Effective discipline remains one of the greatest challenges in education today, and poor discipline threatens the quality of education in our schools. According to the South African Schools Act, No. 84 of 1996, Section 8, every public school must adopt a Code of Conduct for its learners. Our school has established a robust and effective Code of Conduct, available on our website or in hard copy at the front office upon request.

To ensure the smooth functioning of our school and provide quality education for all students, it is essential to uphold high standards of discipline. Achieving this requires cooperation between the headmaster, staff, teachers, and parents. We all share a common goal: the best interests of the children. At Thornhill Primary, we aim to be consistent, effective, and positive in our disciplinary approach. However, in cases of serious misconduct, we must adopt a firm stance to protect the rights and needs of teachers and other students. Our Code of Conduct outlines specific procedures for addressing serious offenses. We encourage you to familiarize yourself with the Code of Conduct and school rules to support our efforts.

How Discipline Works at Our School

Assertive Discipline

Our discipline system is grounded in the Assertive Discipline program developed by Lee Canter, which focuses on positive behavior management.

1. Objective: The program helps students make better behavioral choices, enhancing their self-esteem and academic performance.
2. Principles: It emphasizes consistency, follow-through, and positive relationship-building, empowering both teachers and students.
3. Expectations: Clear rules and routines help students understand what is expected of them.
4. Rewards: Positive behavior is reinforced with supportive feedback.
5. Boundaries: Firm classroom boundaries create a secure learning environment that fosters academic success.

Fair Warning

We adhere to the principle of giving fair warning to students about their conduct and attitude. Once warned, there are no excuses for continued negative behavior.

The Five Rules

Our disciplinary system is based on five key rules:
1. Follow instructions.
2. Keep hands, feet, objects, and unkind words to yourself.
3. Listen when others are speaking.
4. Care for all property.
5. Behave appropriately.

These rules are displayed in each classroom and listed in the school diary, which also includes specific rules derived from these five.

Demerits

Each class uses a tracking chart to monitor student behavior. This chart follows the student throughout the school day. If a student’s conduct, attitude, or work ethic requires a sanction, the teacher records demerits on the chart. Accumulating five demerits results in a detention letter sent home to inform parents or guardians. For serious transgressions, the teacher may contact the parent/guardian directly or request the student to make the call.

Detention Classes

Detentions are held on designated Friday afternoons from 14:00 to 15:00. Students may be excused from detention with a letter from a parent or guardian, but must attend the next scheduled detention. Failure to attend will result in an additional detention.