Several schools have amended their codes of conduct following last week’s outcry over Pretoria High School for Girls’ controversial hair policy. But some golden rules remain, which readers may find either educationally sound, hilarious, over the top, strange or simply outrageous.
- St Martin’s: Under general rules, parents are advised to monitor the films and videos their children watch. They are then given this pearl of wisdom: “South Africa has relaxed the censorship laws and there are some VERY NASTY movies, computer programmes, internet files and websites available.”
- Goodwood Park Primary: One of the possible punitive measures for breaking school rules is the temporary removal of a pupil who disrupts a class “to another place of supervision in the school”.
- King Edward VII Preparatory: Parents are advised not to become involved “in car park gossip”. They are asked to speak to the head of the grade or department if they have a problem that cannot be sorted out by the class teacher. Then there’s this nugget of information: “Social media is not the respected platform for venting of frustrations.”
- Fairmont High: The school reserves the right to take action against pupils who attend private parties or gatherings and “by their behaviour” bring the school’s name into disrepute. There’s also this footnote after the rules: “All masculine pronouns are applicable to girls as well. No gender discrimination is intended.”
- Parel Vallei: Detention for repeated or serious misconduct — or repeated academic negligence — may be extended to Saturdays and “may include physical labour or tasks”.
- Parktown Boys’ High: Appropriate punishment for breaking school rules may include gardening, cleaning of the grounds, sanding desks and painting. Appropriate sentences for pupils found guilty of serious misconduct could include working at police stations, drug rehabilitation centres and the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
- Parktown High School for Girls: Parents and guardians will have to pay a R100 fine if they want to collect their child’s confiscated cellphone on the same day it was removed from them.
- Pretoria Boys High: Pupils must carry their hymn book to all assemblies unless they receive permission from the principal not to do so. They are also advised to “own up if you have done something wrong”. “At no stage may a boy talk or comment on what is said during assembly or other occasions.”