RATIONALE OF RULES AND REGULATION 2007

Canberra Secondary School is a secular school. We strive to create a common space for all pupils so as to learn and live in harmony with one another, regardless of race, language or religion.

We respect diversity but the school must be a common place for all to live and learn together.  Hence, the compliance to a common code of conduct and behaviour is necessary to safeguard this harmony.

SCHOOL RULES

MORNING ASSEMBLY

1. Pupils are to assembly at the parade square in their respective classes in quiet and orderly manner for the flag raising ceremony by 0730 hrs.

1. Pupils must stand at attention during the Flag-Raising Ceremony. Pupils who are Singapore citizens must sing the National Anthem and take the pledge. Students will take the pledge with the right fist placed over the heart.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

1. Attendance in school or any school organised activity is compulsory.  A medical certificate or an excuse letter is required for absence from school.

1. Pupils are not allowed to leave the school premises during school hours without permission from the Principal, Vice Principal or the Cohort Managers.

1. All Pupils must report to school by 0730hrs and be seated in the Parade Square in their class.  Pupils must report punctually to class and any other school event/activity.

RELATING TO SCHOOL STAFF

1. Pupils are to be polite and respectful at all times to the school staff.

1. This includes the Principal, Vice-Principal, HODs, Teachers, General Office Staff, Security Guards, Canteen/Bookshop Operators, school attendants and any staff of external agencies employed by the school.

SCHOOL ATTIRE

General Category

1.                  Pupils are to wear the prescribed school uniform and modifications to the uniform are not allowed.

2.                  Pupils are to be in school uniform with proper footwear whenever they are in school, including school holidays and Saturdays.

3.                  The school uniform must be worn neatly and shirts should always be tucked-in appropriately at all times regardless of location.

4.                  Pupils are to put on the school tie for the entire day on Wednesdays.  School ties must be worn neatly and should reach waist level.

5.                  Sleeves of the school shirt or blouse should not be folded up.

6.                  During PE lessons, all Pupils must put on the approved school’s PE T-shirt and shorts.  They must change back into their school uniform by recess time.  

7.                  If a T-shirt is worn underneath the school shirt, it must be the school’s approved PE t-shirt.

8.                  Pupils must be in their PE attire when engaged in any sporting activities within the school premises at all times.

Skirts for GIRLS 

1.        All skirts must be at knee-length.

Shoes and Socks

1. Only white canvas shoes are allowed.  Socks must be plain white and ankle socks are not allowed.

1. Pupils are allowed to wear track shoes during sport-related activities during  their  CCAs.

HAIR

1. Hair must be of its natural colour or state.  Dyed hair and tinted hair is not allowed.

1. Punk hairstyles or inner cut styles (inconsistent length and styles) are not allowed.

3.   For Boys only:

1. Hair must be short and neat.  It must not touch the ears and the collar at all times of the year. 

b.   Hair combed down in front must not touch the eyebrow.

1. Sideburns must be short and must not extend beyond the middle level of each ear.

4.  For Girls only:

a.      Long fringe must be pinned up neatly by using black/dark blue hairpins.

b.      Girls who have hair touching their collar must have their hair neatly tied up at all times.

Personal Appearance and Accessories

1. No bracelets, rings, necklaces, chains, friendship bands, wristbands, chains, nose studs or any form of personal accessories (including religious ornaments)  are to be worn with the school uniform.

1. No form of make-up is allowed.

1. Finger nails must be kept short and clean.

1. Fancy spectacles, coloured contact lenses and tinted glasses are not allowed.

1. For Girls:

a. Only solid black / dark blue clips or hairbands are allowed.

b. Only one pair of plain, simple earstud earrings of the same design is allowed on each earlobe.

1. Male pupils are not allowed to sport facial hair and must be clean-shaven at all times.

CONDUCT IN THE CLASSROOM

1. Pupils are to behave in a manner that promotes a conducive environment for learning.

1. Pupils are to remain in their designated seat at all times unless permission is given by the subject teacher.

1. Pupils are to arrange their class furniture back to its original positions if there has been a change in the arrangement of furniture in the lesson before.

1. Pupils are to ensure that the class is kept clean and neat at all times.

1. Pupils are not allowed to go to the toilet during the change-over of periods.

1. Pupils are only allowed to go to the toilet during lesson time if an Exit Pass has been issued by the teacher.

1. If a teacher is absent from school, students are expected to follow the procedure stated in the OYL programme of the school.

1. No food, titbits, sweets or drinks of any kind (except plain water) are allowed to be consumed in the classroom.

1. Pupils moving from one classroom to another must move together as a class in a quiet and orderly manner.  

1. The class chairperson and vice-chairperson are to ensure that the class is locked if there is no one in class.  He or she is responsible for the overall state of the cleanliness at the end of curriculum time.

ACADEMIC CONDUCT DURING LESSONS

1.                  Pupils must follow the instructions of the subject teacher.

2.                  Pupils must bring the assigned school textbook, workbook, exercise book or any items requested by the subject teacher.

3.                  Any form of communication is not allowed during lesson time unless it is permitted by the subject teacher.

4.                  Pupils must focus on the lesson and participate in all activities carried out by the teacher.

5.                  Pupils are not allowed to be engaged in any activity that distracts anyone from the lesson or disrupt the progress of a lesson.

6.                  Pupils are expected to complete assignments or homework given by fulfilling the requirements and deadline set by the teacher.

CANTEEN & RECESS TIME

1. Pupils must queue up to buy their own food.

1. All used utensils must be returned to the designated collection points.

1. Pupils are to ensure that their tables are cleaned and cleared of any food items before they leave.

1. Food and drinks must only be consumed in the canteen area.

1. Pupils are not allowed to remain their classroom during recess.

1. Pupils are not allowed to proceed beyond the 1^st Floor of the classroom blocks during recess.

1. Pupils must return to class by the time the bell rings to signal the start of the next period. Students must use the nearest staircase from the 1^st floor to proceed to their respective classrooms.

1. The canteen is out of bounds to all students during curriculum time unless permission has been obtained by the teacher.

RESTRICTED USE OF ITEMS

1. Pupils are advised not to bring any valuables to the school.  If pupils choose to bring the items, they are to be solely responsible for the safekeeping of the items.

2.    The use of electronic devices like Walkman, Discman, MP3 player, hand phones  or other objects of distraction are not allowed to be used during curriculum time including all supplementary classes and CCAs.

3. All hand phones must be switched off during curriculum time

3.   The playing of cards of all types is are not allowed at all times.

MAINTENANCE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES AND ENVIRONMENT

1. Every Pupil has the responsibility to ensure that the school is kept clean and tidy.  All Pupils are expected to help maintain a high standard of cleanliness in the classroom and in the school at all times.

2.        Pupils must not litter the school grounds. Litter such as writing paper or tissue paper, should be properly disposed at the dustbins provided.

3.        Pupils must keep the toilets clean and dry.

4.        Pupils are not allowed to remove furniture, equipment and other items from any part of the school premises without the permission of the teacher-in charge.

5.        Pupils must not damage or deface any school property.

6.        All pupils shall be properly attired (in full PE attire) when playing sports/games.

7.        Playing of games/sports in the Parade Square during recess time is not allowed.

PUBLIC BEHAVIOR

1.                  Pupils are expected to behave in a manner that promotes a good image of Canberra Secondary School.

2.                  All rules pertaining to grooming, attire and the expected code of behaviour stated in the school rules are applicable in public places.

Description of Offences and Consequences

Category of Offences

Category 1 - Offences

The following offences may subject the offender to the maximum penalty of caning (for boys) and 3 days detention (for girls)/suspension.  Presence of parents in school is also required.

1. Non-compliance to any school rule on uniform and appearance.
2. In PE attire after recess
3. Consumption of food items in class
4. Skipping lesson/CCAs/supplementary lessons/any assigned duty/organised programmes.
5. Not being punctual for school, lessons or any other scheduled activities eg. CCAs
6. Littering/Spitting
7. Disruptive behaviour which interferes with teaching and learning.  This may involve the use of any items
8. Non-compliance with any other school rules stated.

Category 2 – Serious offences

The following offences may subject the offender to the maximum penalty of expulsion from school/caning (for boys) and 3 days detention (for girls)/suspension.  Presence of parents in school is also required.

1. Rudeness/Defiance to Principal/Vice-Principal/Teacher/Staff
2. Truancy
3. Leaving school without permission
4. Vandalism of school’s properties
5. Smoking/in possession of cigarette
6. Fighting/Assault
7. Extortion
8. Gangsterism eg. Illegal assembly, rioting and threats
9. Theft/Shoplifting
10. Dishonest behaviour eg. Cheating during examinations/test and forgery.
11. Bullying eg. Disorderly behaviour involving physical contact, harassment, intimidation and/or verbal abuse.
12. Use of abusive/obscene/vulgar language
13. Rash Act

Category 3- Special Serious Offences

The failure to adhere to the below mentioned rules will amount to an offence which may subject the offender to the maximum penalty of indefinite suspension.  Presence of parents in school is also required.

1. Pupils must stand at attention during the Flag-Raising Ceremony. Pupils who are Singapore Citizens must sing the National Anthem and take the pledge.  Pupils will take the pledge with the right fist placed over the heart.

2.  Pupils are to wear the prescribed school uniform and modifications to the uniform are not allowed.

3. Male pupils are not allowed to sport facial hair and must be clean-shaven at all times.

The school reserves the right to amend rules as and when it deems fit, and when necessary, introduces new rules to protect the interest of its student and staff population.

The school will carefully deliberate on the merits of each case and in any dispute, the School’s decision is final.

Any other offences/actions committed not stated in this guide and not in compliance with the State’s Law could be expedited at the discretion of the School.