their arrears within 4 weeks of becoming due, the

President or Hon. Secretary may order that the Member be denied their

privileges of membership until they settle their account. If the arrears

exceed 3 months, the Member will automatically cease to be a Member


and the Board of Governors may take legal action against him provided

the Board of Governors is satisfied that the Member has received a notice

requiring payment of his dues within two weeks and payment remains

outstanding after that time.

iii. The rate of annual subscription may only be varied by a General Meeting.

Any special subscriptions for particular purposes may only be raised from

Members with the consent of a General Meeting.

TUITION FEES 5. The tuition fees payable for pupils enrolled at the School are to be determined by the

Board of Governors of the Association according to budget requirements as

approved by the Annual General Meeting pursuant to Rule 8.b.

GENERAL MEETING 6. The General Meeting shall be the supreme authority, and the ultimate responsibility

for the Association shall be vested in the General Meeting.

a. Quorum at a General Meeting

i. At least one quarter of the Members (Ordinary and Associate Members)

of the Association present in person or by proxy at a General Meeting

shall constitute a quorum. For the purposes of determining if a quorum is

met, parents who pursuant to Rule 4.c. have paid one annual

subscription, if either or both is/are present, shall be counted as one

Member.

ii. In the event of there being no quorum, the Meeting shall be adjourned for

half an hour. Should by then the number of Members being present be

insufficient to form a quorum, the Members present shall constitute the

quorum, but they shall have no power to alter, amend or make additions

to any part of the existing Constitution.

b. Voting at a General Meeting

i. Parents who pursuant to Rule 4.c. have paid one annual subscription

shall, if either or both is/are present at the meeting, together have one

vote only.

ii. Ordinary and Associate Members shall have one vote each.

iii. Each Corporate Member represented by a duly authorised employee in

the General Meeting shall be entitled to only one vote.

iv. Members shall be entitled to cast their votes on any resolution, motion or

decision to be passed at a General Meeting in person or by proxy.

c. Proxy Votes

i. A Member may be represented at a General Meeting by a proxy who may

speak and vote on behalf of the Member provided that:

1. The proxy must be appointed in writing under the hand of the

appointor and state the full name of the proxy.

2. The instrument appointing a proxy must be in a format as

prescribed by the Board of Governors and presented upon

commencement of the meeting at which the person named in

such instrument proposes to vote.

3. The person named as proxy in such instrument must be an

Ordinary or an Associate Member.


ii. No Member shall be entitled to hold more than 2 proxies in any General

Meeting.

iii. In the event that a Member (being an individual) holds more than 2

proxies, all the proxies held by that Member shall be invalidated and that

Member shall not be entitled to speak or to vote on behalf of any of the

appointors under the said proxies. However, that Member shall still be

entitled to his own personal vote.

7. The Annual General Meeting shall be held within four months of the close of the

financial year on 31 July. The Board of Governors may call an Extraordinary General

Meeting at any time. An Extraordinary General Meeting must be called at the request

in writing of 15 or more Members. No Annual General Meeting or Extraordinary

Meeting shall be held on public holidays or during School holidays.

8.

a. At least 14 calendar days notice shall be given of an Annual General Meeting or

an Extraordinary General Meeting. Particulars of the Agenda for any such

meeting shall be sent to Members at least at the same time.

i. Attached to the Agenda for the Annual General Meeting shall be at least

the following exhibits:

1. Report of the Board of Governors

2. Budget for the current year

3. Summary of Audited Financial Statements for the previous

financial year.

ii. Further exhibits and information, including at least the following:

1. Report of the Hon. Treasurer

2. Detailed Profit and Loss Statements for the previous financial

year

3. Report of the School Principal

4. Minutes of the previous General Meeting of the Association

may be sent to Members by post or email or may be made available to

Members as soft copy via download from the School’s website. A

hardcopy of such exhibits and information shall be made available to any

Member upon written request addressed to the School Administration and

delivered to 72, Bukit Tinggi Road, Singapore 289760.

b. The powers and/or duties of the Annual General Meeting are as follows:

i. To discuss and approve the report of the Board of Governors, the report

of the School Principal and the previous year’s accounts.

ii. To discuss and approve the budget for the current year except where this

has been approved at an earlier General Meeting of the Association.

iii. To decide on motions submitted by the Board of Governors or Members

as well as special levies to cover extra costs.

iv. If required, to appoint an Arbitration Board to settle matters of dispute.

v. To elect one Member present at the Annual General Meeting to act as

Interim Chairman to preside over the orderly election of

Member/Members to serve on the Board of Governors.


vi. To exonerate the Board of Governors in Office in respect of the affairs of

each preceding year.

vii. To elect Elected Board Members to the Board of Governors for a period

of two years as required by Rule 10.a.

viii. To elect the Auditors for one year only as detailed under Rule 21.

ix. To confirm the Minutes of the previous General Meeting.

c. Members who wish to place further items on the Agenda have to advise the Hon.

Secretary in writing 7 days prior to the meeting.

d. The General Meeting shall decide with the simple majority of votes (subject to

Rule 23.a. and 25.a.).

BOARD OF GOVERNORS 9.

a. In accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act and relevant regulations,

a Large Charity, (as defined in the regulations), must appoint a minimum of 10

charity trustees, two of whom must be Singapore Citizens of Permanent

Residents, to be responsible for the general control and management of the

administration of the Association.

b. Accordingly, the Association shall be managed by Ten Board Members, (the

‘Board of Governors’), which shall consist of:

i. Eight Board Members elected in accordance with Rule 10.a. comprising:

President

Vice President

Hon. Secretary

Hon. Treasurer and

1st Ordinary Board Member

2nd Ordinary Board Member

3rd Ordinary Board Member

4th Ordinary Board Member

(the ‘Elected Board Members’); and

ii. Two Board Members appointed in accordance with Rule 10.b. (the

‘Appointed Board Members’).

c. Of the Elected Board Members, the President, Vice President, Hon. Secretary,

Hon. Treasurer and at least one Ordinary Board Member must be Ordinary

Members.

d. Except as otherwise stipulated herein, all provisions in this Constitution and/or

the Bye-Laws concerning the Board of Governors shall be applicable to the

Elected Board Members and the Appointed Board Members.

e. Any Board Member, whether elected or appointed, may be removed from office

at any time by resolution passed by a simple majority of Members at a General

Meeting of the Association.

10.

a. Elected Board Members

i. Elected Board Members shall be elected by the Members at an Annual

General Meeting, and when so elected may remain in office until the

second Annual General Meeting following the Annual General Meeting at


which they were elected, when they shall be deemed to resign from the

Board of Governors, (but may stand for re-election).

ii. Save as provided in Rule 10.a.iii., all office bearers and Ordinary Board

Members may be re-elected.

iii. A person who has held the office of Hon. Treasurer shall not serve as

Hon. Treasurer of the Association for a period exceeding four consecutive

terms but may be elected or appointed (pursuant to Rule 11.), to any

other vacancy on the Board of Governors. Further reappointment to the

office of Hon. Treasurer may be considered after the lapse of at least one

term.

iv. For the purposes of this Rule [10], the word ‘term’ shall mean the period

between one Annual General Meeting and the next.

v. An employee of the School and his immediate relatives shall not be

eligible for election as an Elected Board Member and shall not be entitled

to vote in the election and on the exoneration of the Board of Governors.

b. Appointed Board Members

i. Appointed Board Members shall be appointed and removed by the

Elected Board Members as follows:

1. In the case of appointment, the affirmative vote of 5 Elected

Board members is required.

2. In the case of removal, the affirmative vote of all Elected Board

Members is required.

ii. Appointed Board Members shall be appointed by the Elected Board

Members at the earliest opportunity after the conclusion of an Annual

General Meeting. Appointed Board Members may remain in office until

the second Annual General Meeting after which they were appointed,

when they shall be deemed to resign from the Board of Governors, (but

may be subsequently reappointed).

iii. An employee of the School and his immediate relatives shall not be

eligible for appointment as an Appointed Board Member.

11. Subject to Rule 12., in case of any casual vacancy on the Board of Governors the

following shall apply:

a. A ‘casual vacancy’ shall include vacancies in the Board of Governors arising as a

result of death, resignation, expulsion or the operation of any of the Rules herein.

b.

i. If the position vacated is one of an office bearer, the Board of Governors

shall have the power to co-opt one of the continuing Elected Board

Members to such position; or

ii. If the position vacated is one of an Elected Board Member not being an

office bearer, the Board of Governors shall have the power to co-opt a

Member of the Association to the Board of Governors, (who shall be

deemed to be an Elected Board Member);

iii. Any person so co-opted shall hold office only until the next following

Annual General Meeting but shall then, subject to Rule 10, be eligible for

election.


iv. If the position vacated is one of an Appointed Board Member, the Elected

Board Members acting in accordance with Rule 10.b. shall have the

power to appoint a new Appointed Board Member to fill the vacancy.

12. In the period between the previous and the next Annual General Meeting, no more

than 2 Members of the Association, (not being Members already serving in the Board

of Governors), may be appointed to fill casual vacancies.

13.

a. The powers available to the Board of Governors shall ordinarily be exercised at

Board meetings conducted in accordance with the following provisions:

i. Board meetings shall ordinarily be called by the President. Notice in

writing of 7 days must be given. Any Board Member may ask the

President to call a Board Meeting. In this case, three days’ notice has to

be given. At least three members of the Elected Board of Governors

including the President or the Vice President must be present to form a

quorum.

ii. Board decisions will be taken by a simple majority of votes cast at the

Board Meeting and in the case of equality of votes, the President or in his

absence the Vice President shall have a casting vote.

b. In urgent matters, the Board of Governors can decide by Circular Resolution. A

resolution in writing, signed by three quarters (3/4), of the Board Members shall

be as valid and effectual as if it had been passed at a meeting of the Board of

Governors duly convened and held. For the purposes of this provision,

information ‘in writing’ includes information in a visible form generated,

communicated, received or stored by electronic, magnetic, optical or other

means.

14.

a. The duty of the Board of Governors is to organise and supervise the activities of

the Association and to make decisions on matters concerning its running. It may

not act contrary to the decisions taken at General Meetings without prior

reference to them. It always remains subordinate to the General Meeting.

b. Unless otherwise stated, the Board of Governors shall have the following duties:

i. To present at the Annual General Meeting an Annual Report together with

properly drawn up accounts signed by the President or Vice President,

the Hon. Secretary, Hon. Treasurer and certified by the Auditors.

ii. To discuss and prepare the budget for the new financial year and to

control its execution. The Board of Governors has power to authorise

extra expenditure per year not mentioned in the budget provided,

however, that those expenditures are fully covered by additional,

unbudgeted net current profits or, if none, future profits, should the

Board, acting reasonably and with due care and attention, deem the

extra expenditure critical in the current year as a means of generating

a net future profit or a net future cost saving.

iii. To sign and accept legal declarations on behalf of the Association and to

conduct legal transactions, (subject to Rule 15.).


iv. To represent the Association in and out of court, to take legal actions and

to withdraw same, to transfer its rights in full or any part thereof to third

parties, (subject to Rule 15.).

v. To determine the structure and character of the School in accordance

with Rule 3.a. and in consultation with the Principal and in agreement with

the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany. Organizational

matters of the School shall be decided by the Board of Governors in

agreement with the Principal.

vi. To approve guidelines, rules or regulations issued by the Principal so far

as they are in respect of matters other than those pertaining to education

and teaching, the holiday schedules and the official regulations,

(Dienstanweisungen), and to ensure that the School will be operated in

accordance with the Bye-Laws, the Education Act Cap. 87, the Private

Education Act 2009 and the Education (Schools) Regulations to ensure

furthermore that the health requirements as stated in the Education

(Schools) Regulations and/or as recommended by the Commissioner of

Public Health shall be complied with and maintained.

vii. To employ and dismiss the Principal, teachers and employees of the

School and lay down the respective service instructions in as far as these

do not concern pedagogical and educational matters. All matters relating

to the pedagogical and educational management of the School are the

sole responsibility of the Principal.

viii. To decide on applications for reduction of the tuition and other fees.

15. As far as fundamental decisions are concerned – especially on objective and

structure of the School – or decisions which may result in material financial impact,

the prior agreement of the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany has to

be obtained.

16. Documents of the Association signed by the President or the Vice President together

with a second Member of the Board are legally binding. If matters concerned have an

effect on the volume and on the kind of German official subsidy, the prior approval of

the Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany shall be obtained. In so far as

the documents refer to the responsibility of the Principal, he shall be kept informed.

Nothing in this rule is intended to limit the powers of the Board of Governors to

authorise, whether before or after the event, the performance of any action or the

signing of any document, by any person or persons, so as to be binding upon the

association.

17.

a. Board Meetings shall be held at least once in 3 months.

b. Board Meetings are not open to the public. The Principal is entitled to attend the

Board Meetings in an advisory capacity, i.e. without any voting rights, however, in

regard of matters concerning himself, he shall not attend the meeting.

c. The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany or his Representative is

entitled to attend the Board Meetings in an advisory capacity.


d. The President shall chair at all General and Board Meetings. He shall also

represent the Board of Governors in its dealings with others. The Vice President

shall deputise for the President in the latter’s absence.

18.

a. The Association shall indemnify Members of the Board of Governors against any

personal liability arising out of or in connection with such Board Members acting

in good faith on behalf of the Association. This indemnity does not apply in the

case of fraud, wilful misconduct or gross negligence.

b. The Hon. Secretary shall keep all records, except financial records of the

Association and shall be responsible for their correctness. He shall keep Minutes

of all General and Board Meetings. The Minutes shall be signed by the President

and the Hon. Secretary.

c. The Hon. Treasurer shall be responsible for ensuring proper financial books

and records are maintained and that all transactions are correctly accounted

for. He must ensure that the financial books and records are audited

annually, by external auditors elected at an Annual General Meeting.

Cheques and other financial transactions shall be signed by at least two

Board approved signatories with Board approved specific limits.

d. Duties of other office bearers may be prescribed from time to time by the Board

of Governors.

e. Any Board Member absenting himself from three meetings consecutively without

satisfactory explanation shall be deemed to have withdrawn from the Board of

Governors.

RIGHTS AND OBLIGATIONS OF THE PRINCIPAL 19. The Rights and Obligations of the Principal, in particular his participation in personnel

decisions by the Board of Governors are governed by his Contract of Employment,

the Service Regulations, the School Bye-Laws and the Bye-Laws for Faculty

Conferences.

TRUSTEES 20. The Board of Governors shall be empowered to appoint Trustees of the Association

in order that the immovable property of the Association may vest in them. The

property shall be dealt with by them as the Board of Governors shall from time to time

direct by resolution, (of which an entry in the minute book shall be conclusive

evidence). The Trustees shall hold office until death or resignation or until removed

from office by a resolution of the Board of Governors who may for any reason which

may seem sufficient to a majority of them present and voting at any meeting remove

any Trustee or Trustees from the Office of Trustee. Where by reason of any such

death, resignation or removal it shall appear necessary to the Board of Governors

that a new Trustee or Trustees shall be appointed or if the Board of Governors shall

deem it expedient to appoint an additional Trustee or additional Trustees the Board of

Governors shall by resolution nominate the person or persons to be appointed the

new Trustee or Trustees. For the purpose of giving effect to such appointment, the

President is hereby nominated by the Board of Governors to appoint such person or

persons as the Trustee or Trustees of the Association.

AUDIT


21. A firm of chartered accountants shall be elected as Auditors at the Annual General

Meeting for the period of one year only. The Board of Governors shall fix their

remuneration. The firm will be required to audit the year’s accounts and present a

report on their findings to the Annual General Meeting. The Auditors may be required

by the President or a minimum of 15 Members of the Association to audit the

Association’s accounts for any period within their tenure of office at any date and

make a report on their findings. The financial year shall begin on 1 August and end

on 31 July of the following year.

MISCELLANEOUS 22.

a. Gambling of any kind is forbidden on the Association’s premises.

b. The Association shall not attempt to restrict or in any other manner interfere with

trade or prices or engage in any Trade Union activity as defined in any written law

relating to Trade Unions for the time being force in Singapore.

c. The Association shall not hold any lottery, whether confined to its Members or

not, in the name of the Association or its office bearers, Board of Governors or

Members.

d. The Association shall not indulge in any political activities or allow its funds

and/or premises to be used for political purposes.

e. The funds of the Association shall not be used to pay the fines of Members who

have been convicted in Court.

AMENDMENT TO RULES 23.

a. Alterations or additions to this Constitution have to be approved by a resolution

passed by a majority of not less than three-quarters of the Members voting at any

General Meeting.

b. Any alterations or additions to this Constitution shall not come into force or be

applied without the prior approval of the Registrar of Societies and the Sector

Administrator or Commissioner of Charities (under the Charities Act).

c. As long as the School is receiving subsidies from the Government of the Federal

Republic of Germany, any alterations or additions to the Constitution shall not

come into force or be applied without the prior approval of the Ministry of Foreign

Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany.

INTERPRETATION 24. Anything that has not been adequately covered or dealt with by this Constitution or by the

Bye-Laws or in any other regulations shall be decided by and concluded by the Board of

Governors at its own discretion.

DISSOLUTION 25.

a. The Association shall not be dissolved, except with the consent of not less than

three-quarters of the Members of the Association for the time being resident in

Singapore and Johor Bahru and present in person at a General Meeting

convened for this purpose.

b. In the event of the Association being dissolved or the operation of the German

School being terminated or upon any sale or disposal of the trust properties, the

Trustees shall hold the assets of the Trust or any proceeds from such sale of


disposal upon Trust firstly to apply the same for the purpose of the Trust and

secondly to distribute the remainder thereof to approved charities with similar

objects in Singapore nominated by the Association.

c. Notice of dissolution shall be given within 7 days of the dissolution to the

Registrar of Societies and Commissioner of Charities/Sector Administrator by the

Board of Governors.


CONTENTS

1. TUITION FEES

2. ENTRANCE FEE

3. SCHOOL DEVELOPMENT LEVY

4. DEPOSIT

5. TEXT BOOKS, TEACHING AIDS (INCL. NOTEBOOKS), SCHOOL EXCURSIONS

6. SHORT-TERM ENROLMENT

7. SCHOOL BUS

8. PAYMENT OF FEES AFTER TERMINATION

9. ENROLMENT DURING A SCHOOL YEAR

10. PAYMENT AND DELAY THEREOF

11. EASY PAYMENT TERMS

12. CONCLUDING REGULATIONS

P A R T 4 . 2 – S C H O O L F E E B Y E - L A W


SECTION 1: TUITION FEES Tuition fees vary according to grades attended and shall be charged upon enrolment in the School. According to Section 11 of the Rules of the Association, the rates shall be determined by the Board of Governors according to budget requirements as approved by the Annual/ Extraordinary General Meeting pursuant to Section 14 (b) of the Rules. Invoices for tuition fees shall be issued bi-annually in advance, for the following semester, in July and January respectively. Please contact our Accounts Department to discuss possible payment alternatives. Request for alternative payment conditions need to be applied in advance, i.e. prior to 01.07 resp. 01.01 for the invoice for the subsequent semester. SECTION 2: ENTRANCE FEE Before enrolment of a student, a one-time entrance fee of S$ 2,945.00, (consisting of an enrolment fee of S$2,000 and non-refundable administrative fee of S$945.00 incl. prevailing GST) is due. The enrolment fee will only be refunded in the following circumstances:

i) Student is not accepted due to the results of the student evaluation. ii) Application is withdrawn by written notice because a student is still waitlisted on

the intended enrolment date. iii) Application is withdrawn by written notice before a place has been offered.

The enrolment fee will be forfeited where a place is offered to the applicant, but not taken up or the application is withdrawn by written notice after a place has been offered. SECTION 3: DEVELOPMENT LEVY The Development Levy is payable in respect of every student other than those attending the Parent- Child-Groups and the Toddler Group. The Development Levy is an annual payment of S$4,890 (inclusive of prevailing GST) payable in two equal installments and invoiced together with tuition fees. For 3rd child onwards and from 2nd year onwards, the development levy will be charged at S$2,445. SECTION 4: DEPOSIT As a result of changes brought about by the Private Education Act 2009 deposits are currently not levied for students commencing education at GESS now. Should the regulations regarding payment of deposit change you may in due course also be asked to pay some security for fees. For further information please contact our Admissions Department. SECTION 5: TEXT BOOKS, TEACHING AIDS (INCL. NOTEBOOKS), SCHOOL EXCURSIONS 1. Textbooks required by the students can be purchased from the School Shop. Starting

from academic year 2011/12, text books will be provided by the School for certain grades. The cost of loaned text books are included in the school tuition fees.

2. The costs of the notebooks and related charges for the notebook classes

(commencing in grade 9) shall be borne by parents.

P A R T 4 . 2 – S C H O O L F E E B Y E - L A W


3. The expenses for school excursions and class trips shall be borne by the parents.

They are billed in a separate invoice. SECTION 6: SHORT-TERM ENROLMENT Any student, who is enrolled in the School for not more than six months, shall pay tuition fees according to the short term fee structures (Part 2.3 School fee structure). Tuition fees will be charged as follows for short term enrolments: Enrolled in: Tuition fees chargeable 1st to 20th day of the month 1 month fee 21st to end of the month ½ month fee Terminating in: 1st to 10th day of the month ½ month fee 11th to end of the month 1 month fee SECTION 7: SCHOOL BUS The school bus service shall be paid to the service provider directly. SECTION 8: PAYMENT OF FEES AFTER TERMINATION Termination according to Section 4.2 of the School Bye-Law, shall take effect at the end of the school semester (January, July). All tuition and other fees shall be payable in full till the end of the school semester; there shall not be any proportionate refund. SECTION 9: ENROLMENT DURING A SCHOOL YEAR If and when a student enrols during the school year, a proportional tuition fee (Part 2.3 School fee structure) shall be payable, calculated as follows: Enrolment in: Share of Tuition fees payable: August/September 100% October 85% November/December 75% January 60% February/March 50% April 35% May/June 25% SECTION 10: PAYMENT AND DELAY THEREOF 1. Tuition fees are payable for a whole semester in advance. Fees are not refundable in

whole or in part.

2. Payment of invoices for tuition fees and extras (such as learning resources, notebooks, network charges, school excursions / class trips) shall be due within 30 days from the date of invoice.

3. The Principal reserves the right to refuse access to school facilities and lessons to

students, whose invoices have not been fully settled. GESS further reserves the right to withhold any school reports or related documents in such cases.


4. Failure to pay the invoices on due date may result in termination of the student contract.

5. GESS reserves the right to impose compound interest charge on overdue invoices at the rate of 8% per annum.

6. GIRO payments are deducted by the 5th of each month. If a GIRO payment cannot be processed or is rejected due to insufficient funds a $50 Admin Surcharge will be charged. The failed installment will need to be paid via cash or cheque within 7 days from notice. Failure to settle the amount within 7 days will be treated as non-payment of fees and the student contract will be terminated.

7. Responsibility for payment of invoices: Settlement of fees is the joint and several responsibility of each signatory of the Application form.

8. An agreement with a third party to pay the fees or any other sum due to the School does not release parents from any liability under these terms and conditions.

9. Any costs/expenses/charges incurred with the enforcement of this bye-law including legal costs shall be borne by the parents on a full indemnity basis.

10. Written notice of withdrawal from GESS must be submitted to Admissions department,

not later than 31st October for semester 1 and 30th April for semester 2. Failure to give adequate notice may result in the fees for the following semester failing due.

11. Additional rules and regulations regarding terms and conditions are available in the School Bye-Law and School Fee Bye-Law from the School Administration.

SECTION 11: EASY PAYMENT TERMS 1. If parents are not able to afford the tuition fees according to Section 1 in part or in full,

the Board of Governors may, in special circumstances, agree to a reduction or easy payment terms. The Board of Governors shall decide upon receiving a written application from the parents concerned. The Board of Governors shall decide the documentation required to be submitted by the applicant, in support of the application.

2. Reductions shall only be granted for the current academic year. A new application

shall be submitted to the Board of Governors for the ensuing year. 3. All applications, including the respective documents submitted, shall be treated in

strict confidence. SECTION 12: CONCLUDING REGULATIONS The following schedules are part of this Bye-Law: 1. Valid school fees structure that is published in the website. 2. Bye-law is updated on a regular basis. Last update 23 March 2011.


CONTENTS 1. GENERAL

1.1 Mission and Objectives of the School 1.2 Purpose of the School Bye-Laws 1.3 Additional Bye-Laws

2. STATUS OF THE STUDENT IN THE SCHOOL

2.1 Rights of the Student 2.2 Responsibilities of the Student 2.3 Participation of the Student

3. PARENTS AND THE SCHOOL

3.1 Cooperation between Parents and School 3.2 Use of Photographs and Images 3.3 Participation of Parents

4. ENROLMENT AND TERMINATION OF STUDENTS

4.1 Registration 4.2 Enrolment and Termination 4.3 Leaving School

5. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

5.1 Obligation to participate in Lessons and School Events 5.2 Obligation to wear School Uniform and Sports Clothes 5.3 Obligation to take along and wear the Sun-protection Caps 5.4 Absence from School 5.5 Absence from Singapore of both Parents 5.6 Granting leave of absence from Lessons and other School Events 5.7 Granting exemption from participation in Sports Lessons and Religious Studies 5.8 Drug Testing

6. PERFORMANCE OF THE STUDENT, HOMEWORK, PROMOTIONS

6.1 Performance and work skills 6.2 Homework 6.3 Promotions

7. DISCIPLINE POLICY FOR STUDENTS OF GESS

7.1 School Staff and school bodies which can impose disciplinary measures 7.2 Educational Measures 7.3 Disciplinary Measures 7.4 Procedure

P A R T 4 . 3 – S C H O O L B Y E - L A W


8. OBLIGATION OF THE SCHOOL TO SUPERVISE STUDENTS AND LIABILITY OF THE SCHOOL 8.1 Obligation to supervise 8.2 Insurance and Liability

9. HEALTH CARE IN THE SCHOOL

9.1 Medical Emergencies 9.2 Special Diets and Allergies 9.3 Injury on Premises after School Hours

10. ACADEMIC YEAR, SCHOOL EXCURSIONS, SCHOOL BUS SERVICE, TEXT BOOK

LOAN PROGAMME 10.1 The Academic Year 10.2 School Excursions 10.3 Bus Transport to School 10.4 Guidelines to School Text Book Loan Programme

11. REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE ATTAINED THE LEGAL

AGE

12. THE HANDLING OF OBJECTIONS AND COMPLAINTS



1. GENERAL

1.1 Mission and Objectives of the School The school shall impart the German language, German curricula and a realistic picture of Germany with its many aspects as well as the language and culture of Singapore. This shall enable the student to meet other peoples and cultures and educate him/her to be cosmopolitan, achieve international understanding and to acquire a peace-loving attitude. The school shall enable the student to follow an educational path in accordance with his/her capabilities. Therefore, the school shall have the obligation to impart knowledge and skills, to guide him/her to make independent judgments and to further the development of his/her personality and social development. The school shall educate him/her to acquire self-determination and responsibility towards his/her fellow-beings, to acquire acceptance of the ethical norms and religious values, tolerance and the respect towards the conviction of others. The imparting of curricula and educational values corresponds with the educational objectives of the school. The educational objectives and the organization of the lessons correspond with the regulations that are laid down by the Federal Republic of German and the Republic of Singapore.

1.2 Purpose of the School Bye-Laws The school shall only be able to comply with the mission, provided that the Board of Governors of the German School Association Singapore (ASSOCIATION), the Principal, Teachers (of School and Kindergarten), Students and Parents and Guardians (hereinafter called ‘Parents’), cooperate in a trustworthy manner. These Bye-Laws shall support such cooperation.

1.3 Additional Bye-Laws Further Bye-Laws shall be effective: The Bye-Laws pertaining to

- the Parents’ Representatives, - the Council of Parents’ Representatives, - the Students’ Community Council, - the Faculty Representatives Council, - the Service Regulations for the Principal, - the Faculty Conferences, - the “Reifeprüfungsordnung (RPO) [conduct of the final examinations at the end

of the 13th grade], - the Promotion of Students as well as - the House Bye-Laws - the Bye-Laws for the use of the Sports Centre - the Bye-Laws governing the use of the School Busses - the Bye-Laws for Fees.

P A R T 4 . 3 – S C H O O L B Y E - L A W


2. STATUS OF THE STUDENT IN THE SCHOOL To fulfil the mission of imparting the curricula and educational values, it is essential that the student be given the possibility to take part in the shaping of lessons and school life, that he/she is prepared to take this opportunity and that he/she is fit to exercise his/her rights and obligations in accordance with the mission of the school.

2.1 Rights of the Student By his/her participation in the lessons and his/her participation in the

formulation of the lessons and in school life, the student shall work towards the realization of this right of education created for him/her, depending on his/her capabilities and age.

In particular he/she shall have the right,

- to be informed of matters that concern him/her - to be informed of his/her standard of performance and to be given advise in

respect of his/her scholastic career - to be able to complain if his/her rights are prejudiced - to be consulted before disciplinary actions are taken

2.2 Responsibilities of the Student Attaining the educational objectives and performing the scholastic tasks shall only

be possible, provided the student participates in the lessons and other compulsory school events.

The student shall commit him-/herself to comply with recommendations and directions given by his/her Principal, his/her Teachers and other authorized persons within the scope of the lessons and in the interest of school life. With this, he/she shall contribute to the accomplishment of the school’s objectives and to create and maintain the order necessary for co-existing in the school.

2.3 Participation of the Student In conjunction with the educational mission of the school, there shall be the task of

encouraging the student to share responsibility, in particular, with the formulation of the lessons and his/her participation in the school-life depending on his/her age. The Students’ Community Council has been established for this.

The publication of a students’ magazine shall take place in agreement between the students concerned and the Principal.

3. PARENTS AND THE SCHOOL

3.1 Cooperation between Parents and School The education and the upbringing of the students shall be a task jointly performed by the parents and the school. The close contact between parents and school shall be part of this as well as timely communication to avoid problems that affect the scholastic development of the student. The school shall render advice in professional and pedagogical matters. The school shall provide access to the Bye-Laws, Regulations and Guidelines, schedule


meetings between parents and teachers as well as parents’ evenings and parents’ meetings. Parents shall support the school in its mission to provide education. They shall thus cooperate with the teachers (in Kindergarten and School) and the Principal and shall inform themselves about the conduct and standard of performance of their child. The parents shall ensure that their child fulfils his/her obligation to attend school, shall be suitably equipped for the lessons and shall treat the school’s property with care. The parents shall commit themselves to pay the school fees and other fees, set by the ASSOCIATION, on time. Applications for waiving or reducing the school fees, providing reasons and details of their financial means, may be submitted by the parents to the Administration Manager. The Administration Manager shall present such applications to the Board of Governors of the ASSOCIATION for decisions.

3.2 Use of Photographs and Images

Parents’ consent to the use of their child/ward images, photographs, artworks and other material by GESS for purposes including raising the profile of the school as well as the display of their child/ward works and achievements.

3.3 Participation of Parents

Parents shall be given the opportunity to participate in an appropriate manner in the actual school life. The Parents’ Representatives of the individual classes and the Council of Parents’ Representatives have been introduced for this. Parents of children enrolled in the school may become members of the ASSOCIATION. The membership is governed by the Constitution of the ASSOCIATION. The appropriate application for membership should be submitted.

4. ENROLMENT AND TERMINATION OF STUDENTS

4.1 Registration

The registration of a student shall be made by the parents or their legal representative. Documentary proof that may be required by the school shall be submitted during registration.

4.2 Enrolment and Termination

The Principal shall decide on the enrolment of a student and his/her assignment to a suitable grade/class. In cases where verification shall be required, this decision shall be made in consultation with a Board of Governors made up of teachers and other pedagogical specialists of the school. When admitting students who intend to obtain a German qualification, the regulations laid down by the “Conference of Ministers of Culture of German States” shall be observed. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Republic of Germany has approved the Bye-Laws for the enrolment of students, currently in force at the school. Upon registration, the parents shall be given the Rules of the ASSOCIATION besides the other relevant Bye-Laws, Regulations and Guidelines of the school. By acknowledging their receipt, the parents signify their agreement to comply with these Rules, Bye-Laws, Regulations and Guidelines.


Prior to the student leaving the school, the parents are obliged to submit a written notice of termination. The notice shall be given at least three months prior to the end of a semester. (End of Semesters: 31.01 / 31.07) The student shall receive a school-leaving report.

4.3 Leaving School

The student shall leave the school, upon - completion of his/her educational qualification in accordance with the

educational objectives/chosen scholastic career; - the parents giving timely written notice of leaving; - being expelled from school following a disciplinary action; - parents not meeting their payment obligations towards the ASSOCIATION. In the first case, he/she shall receive a final report, in all other cases, a school leaving report. Students, who cannot be taught in accordance with their capabilities in spite of extended special tuition, may be required to leave the school. In this case, the Principal shall provide adequate advice as to alternative and more appropriate education.

5. SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

5.1 Obligation to participate in Lessons and School Events The obligation to participate in lessons shall include the following:

- the student’s preparation for lessons, - his/her actively participating in the lessons, - completing the assignments given to him/her and - having the schoolbooks and material readily available. - From Grade 9 onwards, participate in the school’s laptop programme the

conditions and policies of which are set out on the school’s website and are deemed incorporated into these School Bye-Laws.

If a student registers for an elective subject, or a co-curricular activity (CCA), he/she is obliged to regularly participate during the term fixed by the school. The Principal may grant exemptions. It is recommended that each student of the school participates in a minimum of one CCA.

5.2 Obligation to wear School Uniform and Sports Clothes

Students are required to wear the approved school uniform during attendance at school, on school trips and during other official activities of the school, whether on or off the school premises. This regulation applies to all students of the German European School Singapore, including those in the vocational college. Students are obliged to wear the specially designed sports outfit when taking part in sports lessons, sports CCAs and competitions and matches with other schools. This regulation shall apply to all students of the German European School Singapore without exception. This sports outfit shall also serve to uphold the loyalty to the


school and to facilitate body hygiene, for immediately after the sports lessons, a change of clothes shall be required.

5.3 Obligation to take along and wear the Sun-protection Caps

The children in the Kindergarten, Preschool and in grades 1 and 2 of the Elementary School are obliged to take a sun cap with them. The obligation to take the caps along and to wear them shall be exclusively designed for protection from the extreme solar radiation in Singapore. The caps must be worn whenever the teachers (in Kindergarten and School) consider this necessary. The wearing of the caps shall especially be mandatory during school excursions, play in the open air and sports events. The material used for these caps – available for sale at the German School –does not allow solar rays to penetrate and thus guarantees optimal protection, especially for sensitive areas of the face and neck of the children.

5.4 Absence from School

Parents shall be required to inform the school immediately if the student is not able to attend lessons or other compulsory school events for medical or other reasons. Upon returning to school, the student shall submit a written message from the parents stating the duration of and reason for the absence. Students that have attained the legal age (21 years of age) shall act on their own rights. In special circumstances, the school may require a medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner to be presented.

5.5 Absence from Singapore of both Parents

If there are occasions when both parents will be absent from Singapore, a written note to the class teacher and principal is required (The respective form is available at the Secretariat and on the Intranet Fileserver.) The name and contact number of the student’s temporary guardian while both parents are away, is to be provided. This should, normally, not be the domestic servant. A signed letter of authority is to be given by the parents to the temporary guardian authorizing him/her to act on behalf of the parents during their absences, in the event of an accident or hospitalisation. A sample letter is also available at the Secretariat and Intranet Fileserver. A copy of the letter of authority is to be lodged with the school. This applies analogously to a single parent.

5.6 Granting leave of absence from Lessons and other School Events

The respective subject teacher may grant leave of absence from individual lessons. The class teacher may approve leave of absence for up to one school day. In excess of this, and when the leave is immediately before or after school holidays, the Principal shall give the approval. Leave of absence for a longer period and especially before or after school holidays shall only be granted in exceptional cases and upon receiving an application giving valid reasons for such request. The applicant shall be responsible for any deterioration in performance as a result from such absence. In such instances, the school may suspend the promotion of the student. The school has to be informed


immediately if and when a student is unable to return in time, after the school holidays.

5.7 Granting exemption from participation in Sports Lessons and Religious

Studies A student may only be exempted for an extensive period from sports lessons if a medical certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner to that effect, is submitted. If ‘Religious Studies’ is a regular subject at the school, the students shall attend the ‘Religious Studies’ lessons of their respective denomination or alternatively, ‘Ethics’ lessons. If ‘Religious Studies’ is taught on an ecumenical basis, no grades shall be given and the subject is not taken into consideration regarding the promotion of the student. Exemption from ecumenical ‘Religious Studies’ shall only be granted upon written application by the parents. Upon reaching the legal age for choosing one’s religion (14 years of age), the student him-/herself shall decide, however, the parents shall be informed. The principal shall grant such exemptions.

5.8 Drug testing

The school may conduct drug tests on students of grade 7 and above in cases where there are good grounds of suspicion as well as at random. The Principal shall decide on the procedures of the test; students selected must participate. If and when a test is positive, the school is required under Singapore law to inform the relevant authorities and may decide what further steps to take, including expulsion of the person tested positive. The school shall not be held liable for any consequences of the aforesaid actions which it may decide to take."

6. PERFORMANCE OF THE STUDENT, HOMEWORK AND PROMOTIONS

6.1 Performance and the work skills The teachers shall assess the performance of students on a pedagogical basis. They shall observe the valid regulations and the standards agreed upon by the Subject Level and General Faculty Conferences. When assessing the performance, the results of the possible maximum number of oral, written and practical assignments, are to be taken into account. All types of assignments that shall be used for establishing the performance shall have been practiced during lessons. The school has formulated “Principles for the Assessment of Performance, Tests and Acts of Deception”.

6.2 Homework

When assigning homework, the school shall adhere to the pedagogical basics in respect of characteristics, targets, extent and the assessment of such homework.

6.3 Promotions

The promotion to the next higher grade and the issuing of reports shall be governed by the “Bye-Laws for the Promotion of Students” that have been approved by the “Joint Federal & State Council On School Work Abroad” (BLASchA).


7. Discipline Policy for students of GESS

7.1 School staff and school bodies which can impose disciplinary measures:

Subject Teacher

Homeroom Teacher

Head of Department, Head of Section, Principal

Class faculty conference (see footnoteii)

Disciplinary Board

The Disciplinary Board comprises of the Principal (Chair), the Heads of Sections, all Heads of Departments and four faculty members, voted for by the all staff conference. The principal may at his discretion delegate the chair to a Head of Section or Head of Department. In disciplinary board hearings pertaining to individual students, Heads of Department and the Heads of Section who are not directly concerned will usually not participate, whereas the student’s homeroom teacher will be invited and has full voting rights. The student‘s confidence teacher is part of the Disciplinary Board in a non-voting, advisory role. 7.2 Educational Measures Educational measures are aimed at giving the student the opportunity to reflect on his behaviour and initiating a process of learning appropriate behaviour. Educational measures include but are not limited to discussions with the student and/or his/her parents, oral warnings, removing the student from class for the duration of the on-going lesson, completing assignments during overtime, confiscating material, giving assignments/obligation that aim at compensating for a student’s actions. In cases where a student has a record of repeated offences, parents are informed in order to facilitate a coordinated approach between the school and the parents. A mandatory counselling programme with the GESS student counsellor may be imposed. Educational measures may be imposed by any faculty member at any time where deemed to be appropriate. 7.3 Disciplinary measures Disciplinary measures are aimed at establishing an orderly educational and safe environment at GESS and safeguarding students and employees as well as the property of the school.

Disciplinary Measure

Right to impose Persons to be informed / record

7.3.1 Exclusion from on-going lesson

Subject teacher Homeroom teacher / recorded in class book

7.3.2 Exclusion from classes or school activities taking place the same day

Homeroom teacher, Head of Department, Head of Section, Principal

Parents, Homeroom teacher, Head of Department; recorded in class register and student’s file

7.3.3 Written warningi Class faculty conferenceii (chair: homeroom teacher), Head of Department;

Parents, Homeroom teacher, Head of Department; recorded in student’s file and


Head of Section , Principal

notification made on the report cardiii

7.3.4 Exclusioniv from classes or school activities for up to two days

Class faculty conference

Parents, Head of Department; Head of Section recorded in student’s file; possible notification made on the report card

7.3.5 Exclusion from classes or school activities up to one week

Class faculty conference in agreement with Head of Department

Parents, Head of Section; recorded in student’s file and notification made on the report card

7.3.6 Transferring student permanently to another classv

Class faculty conference in agreement with Head of Department

Parents, Head of Section; recorded in student’s file and notification made on the report card

7.3.7 Exclusion from classes or school activities for more than one week up to one month

Disciplinary Board

Parents, class faculty conference; recorded in student’s file and notification made on the report card

7.3.8 Final written warning: including the warning that the student may be permanently excluded from school.

Disciplinary Board

Parents, Board of Governors, class faculty conference; recorded in student’s file and notification made on the report card

7.3.9 Permanent exclusion from school

Disciplinary Board

Parents, Board of Governors, Homeroom teacher, class faculty conference; recorded in student’s file

With all disciplinary measure additional educational measures can be imposed. If considered necessary a class faculty conference (in the case of 7.3.3 and 7.3.4) or the Disciplinary Board (In the case of 7.3.5. and above) may require the student to attend counselling (including but not necessarily limited to GESS student counselling). Any costs that might occur have to be borne by the parents. 7.4 Procedure 7.4.1 All educational and disciplinary measures imposed shall have regard for individual circumstances and must be in proportion to the behaviour in question. 7.4.2 The outcomes under 7.3 describe an escalation of disciplinary measures. However, it is entirely within the discretion of the school to determine which disciplinary measure is applied, having regard to the seriousness of the event and the circumstances prevailing. 7.4.3 Before the school imposes disciplinary measures, the student in question and (in the event of disciplinary measures 7.3.2 to 7.3.9 inclusive) his/her parents shall be given the opportunity to express their position.


In cases conducted by the Disciplinary Board (7.3.7 to 7.3.9 inclusive) this is usually done in the form of a hearing, which the student will attend in person. In addition to having parents with him/her a student may seek assistance from a student or teacher of his/her choice during this hearing. 7.4.4 In the case of a hearing of the Disciplinary Board at which a decision is to be made on whether to permanently exclude a student from school, the student’s parents may elect that either the chairperson of the Parents’ Committee or the chairperson of the Board of Governors attends the Disciplinary Board hearing. Such person shall attend in a consultative capacity only and shall have no vote. If the student in question is the child of the Chairperson of the Board of Governors or the Parents’ Committee then the parent shall not be permitted to attend the hearing in a consultative capacity, but only as a parent. 7.4.5 The location, timing and conduct of a hearing shall be determined at the sole discretion of the Chair having due regard for fairness and transparency. The student, his or her parents and the student or teacher assisting the student will be invited to attend the hearing of the Disciplinary Board at which the circumstances of the matter shall be presented and the student, parents or assisting teacher or student shall have the right to speak on behalf of the student. Following the hearing of all the facts the Disciplinary Board (without the student, parents or assisting teacher or student) shall discuss the findings and the appropriate measures in confidence and communicate its decision to the student and his or her parents as soon as practicable. For the avoidance of doubt if the student or his parents elect that the Chair of the Board of Governors or the Parents Committee attends the hearing then that person shall remain in attendance throughout and that person shall treat the information received during the closed part of the hearing as confidential. 7.4.6 The Disciplinary Board shall come to its decision by a simple majority. In cases of an equality of votes, the Chairperson of the Disciplinary Board shall have the final or casting vote. 7.4.7 Parents will be informed about disciplinary measures in writing (which may include post or E-Mail) and the disciplinary measures may be recorded in the student file and/or report card as set out in 7.3. _______________________________ i A written warning is a formal written notification sent to parents / guardians in which the school expresses its strong

disapproval of a student’s behaviour and which outlines further disciplinary measures (as above) which might be

taken if the behaviour in question persists or reoccurs. The issuing of a written warning is noted on the student’s report

card.

ii The class faculty conference comprises all teachers who teach the relevant class.

iii This excludes in all cases school leaving certificates or report cards which state formal qualifications.

iv Exclusion can be either internal (where a student is isolated from his class) or external (where a student is not

permitted to enter the school grounds).

v Transferring students between classes is undertaken at GESS to improve the educational and social dynamics

within classes. As such this takes place regularly without necessarily being the result of disciplinary issues. However, in

some cases a student may be transferred in consequence of breaking school rules.


8. OBLIGATION OF THE SCHOOL TO SUPERVISE STUDENTS AND LIABILITY OF THE SCHOOL

8.1 Obligation to supervise

The school shall be obliged to supervise the students during lessons, breaks and free, during participation in other school events as well as for an appropriate period, before and after the lessons. The supervision shall be carried out by teachers and other authorized staff. This may include parents who have volunteered or students suited for this role and who have, accordingly, been authorized for certain duties by the school or other authorized employees of the school. The student shall be required to obey instructions given by these persons.

8.2 Insurance and liability

Upon enrolment in the school, the student shall be included in an insurance policy for personal accidents sustained - on his/her way to and from the school, - during the lessons and breaks and - while participating in school activities. The parents shall be informed of the terms and conditions of such insurance policy/policies. The school shall not accept any responsibility for valuables brought into the school by the student. For comprehensive and full information regarding insurance liabilities of the School, please refer to the information folder Part 2.4 (general information/Insurance).

9. HEALTH CARE IN THE SCHOOL

The school shall take steps to ensure the healthcare within its environment. Parents and students shall be obliged to follow corresponding directions issued by the school. The Principal shall be informed immediately if students or any person(s) sharing the residence with the student are taken ill with a communicable disease. The Principal shall decide on and implement any further action in accordance with regulations of the local Health Authorities.

9.1 Medical Emergencies In medical emergencies involving a student, where the School has tried but failed to contact parents/guardians, the School has the right to take the student to a hospital of its choice. In the event of any emergency, parents authorize the school to arrange such medical attention for the student as may be reasonable and available in the circumstances and parents undertake to pay all medical and hospital fees and incidental charges in respect of medical attention given to the student and to reimburse the School for any such fees and charges and all incidental costs and expenses which may have been paid by the School. Parents further agree to indemnify the School against any and all claims, demands, costs, actions or causes of action which the student, his/her next-of-kin, parent, guardian, personal


representatives and/or dependents may bring, make or have against the School on account of any matters stated above.

9.2 Special Diets and Allergies

Parents understand that the school does not cater for special diets in the school canteen. If a student has food allergies/special diet, it is the parents’ responsibility to make arrangements for the student’s meals. The school cannot be held accountable for any adverse reaction, should a student react to a food allergy when eating in the school canteen or purchasing food through the vending machines. Parents must inform the school if their child/ward develops allergies at any stage.

9.3 Injury on Premises after School Hours

Parents agree to indemnify the School against any liability arising from any injury to the child/ward remaining on the school premises after the end of lessons or agreed co-curricular activities or on non-school days without permission and supervision, provided that the indemnity herein shall not exclude or restrict the School's liability in the event of death or personal injury to the student arising from the negligence of the School.

10. ACADEMIC YEAR, SCHOOL EXCURSIONS, BUS TRANSPORT TO SCHOOL, TEXT BOOK LOAN PROGRAMME

10.1 The Academic Year The academic year shall run from 1st August to 31st July. The holiday schedule including single days free of lessons shall be fixed by the Principal in agreement with the Board of Governors of the ASSOCIATION in advance and shall be communicated to the parents in good time. Regulations of the Republic of Singapore and those valid in the Federal Republic of Germany shall be adequately and appropriately considered.

10.2 School Excursions School excursions and school trips that form part of the school activities shall be approved by the Principal who shall determine the respective responsibilities and supervision.

10.3 School Transport to School The school does not provide bus transportation to and/or from school for students but is able to assist in securing such services from an independent contractor (Ref to Part 5). The school takes on a liaison role and may assist in negotiations with the Contractor in particular concerning the rates charged by the Contractor in providing the transport service for students. This does not in any way imply that the school takes any responsibility for the Contractor’s performance of its obligations, and parents agree to liaise directly with the Contractor in relation to all bus matters.

10.4 Guidelines School Text Book Loan Programme Parents are required to obtain materials and work books for the student at the beginning of the academic year, (or when the student starts school). The school provides text books in most subjects for use by students

The school text books remain school property.


Appropriate books, (depending on the student’s subjects and level), will be issued to each student at the beginning of the school year. The student is then fully responsible to take good care of the books issued to that student.

The books must be returned before the last day of school Failing which the parents shall pay the full replacement value of the book or books not returned within 14 days of receiving notice of failure to return and the amount due.

As soon as they are received at the beginning of the school year, all books must be covered and protected by the student. Students must write their names on the label provided in the front of each book.

Save for normal wear and tear, if the books are damaged in any way including but not limited to:

o Written /marked/water-damage and/or

o Ripped/missing pages and/or

o Or any other user-inflicted damage

then the parents shall pay to the school a sum equal to 75 % of the replacement cost of the book within 14 days of receiving notice of such damage and the amount due. The school’s decision as to the condition of the book shall be final.

11. REGULATIONS PERTAINING TO STUDENTS WHO HAVE ATTAINED THE LEGAL AGE

The school shall assume that the parents are also authorized to act for students who have attained the legal age (21 years of age), unless a student officially objects. In this case, the student, who has attained legal age, shall be required to accept the School Bye-Laws, Regulations and Guidelines by affixing his/her own signature.

12. THE HANDLING OF OBJECTIONS AND COMPLAINTS

Decisions by competent Faculty Conferences, in respect of promotions and disciplinary actions, shall generally be considered internal affairs of the school. Objections and complaints shall be handled by the school within is own jurisdiction. The Board of Governors of the ASSOCIATION shall as and when required determine according to circumstances the procedure applicable for the investigation into decisions by the Principal or of the Faculty Conferences in case of a petition by parents. As this mainly refers to pedagogical matters, the Principal or the competent Faculty Conference shall resolve such complaints generally.


The Joint Federal & State Council On School Work Abroad (BLASchA) has approved these Bye-Laws with their letter dated 01.10.1998 (AZ II C-89212). These School Bye-Laws were subsequently enacted by the Board of Governors of the German European School Association Singapore on 26.10.1998.

§ 5.2 under “School Attendance” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 02.04.2001. § 5.3 under “School Attendance” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 17.05.2001.


§ 4.2 under “Enrolment and Termination” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 22.04.2002. § 5.7 under “School Attendance” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 20.05.2001. § 4.2 under “Enrolment and Termination” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 02.05.2006. § 3.2 under “Participation of Parents” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 18.02.2008. § 12 and 14 under “General Meeting” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 16.11.2009. § 17, 19, 20 and 24 under “Committee” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 16.11.2009. § 3(e) under “Objectives of the Association” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 29.11.2010. § 6(d) and 9 under “Members” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 29.11.2010. § 11 under “Tuition Fees” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 29.11.2010. § 12 and 14 under “General Meeting” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 29.11.2010. § 16, 17, 18 and 20 under “Board of Governors” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 29.11.2010. § 29 under “Amendment to Rules” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 29.11.2010. § 30 under “Interpretation” was approved by the Committee of the ASSOCIATION on 29.11.2010. § 3.2 under “Parents and the School” was approved by the Board of Governors of the ASSOCIATION on 22.08.2011. § 5.1 under “School Attendance” was approved by the Board of Governors of the ASSOCIATION on 22.08.2011. § 9 under “Health Care in the School” was approved by the Board of Governors of the ASSOCIATION on 22.08.2011. § 10 under “Academic Year, School Excursions, School Bus Service and Text Book Loan Progamme” was approved by the Board of Governors of the ASSOCIATION on 22.08.2011.


Grundsätze der Schulgemeinschaft Rechte der Schüler Die Schüler der GESS sind unser wertvollstes Gut. Ihr Einsatz, ihr Enthusiasmus und ihre Liebe zum Lernen machen unsere Schule einzigartig. Jeder Schüler hat das Recht

(a) respektiert und gerecht behandelt zu werden; (b) angehört zu werden und sich selbst in angemessener

Weise zu äußern; (c) zum Wohl und zur Weiterentwicklung der Schule

seinen Beitrag zu leisten; (d) auf eine sichere, unterstützende und fürsorgliche

Umgebung frei von jeglicher Feindseligkeit und Einschüchterung;

(e) nicht verletzt, verängstigt, verspottet, bedrängt oder zu Unrecht beschuldigt zu werden;

(f) auf Anerkennung und Achtung seiner kulturellen Identität und seiner persönlichen Qualitäten.

Verantwortlichkeiten der Schüler Von jedem Schüler der GESS wird erwartet, dass er 1. alle Mitglieder der Schulgemeinschaft mit Respekt,

Höflichkeit und Verständnis behandelt; 2. die Schulregeln akzeptiert und befolgt sowie

eingegangene Verpflichtungen gegenüber Mitschülern und Lehrern einhält;

3. am vorgesehenen Unterricht und an den sonstigen Schulaktivitäten entsprechend seiner persönlichen Fähigkeiten teilnimmt;

4. zusammen mit allen Mitgliedern eine Schulgemeinschaft gestaltet, auf die wir stolz sein können.

Grundsätzliche Vereinbarungen an der Schule Von allen Mitgliedern der GESS wird ein Verhalten erwartet, das der ganzen Schulgemeinschaft zuträglich ist. Dieses beinhaltet Folgendes: 1. Jedes Schulmitglied wird mit Respekt und Verständnis

behandelt. 2. Während des Spielens sollen sich die Schüler stets

rücksichtsvoll und fair verhalten und weder ihre eigene noch die Sicherheit anderer gefährden.

3. Zur Sicherheit aller sind beim Umherlaufen und Spielen auf dem Schulgelände die folgenden Zonen zu beachten:

a) rote Zone = Rennen zu keiner Zeit erlaubt, b) grüne Zone = unbegrenztes Rennen erlaubt, c) orange Zone = Rennen erlaubt - aber mit

Vorsicht, wenn andere da sind. 4. Elektronische Geräte dürfen nur während der Pausen

benutzt werden. 5. Schüler dürfen sich im Klassenzimmer nur bei

Anwesenheit des Lehrers oder mit seiner Genehmigung aufhalten.

6. Von den Schülern wird erwartet, dass sie die ausgehängten Kantinenregeln beachten.

7. Grundschüler müssen während der Mittagspause beim Spielen im Freien, auf dem Fußballfeld oder auf dem Spielplatz eine Mütze tragen.

8. Alle Teilnehmer von Assemblies, Vorführungen oder Vorträgen verhalten sich angemessen und hören aufmerksam zu.

9. Die Schüler halten sich an die Schulregeln, die Büchereiordnung und die Regelungen in den Fachräumen.

10. Die Schüler gehen mit allen bereitgestellten technischen Mitteln der Schule (auch dem Internet) mit Sorgfalt und in angemessener Form um (siehe Computer/Laptop Benutzereinverständniserklärung).

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GESS Community Code of Conduct Student Rights The students of GESS are our most valuable asset. It is their energy, enthusiasm and love of learning that makes our school great. Every GESS student has the right: 1. To be respected and treated fairly 2. To be heard and allowed to express themselves in

appropriate ways 3. To contribute to the well-being and development of

school 4. To a safe, supportive and caring environment free from

intimidation of any kind 5. Not to be hurt, scared, made fun of, distressed or falsely

accused in any particular way 6. To be valued for their differences and unique qualities Student Responsibilities Every GESS student is expected: 1. To treat all members of the school community with

respect, courtesy and understanding 2. To accept and follow the school rules and fulfil

agreements between peers and teachers 3. To attend all designated classes and extra-curricular

activities while participating to the best of their abilities 4. To support the common goal of creating a school

community we all take pride in School Essential Agreement All members of the GESS community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that supports the school. This involves the following: 1. Treating every individual at the school with respect and

understanding 2. Students must play safely at all times, being fair and

equitable during games 3. Moving around the school must be done safely according

to the coloured indicators a) Red Zone = no running at any time b) Green Zone = running area c) Orange Zone = running permitted but with

caution when others are present 4. Use of electronic devices is permitted during break times

only 5. Students are allowed in a classroom when a teacher is

present or permission has been granted by a teacher 6. Students are expected to observe the canteen rules

posted in the canteen 7. Primary students must wear a hat during the long breaks

when playing in open spaces, on the football field or the playground

8. Listening attentively and displaying appropriate behaviour during assemblies, performances and speeches

9. Observe school by-laws, library regulations and specialist rooms rules

10. Use technology and the school network in an appropriate manner (see Computer/Laptop acceptable use policies).

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P A R T 4 . 4 – G E S S C O M M U N I T Y C O D E O F C O N D U C T