Rules & Expectations

We want our students to be strong, independent individuals and we hope they will learn to enjoy solitude and use it resourcefully. But they also live in communities, such as their families and school. We want them to be able to function effectively in such communities, to learn to get along with others and to be courteous and co-operative.

School Rules

Enrolment at the College implies the acceptance of its rules and regula­tions. Boys who transgress will usually be warned and may have deten­tions or other sanctions imposed. We will inform parents about serious incidents and, in some circumstances, parents will be asked to come to the school to discuss their boy’s behaviour and to assist in putting strate­gies in place to deal with it.

Each boy at John McGlashan is expected:

1.     To work to the best of his ability.

2.     To wear his uniform, including his sports uniform, correctly and with pride.

3.     To be at school on time and at all classes on time.

4.     To bring notes in advance if he knows he will be absent from school.

5.     To be properly equipped for all lessons.

6.     To do the homework that is set in each subject.

7.     To respect and care for all facilities, furniture and equipment.

8.     To accept the right of others to be free from disruption or abuse. 9. To uphold the school’s good name.

He is not allowed:

1.        To bring any alcohol, drugs, offensive or dangerous weapons, ciga­rettes, matches or lighters into the school grounds or buildings

2.        To wear incorrect uniform.

3.        To bring a vehicle to school without permission from the school.

4.        To leave the school grounds or be out of bounds without permission.

5.        To interfere with the learning of others.

6.        To defy the authority of any teacher.

7.        To drop litter.

8.        To assault or intimidate another person.

9. To bring the school into disrepute.

Other regulations and explanations are necessary. These are set out below in alphabetical order and may be added to or amended from time to time.

Absences

If a pupil is absent because he is sick, or for family reasons, parents should phone the school office after 8.30. If this is not possible, a note of explanation, from parents to the form teacher, is required when the boy returns to school. Where prolonged or recurring absences are planned, please advise the Principal well in advance.

Assemblies

Attendance at assemblies is compulsory. Bicycles

Dayboys may ride bicycles to school. They should be kept locked, in the cycle stand, during the day. Cycling is not permitted in the school grounds.

Boarding Houses

Boarding Houses are out of bounds to all day boys at all times unless they are in the company of a staff member.

Check out

Pupils may not leave the school grounds without the permission of the Deputy or Assistant Principal. Boys who need to leave the school regu­larly, e.g day boys going home for lunch, must have permission. Boys who go home because they are sick, or who have appointments, are required to sign a check-out book in the foyer.

Dental/Medical appointments

Pupils should arrange appointments in their own time. If this is not pos­sible, the appointment card should be sighted by the teacher concerned or by someone in the office before the pupil leaves for the appointment.

Detention

If a boy is unable to attend, for a good reason, he must see the teacher in charge of detentions beforehand.

Hair

Hair must not be artificially coloured and styles must not be unkempt or too unconventional. Decisions about whether length or style is accept­able will be made by the Deputy Principal. Boys who are unhappy with his rulings may appeal to the Principal. Boys may be sent home to cor­rect unacceptable styles or cuts.

Harassment

Physical, verbal or sexual harassment will not be tolerated. Any member of the school community - whether teacher, student or employee, who knows about, or is the victim of harassment should complain to the Principal, Deputy or Assistant Principal - or any teacher. They will take action in line with school policies and procedures.

Homework notebooks

All students are required to keep a homework diary. This is issued at the beginning of the year. It should be checked regularly and can also be used for writing notes or as communication channel between parents and teachers.

Jewellery

Rings, earings, studs and other conspicuous items of jewellery or ‘adorn­ment’ are not permitted.

Lunches

Boys, other than Year 13 students, may not leave the school grounds to buy lunch. Day boys are not to take other boys home to lunch. Boys may not eat, while standing in the street or in a public place, if they are in uniform.

Senior course requirements

All Year 11 boys will complete a course of at least 6 subjects. Courses at Year 11, 12 and 13 must be approved by the Senior Dean, Deputy or Assistant Principal, at the beginning of the year. Any subsequent changes or withdrawals must be approved in the same way.

Year 13

Year 13 students may be exempted from some of these rules and regu­lations. For example:

·          they may leave the school to buy their lunch elsewhere.

·          there may also be some variations permitted to their uniform and time-table.

Sporting events

Three major in-school sporting events are run during the year - athletic sports, swimming sports and the cross country. All boys are expected to train for and participate in these events. All boys must compete in the correct house attire.

Substance abuse

Smoking and/or drinking at school, or at any function or activity associ­ated with the school is forbidden. Needless to say, any form of substance abuse or involvement with illegal drugs is also forbidden.

a) Drugs

·          The penalty for the use, possession of, or involvement with illegal drugs is likely to be instant and indefinite suspension (expulsion) from the school and/or boarding house. The police will be informed.

b) Alcohol

·     Although it will depend on the severity of the offence, it is likely that the first occasion will result in a severe reprimand with a family con­ference and suspension. Further offences will be treated very seri­ously and may result in indefinite suspension (expulsion)

c) Smoking

·          Parents will be notified if boys are found smoking. If it occurs again or repeatedly, suspension may be an outcome.

Special services

Special services are held each year and all boys are expected to attend. Parents and other members of the school community are encouraged to attend. The official services are; ANZAC SERVICE, EASTER SERVICE (day before Good Friday), and the COLLEGE SUNDAY held at Knox Church, in conjunction with Columba College. In addition, there are short services at the end of each term, occasional Sunday mornings Chapel Services and a Leavers’ Service to which all are invited.

Trips and activities outside the grounds

In general, the rules and regulations outlined here apply at any student functions or activities associated with the school, or at school events which are organised and/or managed by staff members. Inappropriate behaviour on a weekend ski-trip, for example will be viewed in the same way as if that behaviour occurred at school.

Vehicles

Boys whose parents allow them to drive to school must first receive per­mission from the school. Parents should write a note to the Deputy Principal stating the reasons and the type of vehicle to be used. Permission does not usually extend to carrying passengers or to lunchtime use.