SS Student Handbook

Nova Pioneer is an independent school network offering excellent and accessible 21 st century education focused on developing students as innovators and leaders. We work to provide schools that support students in developing skills and capabilities to innovate and meet challenges, particularly as the world changes.

At Nova Pioneer we challenge our children to reach excellence through the skills of critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration. Novaneer students are engaged and active in their own learning and that of their peers. They are future-equipped, having developed strong problem-solving, collaborative leadership, and character capabilities. At Nova Pioneer, we develop each child’s unique talents and capabilities through holistic education in partnership with parents. Our core values of enquiry, caring, and excellence along with our culture principles guide the way we educate children.

Nova Pioneer parents entrust us as partners in preparing their children for life. We therefore commit ourselves to understand and facilitate the unique journey of each Novaneer!

At Nova Pioneer we ‘live’ a set of culture principles to intentionally guide our participation in the community, both as a community of learners and community of citizens. Our culture principles are celebrated consistently and intentionally.

Greater Together — We constantly support our colleagues, students and teammates because we can achieve more together.

Servant Leadership — We believe great leaders are great servants, and put service to others before service to self. Servant Leaders engage their community with humility and generosity. We see leadership as a way of improving the world, not simply promoting ourselves.

High Expectations (110%) — We sweat the small stuff and take pride in what we do. We set goals that others think are impossible and never stop until we achieve them. We see all our students, colleagues, and ourselves as capable of greatness, and we expect everyone to do whatever it takes to constantly achieve excellence.

Always Growing — We constantly seek out difficult challenges, share and receive feedback as a gift, and see every failure as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Joy of Learning — We delight in learning and bring infectious energy and positive spirit to everything we do because joy fuels learning and hard work.

Solutions First (Optimism) — We respond to every obstacle with energy and action. Everything is possible when we think creatively and critically about a problem. We are always thinking of new solutions when faced with difficult problems

In accordance with school policy, Nova Pioneer does not discriminate in any of its policies, procedures or practices on the basis of race, colour, ethnic origin, religious beliefs, class or gender. We are committed to seeking a diverse student population including children from a variety of racial, ethnic, religious and socio-economic backgrounds. All admissions to Nova Pioneer schools are made in accordance with the Nova Pioneer Admissions Policy.

Should a parent choose to withdraw his/her child from a Nova Pioneer school, notice must be given in accordance with the procedure outlined in the Parent Contract.

Please inform the school receptionist or use the school email when your daughter or son is absent and send her or him back with an explanatory note for the class teacher on the child’s return to school. Doctor’s certificates are required where students are absent for more than two days or on Mondays or Fridays.

School hours are as laid down at the specific campus where your child is in attendance and are expected to be adhered to unless in exceptional circumstances. Students are also expected to attend all compulsory school events outside of normal school hours.

An excuse note or email for non-participation in a sports lesson or other extra-curricular activity should be addressed to the teacher concerned. School days and learning experiences missed cannot be regained and so the school leaders will consider giving permission for extended holidays and long weekends in exceptional circumstances only.

Any student who needs to leave school during the school day must bring a note signed by a parent explaining the reason for the request. This note will enable them to get an exit slip from the receptionist. The exit slip must be signed by the class teacher and by a dean.

These exit slips are handed to the security officer at the gate when the child is collected.

No pupil may leave the campus without an official exit slip.

School assemblies are as per specific arrangements at each campus.

Nova Pioneer teaching staff members are carefully selected not only for their knowledge, experience and educational background, but also for their mindset and commitment to families. Our teachers are encouraged to continue learning and developing their skills.

Nova Pioneer provides professional development opportunities to ensure that our teaching staff are current in their knowledge of educational practices.

At Nova Pioneer, teachers guide students. We believe that learning is a journey, not a destination - a journey where questions are explored, answers are questioned, ideas are discovered, minds are opened and stretched with the goal of being and becoming, not just remembering and reviewing. Our teachers play a large role in supporting this process for our students. Within the classrooms they partner with the students in the process of discovery and building the children’s knowledge.

Nova Pioneer provides an enquiry based approach that allows students to: build their knowledge through a process of enquiry, investigation and reflection; use the physical and social environment as learning opportunities; be viewed as active participants, rather than passive recipients; utilize inclusiveness to expand opportunities for growth; and honours children's cultural backgrounds.

We follow the internationally recognised Cambridge Curriculum. Please read more about it at this link: https://www.cambridgeinternational.org/why-choose-us/parents-and-students/

Because of the high standards that students must attain in Grades 11 and 12, our internal pass mark for all exams is set at 60%.

At the beginning of every term, an assessment calendar is issued to the students. This enables the students to prepare in advance, meet deadlines and manage their time efficiently. The assessments are spread throughout the term. The timetable is carefully planned by the teachers and deadlines are strictly adhered to.

It is advisable that parents keep a close track of their child’s progress. If the school has concerns, parents will be contacted. Parents may book an appointment directly with the teachers or coaches concerned or through the front office. We prefer to address issues timeously rather than waiting for reports/parents’ interviews.

Term 1 (59 days)

Start

Tuesday, 13 January 2026: Orientation for Grade 8 and all new Grade 9 - 13 students

Wednesday, 14 January 2026

Wednesday, 21 January 2026: All Grade 11 students

Close

Friday, 10 April 2026 (early closure 12:00)

Half term

Close: Thursday, 19 February 2026 (early closure 12:00)

Return: Tuesday, 24 February 2026

Public Holiday

Saturday, 21 March 2026 (Human Rights Day)

Friday, 3 April 2026 (Good Friday)

Monday, 6 April 2026 (Family Day)

Term 2 (62 days)

Start

Wednesday, 6 May 2026

Close

Friday, 7 August 2026 (early closure 12:00)

Half term

Close: Friday, 26 June 2026

Return: Monday, 6 July 2026

Public Holidays

Monday, 15 June 2026 (school closed)

Tuesday, 16 June 2026 (Youth Day)

Term 3 (59 days)

Start

Wednesday, 9 September 2026

Close

Friday, 4 December 2026 (early closure 12:00)

Half term

Close: Thursday, 22 October 2026 (early closure 12:00)

Return: Tuesday, 27 October 2026

Public Holidays

Thursday, 24 September 2026 (Heritage Day)

Friday, 25 September 2026 (school closed)

The protection of children is our primary concern. Whenever circumstances suggest a reasonable suspicion of child abuse or neglect, these circumstances will be reported immediately to the proper agency. Nova Pioneer is developing a comprehensive Child Protection Policy. You will be notified as soon as this policy is published and we encourage you to familiarise yourself with it.

A variety of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities are offered each term. Students are invited/expected to participate in at least one cultural activity and one sport. A schedule of activities is available at each school and you are requested to fill in the necessary forms to ensure that your child makes full use of these offerings. Enrolment will happen in the EdAdmin Parent Portal. You will be given access to this via email.

The Nova Pioneer approach to discipline is laid out clearly in the Philosophy of Culture and Behaviour and we encourage all parents and students to familiarise themselves fully with this document. Our learning and behaviour expectations are informed by democratic values, social justice and fundamental human rights. The Student Code of Conduct is embodied in the Philosophy of Culture and Behaviour and High School students and Primary School parents are all required to sign this document on an annual basis.

Linked to the Philosophy of Culture and Behaviour are the following policies , with which all Novaneers are expected to be familiar:

Anti Bullying Policy

Hair Policy

Intercultural and Anti Bias Policy

Social Media Policy

Substance and Abuse Policy

Search and Confiscation of Illegal Substances Policy

All of these policies may be found on the Nova Pioneer website .

Along with the Nova Pioneer Philosophy of Culture and Behaviour are sets of rules specific to different campuses (playground rules, drop off and pick up times, rules for collection of children, etc.) Parents and students are also expected to be familiar with these rules.

Communication is an important aspect of the partnership between family and school. To ensure that you have access to information about your child's daily school experiences and upcoming school functions the following avenues for communication are available:

Curriculum Communique – This will be a weekly email communication which will include details of what is happening in the classroom, support for parents, homework and grade specific communications. Parents are asked to read through this communication each week and to reference this as our principal source of communication.

D6 – This will contain copies of all communications under the Resource Tab (fee schedules, policy documents, stationery lists) as well as a calendar of events. Going forward, the Curriculum Communique will also be uploaded to the D6 by default each week so that parents will be able to reference these throughout the term. Download the app for your phone from the relevant app store. The desktop version is available here: https://d6.co.za/education/downloads/

EdAdmin Parent Portal – Our School Administrative system will be opened to parents through the EdAdmin Parent Portal. This will give parents the opportunity to connect with the school digitally without having to wait for some direct communications. The Parent Portal will allow families to view their financial statements, students’ academic reports and allow you to update all personal records yourselves. We are hoping to launch the Parent Portal before the end of this year. EdAdmin is in the process of developing their own smartphone app which should go live during the course of 2021. This will allow added accessibility to EdAdmin.

Parent Meetings – We had a number of requests to extend the duration of the end of term parent / teacher meetings. We will extend our parent / teacher meetings to 30 minutes from Term 1 next year and look for additional opportunities to create time for parent meetings outside of the days scheduled in the 2021 calendar.

We value community at Nova Pioneer. We know there are many benefits and value that come with strong communities. Inevitably in any community, even the most loving, there are bound to be disagreements that arise. We view these moments, and our ability to work through them, as opportunities to grow — to exhibit our strength and commitment to ensuring a community based on respect, kindness, and open communication.

It is our hope that your time at Nova Pioneer will be a joyful experience for your entire family. As members of our community we ask that you agree to open, honest communication. We have found that through open communication most conflicts can be resolved promptly and to everyone's satisfaction. Handling issues that arise directly and honestly is a measure of our integrity and our commitment to solving problems.

The following steps are designed to help in the resolution of problems or disputes:

Any concerns with the teaching staff should be addressed to the specific teacher involved.

Conflicts that cannot be resolved between the parties involved should be addressed to the

Dean of Instruction and the School Leader.

If the School Leader’s response is not satisfactory, you may pursue your concern through a letter to the Managing Director of Nova Pioneer Schools. We will ensure response as quickly as possible.

Staff will obtain written consent from the family before sharing information about a child with relevant providers, agencies, or other programs.

Individual teachers will share their contact details with your parents at the beginning of the year.

See below for the Deans and Head of School contact details.

Head of School - Mr Opperman topperman@novapioneer.com

Associate Dean of Students - Ms Meyers mmeyers@novapioneer.com

Dean of Instruction - Mr Mwaghore smwaghore@novapioneer.com

Dean of Academics - Mr Mackenzie bmackenzie@novapioneer.com

Dean of Operations and Academic Administration - Ms Du Toit adutoit@novapioneer.com

As each of our campuses have slightly different daily routine times, we have not included

any details in this handbook. A copy of the daily routine at your school will be made

available to you.

The concept of diversity encompasses acceptance and respect. It is the exploration of these differences in a safe, positive and nurturing environment. It is about understanding each other and moving beyond simple tolerance to embracing and celebrating the rich dimensions of diversity contained within each individual. At Nova Pioneer this means understanding that each individual is unique, and recognises our individual differences.

Diversity enriches our community and our learning. The Nova Pioneer Intercultural and Anti Bias Policy further expands our position on this vitally important aspect of life in South Africa. Our parents are encouraged to download this policy from the website and spend some time perusing it.

We govern the use of electronic devices (both personal and those belonging to the school) according to our Code of Conduct, the Nova Pioneer Social Media Policy and the Nova Pioneer Information Technology Policy. Students are requested to please ensure that they are familiar with these rules and that they read the policies. 

Students personal electronic devices may ONLY be used during break times or when instructed to do so by a teacher in class. During teaching time AND during lesson transitions, phones AND other electronic devices may not be visible. The electronic devices will be confiscated immediately if this rule is broken. Confiscated phones and other electronic devices will be kept in the safe until the end of the school day. 

Also please be aware that the school accepts no responsibility for lost or stolen phones. Should the student have their phone or other electronic device confiscated for a second or third time the device may be kept for 24 / 48 hours. Students are requested to please ensure that they are familiar with these rules and that they read the relevant policies.

Nova Pioneer is focused on allowing each student to attain his/her potential. To this end, academic programmes to assist students who are struggling with sections of work (or who may have missed work through illness) are in place. Parents are encouraged to inquire about assistance that may be required for their children.

Nova Pioneer maintains a collaborative approach to education, where the parents in particular are actively involved. As such, we have devised a Family Engagement Committee structure, which is a practical way to:

● endorse the philosophy of partnership and collaboration,

● encourages our parents to become actively involved in the life of the school,

● channel their energies in such a way that the parents do feel part of the community,

and

● make an effective contribution to the life of the community and the education of their children.

Each Nova Pioneer school will offer (and encourage) their parents the opportunity to join one of the Family Engagement Committees set up at the school. The nature and general  purpose of each committee will be explained by the school. It is important to note that, while a few core committees will be set up in each of our schools, not all of them will be offered in each of the schools - the choice of committees to be set up will depend on the current needs of each individual school.

We do encourage all our parents to make themselves available to serve in at least one of the committees.

Moreover, the school has set up a specific Parent Advisory Committee. The purpose of this committee is to provide advice and guidance to individual parents who are dealing with a particular challenge and are not sure how to go about resolving it. This committee will also be explained to you in full by the school.

Safety is one of the Nova Pioneer’s main priorities. A Health, Safety and Environment Policy is in place and applies to all campuses. Staff and management will continually review this policy and procedures to improve preparations and responses to anything that might threaten student safety. No safety system can completely prevent incidents, but Nova Pioneer will employ numerous strategies to reduce the risk.

These strategies include:

● An emergency plan is in place and will be practised at each school.

● The schools will conduct numerous emergency drills to practise evacuation and lockdown procedures.

● The school’s security company will work with the school to identify any potential safety concerns.

● All staff are trained to respond to various incidents. This training includes teachers receiving anti-bullying training.

Parents can collaborate with school staff to help create a safe school. Some things that you can do to help:

● Make sure the school office always has current information about your place of employment, daytime phone numbers and names of adults authorized to pick up your child in an emergency.

● Understand the Code of Conduct and other policies available regarding proper school behaviour, getting along with others, positive ways of expression, and understanding racial and cultural differences.

● Have a family emergency plan and be sure your child knows what to do and who to go to for assistance should an emergency occur while they are at home.

● To report a threat to the safety of the school or the community, please contact the school.

Nova Pioneer is also currently developing an extensive Child Protection Policy. Parents will be notified and given access as soon as this policy is published.

Please note that formal school hours are:

Monday to Thursday: 07:30 to 16:00

Friday: 07:30 to 15:00 (Grade 8 - 10) or 15:30 (Grade 11 - 13)

Some extracurricular activities might go on for a bit later.

Staff supervision of students will only happen during these hours and during formal school activities.

The assumption is that students will go home as soon as their formal school activities end.

Teaching ends at 15:00. Students who do not attend an afternoon programme, be it sport, cultural or academic, should go home at 15:00. However, this quite often does not happen.

In an attempt to improve the overall security of our campus and care of students, the following system will apply:

● We will create a study facility in one of the Senior School classrooms that will be staffed by one of our teachers.

● Any Senior School student still on campus after 16:00 on Monday to Thursday will be taken to this venue.

● On Fridays this will be immediately after their extramurals or, if there is no formal extramural or academic activity, at 15:00 (Grade 8 - 10) and 15:30 (Grade 11 - 13).

● They will be signed in and will have to stay there until their transport or parents arrive. This will not be negotiable.

● The person collecting them must go to the security guard at the Senior School entrance who will then go and call the student from the classroom.

● This service will run until 17:00 on Monday to Thursday and until 16:00 on Friday.

Students not collected by these times will have to sit with the Guard at the gate until they are collected.

● If you are concerned about your child's movement after hours, you can also request us to ensure that they are signed in and to contact you if they are not.

● Because we will have to pay staff a stipend for overtime service, parents will be charged R70-00 for every session that a student gets signed in. This is irrespective of the length of time spent in this facility.

NB: The first lesson of every day starts at 07h30. That means that students must arrive before 07h30. While we are sensitive to the challenges presented by public transport, we will monitor late arrivals closely and will engage with both students and parents if we see a pattern of late arrival. ALL late arrivals will be recorded. Please take careful note of the Zero Tolerance policies below.

Notes:

*After Care: School formally ends at 16:00 (On a Friday at 15:00 for Grade 8 - 10 and 15:30 for Grade 11 - 13). Any student on campus after 16:00 (or 15:30 on a Friday) will be placed in After Care and parents will be charged a fee of R70 per afternoon. An exception to this would be if a teacher volunteers to offer late enrichment activities after 16:00 which will be managed on a case-by-case basis.

Effective transitions between lessons

Staff will dismiss classes with 5 minutes to get to the next lesson. Students who arrive late for any class will be given demerits which could then lead to detention.

The South African Constitution gives recognition to the role of faith and religion in our society. The preamble to the Constitution ends with the words:

May God protect our people.

Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika. Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso.

God seën Suid-Afrika. God bless South Africa.

Mudzimu fhatutshedza Afurika. Hosi kateskisa Afrika.

With this in mind Nova Pioneer recognises the place that religion plays in our lives. Nova Pioneer is not affiliated to any one religion. At the core of our philosophy is respect for all faiths, which is built through an understanding of the diverse religious beliefs of the children who attend our school. Incorporated in the Nova Pioneer ethos is the teaching of the values of tolerance and understanding.

In keeping with this philosophy Nova Pioneer fully respects the right of individuals to observe religious holy days. Our schools will try to avoid clashes with major religious festivals where this is practical. The decision to miss school activities is a personal one and, while every effort will be made to assist the student in making up work missed, the observation of the religious holy days may, in no way, impact upon the operational needs of the school.

Although we are a non-denominational school, any decision relating to the modification of the school uniform will be made with consideration to all stakeholders at the school.

Reference has already been made to a number of Nova Pioneer policies. All policies that are applicable to parents and students are uploaded onto the Nova Pioneer website and are therefore accessible to all. These policies include:

● Philosophy of Culture and Behaviour;

● Hair Policy

● Anti-Bullying Policy;

● Intercultural and Anti Bias Policy;

● Social Media Policy;

● Information Technology Policy; and

● Academic Integrity Policy.

Parents and students are advised to ensure full understanding of responsibilities in accordance with these policies. You can view them online here:

https://www.novapioneer.com/sa/policies/

During the course of their career at Nova Pioneer your children may go on tours or outings, at an additional cost. Tours are fun, educational and are an opportunity to get to know teachers and one another in a different context. A separate policy covers the organisation and safety of such tours. It is important to note that all school policies and codes apply to students when involved in school functions off site.

The Nova Pioneer uniform reflects the image and style of the Nova Pioneer brand. Much thought has gone into the uniform in terms of design, the type of fabric used, the durability, the ease of drying and ironing, the local weather conditions as well as the practicality of use.

Students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the uniform guidelines below:

School Dress Code Guide

In an effort to present a neat, tidy and professional appearance, we maintain the following uniform requirements:

Dresscode

The school uniform must always be neat, clean and worn with pride at all times

Girl’s and Boys uniform

● Navy blue Blazer

● White Shirt

● Striped Tie (dark navy with stripes)

● Green jersey optional (must be worn with a blazer at all times)

● Green Sleeveless Jersey (Pullover)

● Khaki skirt/ shorts or trousers

● Navy Blue socks

● Plain black school shoes

● Black belts with trousers

● Black, green or white scarves may be worn by students.

● School beanies, hats and caps may only be worn in the correct season

● School hats and caps may only be worn outside the building

Hair and makeup

● Hair must be neat and clean at all times

● All hair, braids and dreadlocks must be tied back away from the face

● Fringes must be above the eyebrows.

● Long fringes must be cut, tied or pinned back.

● The natural colour scheme of the hair must be maintained even with braids

● Exotic hairstyles are not allowed (patterns, lines and colouring)

● Hair accessories can only be green,blue, black or white .

● Students will be asked to remove all bandannas.

● Only plain black, navy blue, green or white headbands are allowed.

● Makeup of any kind if not permitted.

Jewellery

● No bangles, bracelets or rubber bands.

● Only a watch and Medic Alert bracelet are permitted.

● Small ear studs or small earrings in gold or silver are allowed. (multiple earrings are not allowed)

● Religious jewellery such as rosaries may be worn but underneath clothing

● No other body piercings and jewellery are allowed.

Nails

● Nails must be kept short and clean.

● No nail polish

Sports dress code

● School golf shirt

● Plain black or navy blue shorts or tracksuits

● Non Branded black or white takkies

Civvies Day Guidelines

We take pride in our professionalism and in our school uniform. Thus it is important that we set clear expectations regarding what is/ is not appropriate dress on a civvies day.

○ Dress in a professional manner that appropriately represents Nova Pioneer. This means that our dress should be conservative and not at all revealing

○ Not allowed: Bare midriffs, ripped jeans, spaghetti straps, baggy pants, short shorts, high heels etc. are not considered appropriate dress at Nova Pioneer The civvies day applies only to clothing. Thus hairstyles, makeup, and jewellery must follow the usual Nova Pioneer dress code.

● If students are inappropriately dressed, they will be sent home to change. We will be very strict in the enforcement of this, so please help us to make sure that guidelines are explicitly followed. If there is any doubt about whether or not something is appropriate, please instead wear the school uniform.

If a student is not able to dress appropriately, they should be in full school uniform.

All dress code violations:

Please note students will be issued with a dress-code violation pink slip; sent home to change and or the incorrect items will be confiscated and handed to the Dean of students for safekeeping and will be returned at the end of the term.