Communication

COMMUNICATION, CONFLICT RESOLUTION & LIABILITY

COMMUNICATION

Open communication between teachers, parents and the administration is essential to the achievement of our objectives.  Parents are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss their child’s progress or behaviour if they feel there is a problem. If a teacher notices that a student has a problem in a particular area, or that a student’s grades/marks are slipping, the parents will be called in to discuss the situation.  Problems or changes in the home environment that could affect your child’s performance or emotional stability should be clearly communicated to the class teacher.

PROBLEMS

Our approach to problem solving is based upon Biblical principles and can be summarized as follows – do not be easily offended.  All of us want to do the right thing and should be working towards the same aims and objectives.  If you feel there is a problem, first pray about the matter and examine the facts, as well as the motives of those involved.  Then go to the teacher or person involved and discuss the problem together.  If no resolution can be reached at this point, contact the office to request a meeting with the relevant Supervisor.  The Supervisor concerned will be able to arrange a meeting with the Principal, if necessary.

Remember that going to the source – not to other parents, relatives or friends – solves problems.  Using a Biblical pattern will keep our school family strong and growing.

LIABILITY

As stated on the enrolment form, the parent/guardian agrees to indemnify and absolve the school, its staff and participating parents or students against any claims of any nature and however arising, whether directly or indirectly from the child’s participation in any educational excursion, sports activity or activity organized by the school.

OFFICE HOURS

During school terms the office hours are 07:00 to 15:00, Monday to Thursday and 07:00 to 14:00 on Friday. Parents will be accordingly notified of any days on which the school office may be closed.

VISITORS

To help maintain a positive learning environment, we ask that all visitors, including parents, report to the office before going to classrooms or other parts of the school.  Students from other schools are allowed as guests with the prior permission of parents, teacher and the administration.

TELEPHONE CALLS AND MESSAGES

All telephone calls and messages to learners or teachers must be directed to the school office.  No student or teacher will be called out of class except in case of an emergency.  (Forgotten books, homework or lunches are not normally viewed as emergencies.)  Students may not use the office phone.  A public phone is available at the school for use by the learners before school, during break and after school. Learners need to carry their own phone cards to utilize this phone.

CELL PHONES / POCKET COMPUTER GAMES

Cell phones, Pocket computer games, walkman, etc. may NOT be brought to school.
If any of the above items are seen during school hours, they will be confiscated and will remain in the custody of the school until the end of the school term. Please note that the school will NOT accept any responsibility for loss of or damage to any such items that are confiscated.

SCHOOL RULES

1.    Keep hands, body and objects to yourself.
2.    Listen to the adult in charge.
3.    Walk while inside the building – don’t run.  Keep to the left on the stairs and in hallways.
4.    Use acceptable language – no swearing, bad words, teasing or making fun of others.
5.    Use “indoor voice” in the classroom.  Don’t talk or make noise in the hallways or on the stairs.
6.    Get permission from the class teacher before going into a   classroom where there is no teacher.
7.    Leave gum, toys and sharp objects at home.

DISCIPLINE PROCEDURES

Parents who enroll their children at HCS are aware that their children will be trained under the influence of God’s Word and His Spirit.  It is understood that both parents and Students will live by the policies of the school.  When disciplinary action is taken, it is done with justice and love.  The matter will be forgiven and forgotten when it has been sufficiently addressed and repentance (a change in attitude and actions) is demonstrated.

For a detailed guide on the disciplinary actions that may be taken for a consequent offence, please see disciplinary procedures guide attached herewith.

Dot System (Grades 1 to 3)
At the start of each day, the children will colour in the top dot green. If the child’s behaviour remains good for the whole day no further dots will be coloured in. If the child has forgotten something (e.g. a hat, or his/her parent has not signed the homework or the previous’ day’s Dot Slip) or if he/she misbehaves once then the next dot will be coloured yellow. If he/she misbehaves a  second time, the third dot is coloured red. Three instances of bad behaviour or serious misconduct will result in the fourth dot being coloured blue and the child will be sent to the Principal. The slips will be sent home every day for the parent’s signature. Please talk to your child about his/her behaviour each day. Give praise when he/she has a green dot day. Otherwise, encourage him/her to improve hi/her behaviour. In this way parents and teachers can work together to promote good behaviour.

HCS uses a Merit & Demerit System for (Grades 4 to 6).  For more information on the system, please feel free to contact the respective class teacher during school hours.