Code of Conduct & School Rules
At Transkei Primary School, we are guided by our motto: ‘Super Omnia Veritas’ – The Truth Above All Things. Every pupil is expected to behave in a manner that brings pride to themselves, their parents, and the school.
Key Rules of Attendance & Behavior:
- Attendance: Be punctual and remain on premises for the full duration of the school day. Absenteeism requires a doctor’s certificate or parental note.
- Language: The language of instruction is English; all conversations inside and outside classrooms should be held in English.
- Safety & Movement: Walk in a single line, keep left, and do not run on verandas or in passages.
- Prohibited Items: Drugs, alcohol, pornography, cigarettes, electronic games, and dangerous items (sticks/knives) are strictly forbidden.
Dress Code of Transkei Primary School
| Boys Uniform | Girls Uniform |
| * White shirt with school badge (Grade 7: button to top) * Grey pants (long or short) * Black school jersey with badge * Black leather lace-up shoes (clean) * Hair: Short, neat, natural; no markings or gel. |
* Summer: Green skirt (max 6cm above knee) * Winter: Long grey pants or green skirt * White shirt with badge (Grade 7: button to top) * Black school jersey with badge * Hair: Tied up if it touches the collar; no extensions or dye. |
Academic & Homework Policy
The school utilizes SA-SAMS for recording student progress and behavior. Homework diaries are mandatory and must be signed daily by parents.
- Assessments: Marks are based on tasks and projects. Formal exams occur in Terms 2 and 4. All tests must be signed by parents.
- Locker Facilities: Available at R100 per year to assist with heavy bag loads.
- Homework Advice: Parents should provide a distraction-free environment with adequate lighting. Students should study in 30-minute intervals.
Discipline & Consequences
TPS maintains a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, theft, profanity, and discrimination. We use a merit and demerit system to encourage positive behavior.
| Demerit Threshold | Consequence / Loss of Privilege |
| 30 Demerits | One Friday Detention (13:15 – 14:15) |
| 100 Demerits | No Outdoor Education, Farewell, or Inter-house sports |
| 150+ Demerits | Exclusion from Grade 7 Final Assembly |
Confiscated cell phones may only be collected by a parent. Confiscated items are held for one term.
Legal Framework: South African Schools Act (SASA)
In terms of Section 8 of the South African Schools Act, the Governing Body of Transkei Primary School has adopted this Code of Conduct. The primary purpose is to establish a disciplined and purposeful school environment, dedicated to the improvement and maintenance of the quality of the learning process.
Statutory Obligations and Rights:
- Mandatory Adherence: Section 8(4) of the Act states that all learners are bound by the Code of Conduct. At TPS, this means that enrollment is an implicit agreement by the learner and the parent to uphold these standards.
- Due Process: SASA ensures that no learner may be suspended or expelled without a fair hearing. TPS follows the strict hierarchy of disciplinary steps (from warnings to SGB disciplinary hearings) to ensure justice and transparency.
- Prohibition of Corporal Punishment: In accordance with Section 10 of SASA, no person may administer corporal punishment at this school. Discipline is managed through our demerit, detention, and counseling systems.
- Safety and Searches: In line with Section 8A, the school reserves the right to conduct searches for illegal drugs or dangerous objects to maintain a safe environment for all learners.
The Pillars of Our Code of Conduct
Our code is built upon the constitutional values of South Africa. The following legal principles are applied daily:
| Legal Principle | Application at TPS |
| Dignity & Respect | Zero tolerance for bullying, foul language, and discrimination based on race, religion, or culture (Section 9 of the Constitution). |
| Right to Education | Learners must not disrupt the education of others. Misbehavior in class is treated as an infringement on the rights of peers. |
| Parental Accountability | Parents are legally required to ensure their children attend school regularly (Section 3) and are responsible for the payment of school fees as determined by the SGB. |
| Duty of Care | The school acts in loco parentis (in the place of the parent), meaning teachers have the legal duty to ensure the safety and well-being of learners during school hours. |
Categorization of Offences (SA-SAMS):
TPS categorizes behavior based on the Department of Education's standards:
- Level 1: Minor infringements handled by class teachers (e.g., untidy hair, missing stationery).
- Level 2: Repeated Level 1 offences or minor defiance (handled through demerits and detention).
- Level 3-5: Serious misconduct (theft, assault, drugs, bullying) which leads directly to SMT intervention and possible SGB Disciplinary Hearings.
"Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment." — By following SASA guidelines, we ensure a fair, safe, and world-class environment for all learners.