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Information Booklet

2016

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Table of Contents

1. Message from the Headmaster 3

2. Mission Statement 3

3. Brief History of Woodridge 4

4. List of Management, Teachers and Admin Staff 6

5. School Management 7

6. Prep Management 8

7. Useful Information for 2016 8

8. Academics 9

9. Homework 9

10. Extra Mural 9

11. Outdoor Education 10

12. Arts and Culture 10

13. Day Scholar Transport 11

14. Communication 13

15. Cell phones 14

16. School Uniform 14

17. Dates for 2016 14

18. Excursions 14

19. Meals 14

20. Sanatorium 15

21. Discipline Procedure 15

22. Code of Conduct 19

23. Boarding 21

24. School Hymn 22

25. School Prayer 23

26. School Grace 23

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1. MESSAGE FROM THE HEADMASTER Welcome to Woodridge Preparatory School. At Woodridge we aim to maximize the potential of every child and in doing so, produce caring, confident individuals who will be able to make a positive contribution to society. School must be a rewarding and fun experience. As a Preparatory School it is our role to lay the foundations particularly with regards to reading, writing and arithmetic but more importantly, to create a mindset for life-long learning. Ultimately, we want our children to be open minded, free and creative thinkers. Children learn as much, if not more, outside the classroom as inside, thus a huge emphasis is placed on Extra Mural and Outdoor Education activities. The aim of our sports programme is to create a love for all sports and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Outdoor Education creates an awareness of the environment and many of the activities are of the sort that builds character. Culturally, our pupils are exposed to and encouraged to develop music, art, speech and drama skills. At Woodridge you are going to be exposed to a variety of opportunities to enhance your learning journey and, as our school slogan states, Woodridge is “More than a school…an experience”. Enjoy the journey! T VON BERG Headmaster

2. MISSION STATEMENT “More than a school…an experience” As a Christian School, Woodridge adopts a holistic approach to education and aims to develop the body, mind and spirit to enable each pupil to reach his or her potential. To achieve this, Woodridge offers and challenges pupils to experience, the broadest possible range of academic, cultural, spiritual, social, outdoor and sporting interactions by exploiting the following attributes: • individual attention • a healthy, natural interaction with the environment • nurturing of leadership and self-discipline • encouraging free thinking and independent individuals • service to the community

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CORE VALUES BASIC RIGHTS OF THE ‘FAMILY’ • Pupils have the right to learn • Staff have the right to teach • Parents have the right to service IN ORDER TO UPHOLD THESE RIGHTS, THE FOLLOWING MORAL VALUES ARE ENCOURAGED: • Mutual respect and dignity • Integrity and honesty • Empathy and interaction • Tenacity and teamwork • Appreciation and care for the environment 3. A BRIEF HISTORY OF WOODRIDGE In January 1936, Woodridge Preparatory School opened its doors for the first time; the enrolment on that first day was two boys and a girl! This indeed was an act of faith by the founders, Mr and Mrs Leslie Carter, who owned the School privately until 1957, when the Woodridge Trust took over the ownership. At present, we have 312 pupils enrolled at the Prep school. The Preparatory School was initially housed in the historic buildings of what used to be the very popular ‘Cadles Hotel’, a nineteenth-century coaching inn on the road to Cape Town and a favourite honeymoon spot for Port Elizabeth couples - the names of some of whom can still be seen engraved on the windows at the Prep. With the outbreak of the Second World War in 1939, progress was severely curtailed by both building and petrol restrictions and it was only after the war that the numbers climbed to the planned maximum of eighty pupils. Knowing that one day he would have to retire, Leslie Carter handed over the ownership of the School in 1957 to the Woodridge Trust in the hope that what he had started would be perpetuated. In 1965 it became obvious that there was a need to develop a senior school as some of the parents were having difficulty in placing their sons in Private Schools after they had completed their Preparatory education. By the end of that year, a decision was taken to found Woodridge College and to develop the School along the lines of the ideals so successfully applied at Gordonstoun in Scotland. One of the prime movers behind this decision was the then Chairman of the Trust, Mr Leo Kohler, who occupied this position until he retired in 1986.

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In 1966, the first four Standard 7 pupils were accepted for Woodridge College and the ten Standard 6 boys at the Preparatory School were regarded as part of the new School. At the end of that year, Mr Leslie Carter, who had been suffering from ill health, retired and the Trust appointed Mr Keith Starck to take over the infant College, while Mr Carter’s son, Roger, was asked to oversee the Preparatory School. Conditions in the early years of the College were rather spartan and accommodation at a premium for the staff. One couple spent the first year of married life in a single room! Water had to be pumped up to the reservoirs from the Van Stadens River and electricity was generated by two old Lister engines. The College was initially housed in prefabricated buildings but later, due to the generosity of Anglo American’s Chairman’s Fund and the Industrial Council, more permanent structures such as the Science Block (1972) and the Dining Hall and Kitchens (1974) were erected. Not only did the staff contribute regularly to the Woodridge Development Fund, but in 1975 they organised a sponsored run from Bloemfontein to Port Elizabeth by themselves and raised sufficient money to erect two squash courts. It is interesting to note that apart from the initial buildings at the College, which were erected by contractors, all subsequent structures have been built by the School’s own labour force at an enormous saving. Woodridge set out to be a boys’ school, but in the Prep there was always a sprinkling of daughters of staff members and local parents. Pressure from parents mounted, and so in 1973 the first ‘official’ girls were accepted into the College. Today, the girls form about half of the total enrolment. In the early 1990's, the School introduced a ‘day scholar’ option for parents and today some 300 pupils are bused into School from Port Elizabeth, Uitenhage and Jeffreys Bay. Woodridge has, as its main philosophy, the development of the whole character of the pupils. Whilst academics remain the main consideration, the site of the School lends itself to the furthering of character-building activities, not only on the sportsfields, but in the wider context of Outdoor Education. This involves, amongst others, mountaineering, canoeing, sailing and surf lifesaving. Since 1974, Woodridge has been the first school with its own Lifesaving Club which patrolled the treacherous Van Stadens Beach and recently performed their 130th rescue. Today this club patrols the Jeffreys Bay Beach. Another noteworthy achievement was the establishment of a Nature Reserve within the confines of the School. As Woodridge has completed its first 80 years, it can look with confidence at the road ahead. Many people have given unstintingly of themselves to ensure that the humble dream in 1936 has become a reality. The College and Preparatory School have shown remarkable growth in the past few years, with numbers reaching approximately 700 in the two Schools.

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4. LIST OF MANAGEMENT, TEACHERS & ADMIN STAFF: CONTACT DETAILS (In the event of an emergency)

NAME POSITION HOME PHONE Von Berg, Mr T Headmaster (041) 956 6212 Radloff, Mrs D PA to the Headmaster (041) 956 6232 Phillips, Mr S Deputy Headmaster (041) 956 6226 Allnut, Ms L Pre-Primary Teacher / After-care Facilitator 083 979 1695 Baard, Sr G Sanatorium Sister 074 365 6386 Bellingham, Ms R Art & Speech & Drama Teacher 076 499 7715 Botes, Mrs A School Shop (041) 955 5420 Cato, Miss J Grade 000 Teacher (041) 956 6213 Clayton, Ms L Music Teacher 082 872 6572 De Villiers, Mrs L Grade 3 Teacher (041) 956 6274 Fourie, Mrs K General secretary (041) 956 6210 Geyer, Mrs A Girls’ Residence, Learning Support (041) 956 6220 Howorth, Mr J Grade 7 English Teacher 079 907 3538 Hansel, Mrs L Grade 1 Teacher (041) 956 6252 Hayward, Mrs L Grade 5 Teacher (041) 966 1122 Kingwill, Mrs S Grade 6 Teacher (041) 379 2656 Lindström, Mrs M Grade 3 Teacher 083 650 3559 Lloyd, Miss L Grade 4 Teacher 060 343 0105 Olivier, Mrs T HOD: Pre-Primary, Teacher of the Robins group 084 412 4724 Neethling, Mrs T Grade 1 Teacher 082 972 9670 Ngcangca, Mrs C Xhosa (041) 956 6210 Pienaar, Mr R Library (041) 372 2259 Phillips, Mrs D Grade 2 Teacher (041) 956 6258 Puttergill, Mrs N Grade 2 Teacher, Head of Foundation Phase (042) 286 0764 Reed, Mrs G Grade 4 Teacher (041) 956 6265 Reed, Mr C Grade 5 Teacher; Head of Kingfisher Boarding (041) 956 6265 Russouw, Mrs M Music Teacher; Head of Arts & Culture 078 841 9054 Scheepers, Mr R Director of Sport (041) 956 6273 Schnetler, Mr S Music Teacher, Guitar (041) 360 7620 Stephenson, Mr N Sports coordinator 079 332 2225 Strauss, Sr C Sanatorium Sister 079 849 0083 Taylor, Mrs S Grade R Teacher (041) 955 5562 Teeton, Mr B Director: Outdoor Education, IT (041) 956 6253 Thomson, Mr C Grade 6 Teacher 079 027 0069 Thomson, Mrs W Grade 00 Teacher 073 237 4319 Venter, Mrs B Grade 7 Teacher 061 493 8189 Vosloo, Mrs C Grade 6 Teacher, Head of Intermediate Phase (042) 286 0968

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5. SCHOOL MANAGEMENT

Governance of the School

Woodridge College & Preparatory School is governed according to accepted national and international practice for Independent Schools. Our Schools are unique in their independence in governance and finance and this sets us apart from State Schools. Independence allows our School four vital freedoms:

• To define our mission. • To admit only those students our mission dictates we should serve • To establish our own expectations for credentials and performance of teachers • To teach the truth, as we see it.

In a dynamic organisation such as a School, there are various power bases and each needs to understand its role in the greater picture. Boundaries need to be set for good governance to occur. ‘Blurring’ or ‘overstepping’ boundaries leads to unhappiness in any organisation and is not conducive to good governance.

At Woodridge, the ultimate authority is the Woodridge Trust. This is a self-perpetuating body who elect their own members who are appointed for their specific skills. Their role can be seen as:

• To hold the School and its Mission in trust. • Set policy (admissions, financial aid, class size, etc.) • To ensure the financial stability of the School. • Appoint and support the Heads. • Plan strategically for the future. • Evaluate the performance of the Heads and the School.

In 1996, the executive function of the Trust was vested in the hands of the Executive Committee of Trustees to be more ‘inclusive’ and more effective. The full Trust meets once per annum, while the Executive Committee of Trustees meet at least quarterly. The Executive Committee of Trustees for this year are as follows:

Mr Andrea Puggia Chairman (Trustee) Mr Paul Lynch Trustee

Mr George Yerolemou Trustee Mr Peter May Trustee Mr Weza Moss Trustee Mr Dave Nezar Trustee Mrs Kate Turro Trustee Mr Simon Crane Ex Officio Headmaster, College Mr Trevor Von Berg Ex Officio Headmaster, Preparatory School

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The Executive Committee of Trustees reserves the right to co-opt any person to serve on any sub-committee or for any expertise which is required for a specific issue. The Operational Function of the Schools are vested in the Headmaster College and Headmaster Preparatory. At Woodridge, the Headmaster College is the ultimate authority for operational issues, although the Headmaster Preparatory has autonomy in managing the day-to-day running of the Prep. The School has a School Management Committee which meets every Tuesday and consists of the two Headmasters, the Deputy Headmaster College and the Financial Manager. The Heads of the respective Schools are directly responsible to the Executive Committee of Trustees. 6. PREP MANAGEMENT

• Mr T von Berg – Headmaster • Mr S Phillips – Deputy Headmaster • Mr B Teeton – Head of Outdoor Education • Mrs A Geyer – Head of Girls’ Boarding / Administration • Mr C Reed – Head of Boys’ Boarding • Mrs N Puttergill – Head of Foundation Phase • Mrs C Vosloo – Head of Intermediate Phase • Mrs T Olivier – Head of Pre-Primary • Mrs M Russouw – Head of Arts and Culture

7. USEFUL INFORMATION FOR 2016

A TYPICAL SCHOOL DAY

08h00 - School commences 10h25 - Lines 10h30 - Break time 11h00 - School continues 12h00 - Lunch for Grade 1, 2 & 3 in College Dining Hall 12h30 - Lunch for Grade 4 & 5 in College Dining Hall 13h00 - Lunch for Grade 6 & 7 in College Dining Hall 13h30 - Pupils change for sport 14h00 - Sporting activities commence 15h15 - End of sport, play time 15h45 - Prep 16h30 - Bus Bell 16h45 - Buses depart from Woodridge

• Buses depart at 15h15 on a Friday.

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• In the event of rain, we have a special “Rainy Day Programme” whereby pupils are kept busy in the classroom.

• It is compulsory for all pupils to be involved in our extra-mural programme.

8. ACADEMICS

The aim of the Academic Programme at Woodridge is to develop confident young children, by means of a child-centred approach, who are able to think critically, analyse, question, work independently and make their own assumptions. Knowledge that the pupils learn is not merely for recall purposes, it is used to teach skills and develop attitudes and values that will enable the pupils to make a worthy contribution to society. The academic year is divided into two semesters: January – June and July – November. Full academic reports are emailed in June and November. The children are continually assessed in a variety of ways, The Grade 7s write examinations in May and November. The academics is run by a committee comprising of: the Headmaster (chairman), Head of Foundation Phase, Head of Intermediate Phase and the Head of Grade 7. Workbooks, homework diaries issued will be debited against school accounts.

9. HOMEWORK Homework can be given on Mondays to Thursdays. No task/homework can be set on a Friday for the following Monday. The time taken to complete homework varies from grade to grade and should not exceed an hour for Grade 7s. Homework tasks should be set to consolidate work covered in class, research (with concise guidelines) to prepare for the following day or revising work for a task, spelling words, reading or preparing for an oral. Project work should be avoided as much as possible. Pupils are expected to write down homework in their homework diaries which must be signed by parents/duty staff.

10. EXTRA-MURAL ACTIVITIES

Extra mural activities take place from Monday – Thursday afternoons. It is compulsory for pupils to participate in all the extra mural activities scheduled for their age group. Boys will participate in hockey matches on Friday afternoons. During the second term, derby days are held on Saturdays. Parents will be alerted about these fixtures and children are expected to take part. The activities offered are: Boys: Cricket, tennis, swimming, tag rugby, rugby, hockey, mini-tennis, chess, mini hockey, athletics, trail running.

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Girls: Tennis, mini-tennis, swimming, hockey, netball, mini hockey, ball skills, power-walking, trail running. Horse Riding, Judo, Play Golf, Speech and Drama, Marimba Band and Modern Dancing are optional extras and come at an additional cost to parents. Pupils are to bring their sports clothes to school every day.

11. OUTDOOR EDUCATION

At Woodridge we adopt the Experiential Learning Approach. Children are involved in various ways in conservation. We are proud recipients of the coveted, work-renowned Eco-School Green Flag. All the pupils from Grade 1 – 7 are taught outdoor adventure skills, including climbing, fishing, camp cooking, recognising flora and fauna, reading topographical maps, orienteering, basic 1st Aid, camp craft, cycling proficiency and bike maintenance. We offer skills and stamina development in activities such as canoeing, mountain biking, archery and trail running. These are often included in the camping expeditions that senior grades undertake and the extra mural programme. Camping/Adventure Learning Adventure Learning occurs as part of the extra mural programme and camping falls into the category. The camping programme comprises a gradual progression from Grade 1 – Grade 7. All pupils participate in 2 camps, annually. Extra Adventure Activities Our programme offers occasional single and multi-day trips such as hiking, backpacking, canoeing, mountain biking for Grade 6 and 7 pupils who are not involved in other sports over the weekends.

12. ARTS AND CULTURE

All pupils participate in a number of cultural activities in arts and culture lessons during the academic day. The lessons cover all disciplines; Class Music, Speech & Drama, Art. Individual Instrumental Tuition is offered in the following instruments; Piano, Voice, Flute, Violin, Saxophone, Clarinet, Guitar, Drum Kit, Electronic Keyboard, Recorder, Orchestral Percussion. We do have a junior choir (Grade 2 and 3) and a senior choir (Grade 4 – 7). Pupils may also join the Marimba Band.

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Speech & Drama is offered both in the classroom and as a specialized extra-mural activity in the afternoon. These lessons allow children to express themselves creatively through movement and vocal work whilst exposing them to a broad range of literature, music, dance and art.

13. DAY SCHOLAR TRANSPORT

Buses are provided to transport day scholars to and from School each day. Pick up/Drop off points, which are subject to change, when necessary, are:

Depart Tues to Friday

Return Monday

to Thursday

Return Friday

Port Elizabeth Ultra Ultra Liquors Cape Road 06:55 17:25 15:50

Port Elizabeth Sundridge Stella Londt Parks Rugby Club 07:10 17:15 15:40

Port Elizabeth Walmer Bliss Car Park cnr 9th Ave and Main Rd 06:50 17:15 15:45

Port Elizabeth Kings Beach Kings Beach Car Park 07:05 17:15 15:45

Port Elizabeth Mount Pleasant Dales Supermarket, Buffelsfontein Road 07:00 17:25 15:55

Port Elizabeth Seaview Car Park in Front of old Seaview Hotel site 07:10 17:10 15:40

Port Elizabeth Cows Corner Super 11 Store 07:25 17:05 15:35

Jeffreys Bay Jeffreys Bay Spar Car Park 07:00 17:20 15:50

Uitenhage Uitenhage Central Uitenhage Sports Centre 07:15 17:20 15:50

Humansdorp Humansdorp Spar Car Park 07:05 16:10 15:00

St Francis Bay St Francis Bay Municipality, Assisi Drive 06:40 16:30 15:10

St Francis Bay St Francis Bay Municipality, Assisi Drive NA 17:30 16:00

Cape St Francis Cape St Francis Pam Golding Offices 06:45 17:45 16:15

Transport Arrangements Any change to your child’s normal transport arrangements, must be communicated clearly to them. These arrangements must be confirmed by writing them in your child’s diary for the class teacher. This way the teacher can remind them, if need be. Your child’s peace of mind is at stake as last minute changes unsettle children, particularly the younger ones. The safety of our children should be a priority for all parents and we would appreciate your co-operation in this regard. Transport Policy Buses are provided to transport day pupils to and from School each day. These pupils are collected and dropped off again in areas where they are seen by the general public and it is therefore important that they present a good image for the School. It is imperative that all pupils using the buses co-operate with the bus monitors and adhere to the following basic rules:

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Dress Code: Day Pupils must be dressed as per the School dress code when arriving at the bus stop in the mornings. During the winter months, if they have had sport in the afternoon, they must either change back into their school uniform, or wear a full Woodridge tracksuit and sport shoes. The same applies for the summer month but a full tracksuit is not required. Pupils will not be allowed onto the buses if they are not properly dressed.

Seating plan: For safety reasons and to instill a sense of responsibility amongst the pupils, they are given a specific seat on the bus. Pupils must remain seated for the entire duration of the trip as any movement could distract the driver and result in an accident. Should the bus driver need to brake suddenly and pupils are not seated, a serious injury could occur.

Eating and drinking on the bus: The drivers take great pride in the clean state of their buses and this is something to be respected. It is therefore important that pupils do not drink or eat on the bus.

Vandalism: Vandalism of any kind on the buses will not be tolerated and will be viewed as a serious offence.

Noise: Excessive noise could distract drivers and result in an accident. Pupils are allowed to talk on the bus, but must not raise their voices above an acceptable level.

Boarding of buses in the afternoon: Pupils are not allowed to board the buses before 16h30.

Pupils not travelling on the bus must mark themselves off on the bus list in the admin office

Bus monitors have been appointed by the Deputy Head. Their responsibility is to maintain discipline. Failure to co-operate with the monitors will lead to punishment. Repeated breach of discipline will lead to suspension from the buses. If this has no effect or a bus user is guilty of serious misconduct, he or she will be removed from the bus.

Staff: All full time staff members will do bus duties one afternoon a week. The schedule will be drawn up by the deputy headmaster. This duty will end when all the buses have departed.

No children are to be left waiting for lifts at the bus stop 14. COMMUNICATION

The School Communicator: http://www.school-communicator.com/download.php is a necessary tool that contains a comprehensive list of fixtures and events. A fortnightly circular is sent out to parents informing them of upcoming dates and events. Regarding academic matters, we encourage you to first contact the class teacher, then the Head of that Phase and then the Headmaster.

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Queries regarding sport may be directed to the coach, Head of Sport, Director of Sport and Extra Murals and then the Headmaster. The Deputy Headmaster is in charge of the daily running of the school discipline and may be contacted with any issues. It is important that you communicate with your child’s class teacher in the event of any problems or concerns. Please also communicate via the homework book or e-mail.

15. CELLPHONES/MOBILE DEVICES

All cell phones must be handed in at the front office when the pupils arrive at school. These can be collected when the final bell rings at 16h30 or at 15h00 on Fridays; Every device brought to school should have the relevant service provider's unsuitable content block or parental controls activated. The school reserves the right to check this; While on school property or the day scholar buses, devices may only be used to make and receive messages and calls. The internet and other applications may not be accessed, unless under the supervision of a teacher; While on school property or the day scholar buses, cell phones may not be used for taking pictures or videos, except under the direction and supervision of a teacher; If a pupil: • is found using his/her device when not permitted to do so, • is using it in ways which are not permitted, • is found to have unsuitable material on a child's device, or • it is used for any form of cyber bullying. the device will be confiscated until the end of term. Further disciplinary action will be decided upon according to the seriousness of the offense. Should a device be required in a lesson, it may only be used under the supervision of a teacher. The device must be turned off and handed in to the teacher at the end of the lesson. Any breach of the above will lead to the device being confiscated, the parents being notified and appropriate action being taken. The school will not take any responsibility whatsoever for a cellular phone or other electronic devices which is lost, stolen or damaged, should the device be brought to school.

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16. SCHOOL UNIFORM The School Uniform is available from the Clothing Shop, which is open Monday to Friday each week during term time. The shop is open daily from 08h00 until 16h00. It closes at 15h00 on Fridays. Mrs Annemarie Botes is the Manageress of the Clothing Shop and may be contacted on 041-956 6240. A clothing list is available from the Clothing Shop.

It is important that your child wears the correct uniform. Pupils feel awkward amongst their peers if they do not wear the correct uniform.

All clothing must be clearly marked

Hair: Boys - Short, no steps, no dreadlocks etc. Girls - Neat, white or brown accessories

17. DATES FOR 2016

First Term: 11 January to 23 March Half Term: 19 February to 23 February Second Term: 26 April to 10 August Half Term: 24 June to 4 July Third Term: 6 September – 30 November Half Term: 8 October to 17 October Please note that Woodridge is open on public holidays and pupils are expected to be at School.

18. EXCURSIONS

Pupils are taken on a variety of excursions throughout the year. Any costs for excursions will be charged to your account.

19. MEALS

The School provides sandwiches for the children at break but a packed lunch can also be sent with your child. All children are provided with a lunch which is served at the College Dining Room. Woody’s Goodies Preparatory School Tuck Shop is open on Mondays, Wednesday and Fridays in the afternoon. Children may only go to the Tuck Shop after 15h15.

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20. SANATORIUM In the event of your child being ill or requiring medication, please inform either Sisters Baard, or Strauss (phone 079 849 0029). Should your child be ill or hurt during the normal school day – you will be notified by the Sanatorium. It is important that we have your correct telephone numbers and Consent to Operate Form for emergencies.

21. DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE

• Every pupil has the right to work and learn without been disturbed by others • Every pupil has the right to be treated courteously and respectfully • Every pupil has the right to work in a clean, safe and orderly environment • Every pupil must take responsibility for his/her own behaviour

The discipline procedure is based on a debit and credit system and operates as follows:

Each pupil has a debit and credit sheet. Each card is filed in a class file which is kept by the class teacher. All debits and credits must be filled in on the pupil’s sheet by the relevant teacher (specialist teachers are to send for the file). Teachers giving the debit or credit must sign the sheet, date it and give the reason why the pupil is receiving the debit or credit. This will enable the class teacher or Deputy Head to see a list of reasons as to why a pupil is being disciplined and will also enable staff to identify undesirable behaviour patterns.

Credits

Credits are a positive reinforcement tool for anything ranging from good behaviour to school work and attitude. Once the pupils have earned 36 credits they will receive a badge. These badges are of different colours and the pupils will progress from one colour to the next. Through the year the pupils will have the opportunity of earning four different credit badges (red, green, blue and gold). These badges are handed back on receiving a new one. However, once a pupil has earned a gold badge, they may keep it. The credit system is continuous and pupils accumulate credits throughout the year.

Debits

Pupils can receive debits for bad behaviour, incomplete work or homework, wearing incorrect uniform and any other misdemeanours.

After five misdemeanours the pupil will be placed on detention. The teacher who signs the fifth misdemeanour then sends the pupil and the card to the Deputy Head. A letter or email to the parents/guardians is sent and the pupil is placed on detention. After ten misdemeanours the pupil is placed on detention and on special report for a week. A letter is sent home informing the parents of the above. The special report card must be signed by the teacher at the conclusion of each lesson. The pupil must report to the Deputy Head with this report card at the end of the

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week. If, at the end of the week the pupil’s behaviour and attitude have been acceptable, then the report card and a letter are sent home informing the parents. If, however, the pupil’s behaviour is unacceptable, then he/she will be placed on special report for a further week or until such time as the behaviour has improved. A letter/email will be sent informing parents of the above.

After fifteen misdemeanours the pupil is placed on detention and is suspended from fun activities and outings. He/she is placed on daily report for two weeks and is to report to the Deputy Head at the end of each academic day. Letters will be sent home to be signed and to inform parents of the above. If, however, after two weeks, the pupil’s behaviour is unacceptable, then he/she will be placed on special report for a further week or until such time as the behaviour has improved. A letter will be sent home informing parents of the above.

After twenty misdemeanours, the Headmaster then meets with the parents and this may result in suspension or expulsion.

Demerit/Merit System for Grade 7’s

Merits

• The same system with regard to the issuing of merits is to be carried out. This will be done

in the form of a chart, rather than in the files. This will make it more visible for the pupils as well as easier for the staff to access it and make more use of it. All staff are encouraged to use the system. The more positive reinforcement, the better.

• Money raised at the Grade 7 Social as well as the Valentine’s Civvies Day will be used for these vouchers.

Merits could be given for anything positive:

• Assisting staff in and outside classroom and sports field;

• Improving by 10% from previous assessment;

• Assisting peers in class with homework;

• Being kind, helpful, caring to peers;

• Putting in extra effort for their academics;

• Having a neat and tidy area.

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Demerits

A chart for the demerits will also be used. This will be visible for the pupils to see and also for ease of access from the staff. This chart will allow both academic and behavioral issues to be seen at a glance.

Demerits will be given as in the past, but each demerit will either come with a break-time (or after school) litter pick-up, or both, or using break to complete academic work.

To ensure clarity and uniformity and that all staff are on the same page, one warning can be given before the demerit is issued.

Demerits with litter pick-up punishment could be given for the following reasons:

• Continuous rocking on the chairs;

• Disrespectful behavior – talking while teacher is talking;

• Continuously shouting out of turn and being unruly;

• Shoddy work or untidy desk/area;

• Littering;

• Talking during assembly;

• Untidy appearance – shirt hanging out, hair not tied up;

• Books not at school – preventing work being done;

• If diaries are not signed – only if homework was not completed, and

• Any other non-serious issues.

NNB – no demerits to be given for doing poorly in a test/assessment. However, the parent needs to sign this test. If not signed by said date, then a demerit can be issued. The above demerits will be accompanied by a break-time or after school (between sport and prep) litter pick-up.

• Each individual staff member will be responsible for metering out the punishment and

following up that it has been done.

• Gloves and bags will be available in each classroom for ease of access.

• Pupils to wear bright yellow/orange garments to make them stand out whilst doing their punishment.

Any other serious behavioral issues must be brought to the attention of the Deputy Headmaster immediately. These could include:

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• Bullying

• Swearing

• Fighting

• Disrespect/Insubordination

A demerit will also be given for work not done. However, the pupil will not do a litter pick-up, but rather complete the given work during break.

• Pupils to go to library and complete work that was supposed to have been done. Obviously

the teacher setting this work to follow up.

• Use as many breaks as needed to complete the work.

• Once completed, pupil to wait outside my office (grass quad at back of office or passage in front) until staff member returns to class after break (i.e. – take away whole of their break if they finish their work before 11h00.

• Both the picking up of litter offences and completing of homework needs to be recorded.

• Should a pupil be on litter duty or have to complete homework more than 3 times, he/she will then have a detention.

• The mentor of the pupil needs to be informed (by the class teacher) and the mentor to inform the parents and the Deputy headmaster of the detention.

• The Deputy Headmaster will have this information for DT records and for further possible discussions with parents.

If continuous poor behaviour is noted, a letter will be sent to the parents to be invited to a meeting where further discussions can take place with regard to the repercussions of the individual’s behaviour. Suspension may be an option, and in serious continued cases, expulsion.

Bullying

“A person is bullied when he/she is exposed repeatedly, and over time, to negative actions on the part of one or more other persons, and he/she has difficulty defending him/herself” Olwens Bullying Prevention Program”. Bullying involves an imbalance of power of a physical or emotional nature. It is behaviour that happens repeatedly over time. Woodridge Preparatory School does not tolerate bullying in any form. The staff members are committed to promoting a safe and caring environment for the pupils. Staff, pupils and parents will work together to address issues of bullying when these arise. Pupils are encouraged to report any incident of bullying. Parents and pupils can report incidents of bullying to the class teacher, Deputy Headmaster or Headmaster. The reporting of bullying should be viewed as the right and courageous thing to do. These reports will be taken seriously, investigated thoroughly and feedback provided. Appropriate sanctions and action will be implemented for each individual incident.

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Staff having to address any formal rough play/fighting whilst on playground duty, must report these incidences to the Deputy Headmaster.

22. CODE OF CONDUCT

Absenteeism: Should a pupil be absent from school, the parent must write a note for the Headmaster’s attention explaining the pupil’s absenteeism. This also applies to absenteeism from sports fixtures and events.

Appointments: Appointments with teachers to be made through the school secretary

timeously.

Attendance: School attendance is compulsory for all pupils.

Bicycles: Pupils may not ride their bicycles during playtime. Bicycles must be locked in the bike shed while at school. Helmets are compulsory at all times.

Bags: These may not bear any logo or graffiti. They must have a rigid frame to

protect books.

Bathing costumes: Only school costumes may be worn.

Boys’ haircuts: Boys’ hair will be kept clean, neat and short. Hairstyles that are designed to draw attention to the individual will not be allowed. No steps. No gel. No dreadlocks.

Bus: Pupils adhere to the basic rules while traveling on the bus:

• No standing • No screaming • No fighting • No eating • Seat belts must be used at all times

Casual clothes: Items of school uniform may not be used or worn with casual clothes.

Casual days: From time to time pupils will be permitted to come to school in civvies. Pupils

must dress modestly. Girls may not wear make-up.

Cell phones: Day scholars may not bring cell phones to school. If your child needs to bring a cell phone to school, it must be handed to the secretaries at the start of the day for safe keeping and collected before they go home on the bus. Boarders are allowed cell phones provided that they are kept locked in the hostel. The school will not take any responsibility whatsoever for a cellular phone or other electronic devices which is lost, stolen or damaged.

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Fighting: Pupils are not allowed to settle arguments violently. Both parties will be

punished.

First Aid: The school is equipped to cope with minor injuries. Parents will be contacted in serious cases. In emergencies, the school will take the appropriate action to protect the pupil.

Girls’ hair: Girls’ hair will be clean, neat and tied back if long. Hairpieces, beads and

ornamental clips will not be allowed. No colourants. Hair accessories must be brown or white. Hairstyles that are designed to draw attention to the individual will not be allowed.

Hall: No pupil is allowed into the school hall unless accompanied by a teacher or

coach or has been given specific permission.

Jungle gyms: Only Foundation Phase pupils are allowed on the play apparatus in their playground.

Jewellery: No jewellery is allowed.

Kit: Sports kit is provided by the school (bats, balls, pads etc.) Pupils are

responsible for looking after this and for replacing kit that was lost or damaged through negligence.

Lost property: The school bears no responsibility for unmarked property.

Language: Abusive, blasphemous or crude language will not be tolerated.

Library books: Pupils are liable for any library book that they have lost or damaged.

Make-up: No form of make-up, including nail varnish, may be worn.

Manners: Rude, bad mannered pupils will be punished.

Marking of clothing: All clothing must be marked clearly and indelibly.

Medicines: The School Nurse will administer any medicines, patent or prescribed.

Medic Alert: Pupils suffering from allergies, epilepsy etc. must wear a Medic Alert bracelet.

Parking lot: Pupils are not allowed to play in the parking areas.

Parents: Parents are not allowed to visit classrooms during school hours. They must

report to reception.

Punctuality: Pupils are to be punctual at all times. Please note times for sport.

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Pierced ears: Girls may wear plain gold studs only. Boys may not wear studs.

Pets: No pupil is permitted to bring pets to school unless permission is granted by a

staff member.

Racism: Any pupil who discriminates against another pupil because of his race, his religion or any disability will be severely punished.

Rainy days: Pupils are to stay under cover on rainy days. No games, running or shouting is allowed in the school buildings.

Sports bags: Only Woodridge sports bags are allowed.

Selling tickets / No pupil or parent may sell tickets or any goods at school unless organised by goods: the school.

Staffroom: This is out of bounds for pupils.

Sport: Sport is compulsory unless pupils have a doctor’s certificate.

Stones, sticks and No pupil is allowed to throw stones, fight with sticks or bring any weapon to weapons: school.

Standing up: Pupils will stand up when a staff member enters a class or walks past.

Swimming Pool: Pupils may only swim with adult supervision and obey all pool rules.

Trees: Pupils are not allowed to break any tree branches or damage them.

Textbooks: Pupils are liable for the books they are issued with.

Toys: Pupils must not bring expensive toys to school.

Uniform: Pupils must wear the correct uniform. (Check on uniform list).

23. BOARDING

At the Preparatory School we offer boarding for boys from Grade 5 - 7 and girls from Grade 1 – 7. There is a boarding residence, privately run, for boys from Grade 1 - 4 on the Woodridge campus. See below for further information. Our focus is to make the boarding establishment a ‘home away from home’. The boys’ and girls’ residences are separate and run by house parents. The house parent’s homes are attached to the boarding residences. The resident staff and intern students assist the house parents with duties and prep sessions. The boarding is termly, however, children may go out on weekends with the permission of their parents.

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Activities such as outings to the beach, movies, game parks and shopping centres are arranged for those staying in over weekends. On Sundays they all attend Sunday school. There is a Sanatorium with qualified nursing sisters on duty to attend to medical needs of the children. Transport is arranged to and from the airport and bus stops at the end and start of the mid-term breaks and school terms. Although the daily routines of the boys and girls differ slightly, a common day in the boarding house will follow the routine below: 06h00 - Rising Bell 06h20 - Inspection 06h30 - Breakfast 07h50 - Leave the boarding houses for school 13h30 - Change for sport 13h50 - Sport 15h45 - School prep 16h30 - Return to boarding houses 17h25 - Supper 19h00 - Prep 19h45 - Shower 20h00 - Quiet time for Grade 4 – 5 20h15 - Lights out for Grade 4 – 5 Quiet time for Grade 6 – 7 20h30 - Lights out for Grade 6 – 7 Windygates is a privately-run boarding house for boys from Grade 1 – 4, accommodating a maximum of 10 boys. The pupils are registered as the school as day scholars and the day scholar fee is applicable. The boarding fee is paid separately to Mr and Mrs Carter. For more information please contact: Godfrey.Carter@Woodridge.co.za or 041 956 6216.

24. SCHOOL HYMN

1 He, who would valiant be ‘Gainst all disaster Let him in constancy Follow the Master. There’s no discouragement Shall make him once relent His first avowed intent To be a pilgrim. 2 Who so beset him round With dismal stories Do but themselves confound

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His strength the more is. No foe shall stay his might, Though he with giants fight; He will make good his right To be a pilgrim. 3 Since, Lord, thou dost defend Us with thy spirit, We know we at the end Shall life inherit, Then fancies flee away! I’ll fear not what men say, I’ll labour night and day To be a pilgrim.

25. SCHOOL PRAYER

Teach us, good Lord, to SERVE Thee as Thou deservest; To GIVE and not to count the cost; To FIGHT and not to heed the wounds; To TOIL and not to seek for rest; To LABOUR and not to ask for any reward, save that of knowing that we do Thy will. AMEN

26. SCHOOL GRACE

Before meals Bless O Lord this food to thy use

Response And ourselves to Thy service

After Meals We give thanks to the Lord

Response For His goodness is everlasting