Student Discipline

1. THE SCHOOL DISCIPLINARY BOARD

The School Disciplinary Board is made up of the Principal, the Deputy-Principals and the Discipline Committee. The Discipline Committee includes the Senior Consultant / Discipline – Mr Teo Ming Ern (teome@hci.edu.sg). They will be assisted by Principal, Deputy-Principals, Principal, Senior and Education Consultants of the four faculties and all other teachers as Discipline Teachers.

2. SCHOOL RULES & REGULATIONS

Code of Conduct

All students of the school must always uphold the highest standards of conduct as specified in the School Code of Conduct, presented as follows:

We are proud to be students of Hwa Chong Institution and pledge to uphold her good name by behaving in an exemplary manner at all times. We aim to be a credit to ourselves, our school and our nation.

Our Code of Conduct is based on the four Cs: Consideration, Courtesy, Concern and Care – all of which are underpinned by the basic concept of RESPECT.

RESPECT FOR SELF

We

• take care to be well-groomed

• wear the school uniform with pride and observe school dress code at all times

• abstain from vulgar language and gestures

• conduct ourselves with dignity and decorum

• integrity must be the most distinguished trait in all Hwa Chongians

RESPECT FOR TEACHERS

We

• always attend lessons and related activities conscientiously

• always try be punctual – if we are late, we knock before entering and apologise

• always greet teachers at the beginning and thank them at the end of the lessons

• be polite and attentive during lessons, lectures and talks – we do not eat, sleep or slouch or engage in personal conversations

• immediately produce a Medical Certificate or parent’s letter as soon as we return to school to explain our absence

• adopt a respectful demeanour and an appropriate tone when speaking to teachers

• apologise sincerely for our misdemeanours

RESPECT OUR SCHOOL COMMUNITY

We

• respect for authority is a fundamental value stressed by the school. When due punishment is accorded to us, accept it graciously

• be appreciative and grateful towards the non-teaching staff

• be grateful to cleaning and support staff and help to keep the school tidy and clean. Do not litter in the school compound.

• switch off all mobile devices and any other beeping devices during lessons

• school property must be respected at all times. Remember to switch off fans, air conditioning and lights after lessons. Leave the classrooms tidy with chairs and tables in place and with a clean whiteboard.

• walk briskly to avoid congestion – we do not loiter in groups and obstruct others

• refrain from talking loudly or shouting along corridors

• readily admit to your mistakes and apologise for them

• abstain from vulgar language and gestures

• are not afraid of the word ‘sorry’ – we readily admit and apologise for our mistakes

• sincerely praise the achievements of others and modestly recognize our own achievements

• cheerfully greet anyone in the school community: peers, staff, support personal (cleaning staff, canteen helpers) and guests of the school

• respond warmly when they greet us and assist anyone who needs help

• act responsibly when posting any content and/or expressing our views on both print and online media

RESPECT FOR SCHOOL AND COUNTRY

We

• be punctual for flag raising assembly. Stand in neat lines and maintain silence throughout the assembly

• sing our national anthem with gusto, recite the pledge with pride, and sing the school song with conviction

• pay attention to the assembly announcements

• attend and enthusiastically support school functions

• greet and assist guests in school

• listen appreciatively to, and politely applaud guest speakers

• never abuse or vandalise school property

• always act as good ambassadors for the school by displaying exemplary behaviour in public

3. ATTIRE & APPEARANCE

• students are to wear the prescribed school uniform and modification to the uniform is not allowed. Do not shorten the length of skirt or taper the leggings of pants

• the collar pin must be worn on the left collar of the uniform at all times.

• students are advised to purchase the school uniforms from the school tailor to ensure that the correct standard has been met

• second-hand uniforms are available for purchase at the Green Council Thrift Shop

• students are expected to abide by the following dress code:

See Appendix A for the rules and regulations for school attire.

Hair

Every student must maintain a neat & appropriate hairstyle at all times.

For boys,

• hair must not reach the ears or shirt collars. Side burns are not allowed

• fringes should not be floppy and above both eyebrows

• face must be clean-shaven and no facial hair is allowed (e.g. growing of moustaches & beards)

• avoid unusual hairstyles that attract others’ attention and deemed inappropriate by the school

• hair must be of its natural colour and should not be dyed, tinted or highlighting of hair

For girls,

• long hair must be tied up neatly. Only plain hair accessories may be used

• avoid unusual hairstyles that attract others’ attention and deemed inappropriate by the school

• hair must be of its natural colour and should not be dyed, tinted or highlighting of hair

Prohibitions

• tinting, dyeing or highlighting of hair

• growing of moustaches & beards

• hairstyles that are deemed inappropriate by the School

Footwear

• all students are allowed to wear sports shoes without eye-catching, neon or fluorescent colours

• socks should be visible at all times. Liner and ankle socks that are not visible when worn with shoes are not allowed. Neon or fluorescent-coloured socks are not allowed

• sandals may be worn only when a student is suffering from a foot/ankle injury. Moccasins/slippers are not allowed

Prohibitions

• moccasins and slippers

• liner & ankle socks that are not clearly visible when worn with shoes

Others

1. Accessories deemed inappropriate by the school should not be worn

• flashy or chunky jewellery (rings, earrings, bracelets) or other accessories such as leather neckbands, bead chokers are not allowed

• earrings & ear-studs are not allowed for boys

• multiple earrings or ear-studs are not allowed for girls. Girls are allowed to wear a pair of simple and identical earrings

• religious ornaments must be worn discreetly/covered up

2. Students in uniform must not have long and painted nails and must not wear cosmetics or make-up

4. ATTENDANCE

1. All students are expected to attend school till the last day of every term. Students are expected to go for vacation after the close of a term and end their vacation before the start of a term.

2. Attendance during school term is compulsory. If a student fails to attend school because of illness, injury or any other valid reason, he/she must produce a valid medical certificate or a letter of excuse from his/her parents to his/her Civics Tutor immediately upon return to the School.

3. Parents’ letters of excuse are accepted for the following valid reason: minor illness which may not require immediate medical attention.

4. Students are given a grace period of 10 calendar days from the last day of absence to hand in the medical certificate or the parents’ letter of excuse to the Civics Tutor.

5. Only one parents’ letter of excuse is accepted per period of absence from school, whereby the days of absence in this period under excuse are consecutive. Students are required to submit one letter per day of absence in the event that these days are non-consecutive. Letters that cover all absences for non-consecutive days will not be accepted.

6. Parent’s letter of excuse is capped at 3 per term.

7. For all other personal matters (e.g. bereavement of an immediate family member, emergencies at home, attending awards ceremonies) students are to apply for leave of absence through their Civics Tutor on the ISP through the Leave Application module, under the ‘Others’ category and seek permission from the Deputy Principal. Students are allowed leave of absence to attend to personal matters only when approval from the Deputy Principal has been granted. Parents’ letters of excuse are not accepted if the Deputy Principal does not approve the leave of absence. Students who are absent from school without such permission granted will be disciplined accordingly.

8. Attendance is also compulsory for the following:

• morning flag-raising and pledge-taking ceremony

• all lessons, lectures, practical sessions

• all scheduled or registered talks, workshops and seminars

• all school functions, e.g. Combined Sports Meet, Chinese New Year, National Day, Teachers’ Day celebrations, etc.

9. Any student found absent from school or lessons or events without a valid reason will face disciplinary action.

10. Absence with excuse shall include the following:

5. PUNCTUALITY

1. All students must report punctually at the designated venues for morning flag raising assembly by 7.30 am (at the school field terrace) on Mondays, 7.45 am for Tuesdays & Wednesdays, 8.15 am for Thursdays (College Central Plaza), and 8.30am (at venue of first period lesson) on Fridays.

2. If the weather is inclement (rain, lightning risk, or haze, etc), assembly will be cancelled and a chime will sound at the time of the respective assembly times to indicate the cancellation. In such cases, all students are to report to the venue of their first lesson by 8.00 am on Mondays to Wednesdays, and by 8.30 am for Thursdays and Fridays.

3. All students must record their attendance daily by tapping his/her EZ-Link card at the designated card readers. Records of attendance will be updated daily and taken into consideration in the student’s overall Conduct Grade.

4. A student is considered late for school if he/she is not in the line with the CT group when morning assembly begins with the parade commander giving the command to come to attention.

5. Students who are Singapore citizens must sing the National Anthem and take the Pledge. Students will take the Pledge with the right fist place over the heart. All other nationals are expected to stand at attention.

6. A student who arrives after the assembly has begun (but before it is over) must report to the Late-Comers’ Corner at the Right-Wing Void Deck. He/she will be deemed LATE and the Civics Tutor will update the record on ISP each time a student is LATE. These students will need to submit their EZ-Link cards to the teachers on duty to record their particulars. The card will be returned immediately to the students.

7. A student who arrives even later (after the assembly is over) must report to his/her Civics Tutor to have his/her attendance for the day marked. In the case that the student cannot locate his/her Civics Tutor, he/she must leave his/ her Civics Tutor a note stating his/ her time of arrival in school. In the event when the student fails to report to his/her Civics Tutor, he/she will be deemed as being absent from school without a valid reason.

8. Students, who require to leave school before lessons end for reasons like illness, are to apply for an Out-of-Campus Pass (OCP) on the ISP. Students are to notify their Civics Tutors, who will verify and approve the OCP via the ISP. Approval is given with immediate effect. If the student is unable to contact their Civics Tutor, the student should seek permission from their Faculty EC/SC/PC or PC/SD, Director/SD, or Deputy Principals or Principal.

9. Once the out-of-campus pass is approved, the student will receive an email detailing the approval. The student must show this approval email to the Security guards at the gates or MRT turnstile in order to exit from school.

10. When the student returns to school on the next school day, a valid medical certificate or parent’s letter of excuse (for emergencies only) for the early leave should be provided to the Civics Tutor. This document will be filed in the CT file. Students are given a grace period of 10 calendar days to hand in the medical certificate or the parents’ letter of excuse.

6. USE OF SICK BAY

1. Students who are unwell during lesson should inform their Subject Tutor. A classmate should accompany the student to the College Reception Office to fill up the Sick Bay Report Form.

2. Admin staff at the reception will assist the student to the sick bay and inform the family members and the Civics Tutor. The student will be taken to see the doctor if necessary. The student must seek permission from Civics Tutor or Faculty EC/SC/PC should he/she need to go home. In such a case, the student will have to apply for an Out-of-Campus Pass (OCP) on the ISP.

7. LEAVING SCHOOL

1. No student is allowed to leave the school premises before 1.00 p.m. on normal weekdays without permission. If a student needs to leave the school early before lessons end for reasons like illness, school competitions, or personal matters, he/she must apply for an Out-of-Campus Pass (OCP) on the ISP. On approval by the Civics Tutor, the student will receive an approval email. This approval email will also be sent to all the student’s Subject Tutors to inform them of the reason for the student’s absence.

2. The student must show this approval email to the Security guards at the gates or MRT turnstile to obtain exit from school.

8. TESTS & EXAMINATIONS

1. All students must sit for all scheduled tests and examinations for all the subjects that they are taking.

2. All tests and examinations are part of the learning process, and administered in good faith. Students are to take these tests and examinations seriously, and not engage in any dishonest acts by seeking to exploit loopholes in the system.

3. Any exploitation of the system will be deemed as an attempt to cheat, and disciplinary action will be taken against such students.

4. Sharing of test information through any means (physical, oral or electronic) is strictly prohibited. To uphold the integrity of the assessment process, discussion of test contents (in any form, or medium) should be carried out only after students from all the classes have taken the papers. When in doubt, check with your subject tutors. Sharing of information to students who have yet to take the test or examination will be deemed as an attempt to cheat on the part of both parties. Disciplinary action will be taken against such students.

5. A student who is absent from a test or examination due to illness must produce a valid medical certificate. Otherwise, no marks will be awarded for that test and “absence without valid reason” will be indicated in the students’ records. The student will not be allowed to sit for a retest (if any).

6. All students must be properly attired in full school uniform when sitting for any test or examination. Mobile devices are prohibited in all test and examination venues.

9. CONSUMPTION OF FOOD

1. Consumption of food and drinks should be confined to the canteen only. Consumption of any food or drink (other than plain water) on premises outside the canteen is not allowed.

2. Cutlery is to be returned to the respective receptacles after a meal.

10. USE OF IT FACILITIES/INTERNET

1. Cleanliness must be observed in the computer labs at all times. Consumption of food and drinks are strictly prohibited.

2. Students who wish to use the computers in lab B218 must do so only during their free periods.

3. Students are allowed to only use their own login ID and password to access their personal school account and school IT and academic resources. Students are fully responsible for the usage and all activities under their account.

4. Students should not intentionally seek information on, and copies of data and files or passwords belonging to other account holders.

5. Students are encouraged to use IT equipment in the school for research and learning purposes. It is, however, a serious offence to:

• hack into the school’s IT systems

• modify system settings for personal reasons

• send obscene or spam messages via social media platforms or emails

• make unauthorised use of their internet account (whether personal or school account)

• download undesirable and offensive materials

• copy software and data protected by copyright or license

• posting obscene, defamatory, derogatory or political motivated articles on the internet or email

• play computer games or install games on the school server

Disciplinary action will be taken against the culprit and may include reporting them to the police or barring them from using any IT facilities in the school.

6. Students are not allowed to access school IT systems and online academic resources or the internet using a VPN so as to hide their identities.

7. All hardware and software provided by the school or MOE are not be abused, copied, deleted or modified in any manner. Introduction of virus or any software that maliciously interferes with the normal operation of the network is prohibited.

11. OTHERS PROHIBITED PRACTICES

1. All students are not allowed to have in their possession any weapon. You are also not allowed to bring in any weapon-like item which may be used or intended to be used to cause harm to others.

2. The use of all mobile devices are prohibited during all lessons, talks and practical sessions, except when explicitly called for by the teacher-in-charge of the instructional programme.

3. Bouncing of balls and playing of all ball games is restricted to designated fields or courts. No ball/Frisbee games are allowed in the Inner and Central Plazas. PE attire or approved school team attire must be worn during such games.

4. No card games using poker cards are allowed.

5. No consumption and possession of alcohol, cigarettes and drugs are allowed.

6. Prior approval from the school must be sought for any fundraising through activities or donations.

7. No recording of the school, its premises, its staff and students, and its activities in any media is permitted. Recording is allowed only when approval from the school is obtained.

8. Use of mobile devices to record the actions and activities of staff and students without their express permission is considered an invasion of privacy (especially in washrooms, changing areas and other inappropriate situations). Severe disciplinary action will be meted out and such students may be referred to the police for further action.

9. Students are not allowed to get tattoos done on any locations on their body.

12. DISCIPLINARY ACTION

1. All teachers may take disciplinary action against any student who has broken the school rules. Disciplinary action includes all forms of restriction of student privileges, including routine reporting, extra written work or supervised work sessions.

2. Teachers may also send a referral to SC/Discipline. Students will be dealt with according to the nature of the offence. Students who have been referred more than three times may face suspension or expulsion.

3. Students who are not properly attired may be asked to return home to change to the appropriate attire.

4. Criminal offences will be referred to the Police.

5. A student is liable to be suspended or expelled on any one of the following grounds:

• showing insubordination or insolent behaviour towards teachers

• any form of dishonesty such as theft, cheating in tests or examinations, forgery or plagiarism

• defacing / damaging School property or any other forms of vandalism

• acts of hooliganism; unruly or disorderly behaviour in or out of School

6. Demerit points will be given to any student who has committed an offence. The number of demerit points given will depend on the severity of the offence committed.

7. The School Discipline Committee reserves the right to amend or append any rule and regulation as and when necessary. Such changes will be made known to all students.

13. SPECIFICATIONS FOR UNIFORMS

1. Full School Uniform

This consists of:

• Beige shirt and beige pants with a black or dark brown belt for boys. Beige blouse and beige skirt for girls.

• School collar pin

• All students are allowed to wear sports shoes without eye-catching, neon or fluorescent colours

• Socks which are visible and of an appropriate length must be worn. Neon and fluorescent-coloured socks are not allowed

2. Semi-ceremonial Uniform

This is the dress code for official school functions, and consists of the full school uniform and the school tie with black shoes and white socks.

3. Full Ceremonial Uniform

This is the dress code for special functions like the Pre-U Seminar and Inter-school debates. It consists of

• The school blazer over a white, long-sleeved shirt

• School tie

• Beige pants or beige skirt

• Black shoes with white socks

4. PE Attire

This consists of:

• The school T-shirt and school PE shorts

• All students are allowed to wear sports shoes without eye-catching, neon or fluorescent colours, with socks which are visible and of an appropriate length must be worn. Neon and fluorescent-coloured socks are not allowed

5. School-Approved Attire

This consists of:

• T-shirt that carries either the school logo, school name or the ‘华中’ calligraphic logo

• Shorts that carries the school logo, school name or the ‘华中’ calligraphic logo

6. Rules and Regulations for Design of T-shirts

All CCAs, student leadership councils and committees, and school event committees are to comply with the following regulations:

• With the exception of Service-Learning Project t-shirts, all t-shirts must be designed to incorporate either the school logo, or the school’s name spelt out as “Hwa Chong” or the calligraphic version of ‘华中’.

• These 3 motifs are to be placed prominently and should not be hidden away in the overall design of the t-shirt. Recommended locations include: front breast, sleeve or back of nape.

• Guidelines for use of school logo include: red colour (Pantone 485C) and aspect ratio of height: width of 4:3. No other colour is allowed. There is no size restriction but the logo should not be too small to be seen.

• There is no font restriction for spelling out “Hwa Chong”, but the font should be legible. Use of the contraction ‘HC’ is permitted provided either the school logo or calligraphic version of ‘华中’ is used as well.

• The calligraphic ‘华中’ may be printed either vertically or horizontally. Only the calligraphic version in our school letterhead may be used. No other calligraphic or graphic versions may be used.

• Service-Learning t-shirts are not considered school-approved attire and hence are not required to have either of the 3 above-mentioned motifs to be printed on these shirts. Therefore Service-Learning t-shirts are not to be worn in school on any occasion unless prior approval has been sought from the Deputy Principal.

14. GUIDELINES FOR CONDUCT GRADE

1. Serious Offence

Parents/guardians will be informed when serious offences are committed by students. Further actions such as demerit points, probation, suspension or expulsion may be taken by the school.

Examples of serious offences are, but not limited to:

• defiance towards teachers

• cyber offences

• inappropriate behaviour between students

• damage to school property/vandalism

• forgery

• cheating in assessment

• disregard of rules

• fighting

• bullying

• outrage of modesty

• shoplifting/theft

The table below shows the award of demerit points for the various serious offences.

3. Conduct Grade

The Conduct Grade will be computed based on the total demerit points accumulated in the course of the year. The Conduct Grade will be reported at the appropriate progress reports:

C1:

• Block Test Progress Report

• Promotional Examination Progress Report

C2:

• Block Test 1 Progress Report

• Block Test 2 Progress Report

• Preliminary Examination Report

Each year’s Conduct Grade will be independently calculated and reported.

NOTE:

1. A conduct grade will be given at the end of each school term and each school year.

2. A conduct grade will be indicated in all Block Test, Promotional Examination and Preliminary Examination transcripts.

3. Students who do not show improvement in their conduct after attaining a “FAIR” conduct grade will be liable for further punishment at the discretion of the Discipline Committee.

4. Demerit Points are cumulative for each school term and will be reset to zero at the start of a new school term.

13. GUIDELINES FOR CORRECTIVE ACTIONS

14. SOP FOR HANDLING DISCIPLINE CASES