WHC Code of Conduct Policy
At West Hill College, we believe in fostering a positive, respectful, and safe learning environment where every student is supported to grow both academically and personally. To uphold this standard, we have established a clear Code of Conduct Policy that outlines the consequences for inappropriate behavior, while allowing flexibility based on the context and severity of the situation.
Disciplinary Steps
The following disciplinary actions are applied progressively, depending on the nature and frequency of the misconduct, and are adapted to suit the age and developmental stage of students across the different school cycles.
1. Verbal Warning
A verbal warning is the first formal reminder given to a student regarding inappropriate or unacceptable behavior. It is issued by a teacher or a supervisor and serves as a prompt to help the student self-correct.
• A record of the verbal warning may be kept for monitoring purposes.
2. Written Warning
A written warning is issued when:
• A student receives a verbal warning but repeats the behavior, or
• The behavior is of a more serious nature that requires immediate documentation.
The written warning is:
• Documented and shared with the student’s parents/guardians.
• Considered a formal notice that further infractions will lead to more serious consequences.
3. Recess Detention
After receiving three written warnings, a student may be required to serve recess detention. This involves the student being supervised during recess or break time and reflecting on their behavior.
Purpose: To emphasize accountability while allowing the student to remain in class learning time.
4. Afternoon Detention
If inappropriate behavior continues, or if a student accumulates three recess detentions, an afternoon detention may be assigned.
• This takes place after school hours, typically for one hour.
• Parents will be informed in advance and may are required to arrange for student pick-up.
Used for more persistent behavioral concerns or moderate infractions.
5. Suspension
Suspension may be applied in two ways:
• Cumulative: After three afternoon detentions, or
• Immediate: For serious misconduct and in this case, is assigned by the school principals.
Suspension entails a temporary removal from school for a designated period (usually 1–3 days) and includes:
• A formal report.
• A meeting with parents/guardians.
• A re-entry plan for the student.
Three suspensions may lead to expulsion.
6. Expulsion
Expulsion is the permanent removal of a student from West Hill College and is used only in the most severe cases. Grounds for expulsion include:
• Three formal suspensions, or
• Grave misconduct such as repeated violence, possession of prohibited items, or conduct that poses a serious threat to the school community.
A disciplinary board reviews expulsion cases, and parents/guardians are notified and involved throughout the process.
Important Notes
• The progression outlined above serves as a general guideline. Depending on the severity of the misconduct, the school administration reserves the right to escalate or de-escalate disciplinary actions.
• In minor cases, students may be given additional chances and support to correct their behavior before progressing through the steps.
• In extreme or dangerous cases, a student may be suspended or expelled immediately, without following the earlier steps.
• The Code of Conduct is adapted to ensure that disciplinary responses are age-appropriate and aligned with the developmental stage and age of students.
At West Hill College, discipline is not about punishment, but about helping students learn responsibility, accountability, and respect. We work collaboratively with families to support positive behavioral growth and ensure that all students have the opportunity to thrive in a safe and nurturing school environment.
Behavioral Chart & Actions Taken
| Behavior/Acts | Actions Taken |
|---|---|
| Uniform Violation (Failure to wear the proper school uniform.) | The student will receive an initial verbal warning, and parents will be contacted to provide the correct uniform. Repeated violations will result in a written warning, and the student will not be permitted to attend class until properly dressed. |
| Unacceptable Hair Style/Color (Hair not aligned with school grooming standards.) | A verbal warning will be issued for non-compliant hairstyles. If unresolved, a written warning follows, and the student will be withheld from class until the issue is appropriately addressed. |
| Improper Nails (Nails that are long, painted, or not clean.) | Students will first be verbally reminded and asked to visit the supervisor to resolve the issue before entering class. Continued non-compliance will lead to a written warning and denial of class entry until the nails meet grooming standards. |
| Bringing Phone to School (getting it without permission or using it in school) | Unauthorized phone use results in a written warning and confiscation of the device for three days. Repeated offenses will extend confiscation to one week, and then up to one month for further breaches. |
| Tardiness (Arriving late without valid reason.) | Verbal warning escalates to written warning after repeated lateness. |
| Possession of Prohibited Items | Possession of banned items leads to immediate confiscation. Depending on the nature of the item, consequences may include a written warning or direct suspension. |
| Disrespecting School Property/ Vandalism (Misuse or damage to resources.) | Detention and required payment for repairs. May escalate to suspension. |
| Trespassing prohibited school areas (Entering restricted areas without permission.) | Entering restricted areas without authorization may result in a written warning or suspension, based on the severity of the offense. |
| Forging Signatures (Signing on behalf of parents or staff.) | Immediate break detention and notification to guardians. |
| Littering (Throwing garbage in undesignated places.) | Verbal reminder, then recess detention for repeated acts. |
| Cursing (Use of offensive or inappropriate language.) | Immediate break detention and notification to guardians. |
| Hitting (Physical aggression towards another student or staff.) | Immediate suspension for 1–3 days. May lead to expulsion if repeated or severe. |
| Bullying (Verbal, physical, or social intimidation.) | Immediate recess detention and notification to guardians. May lead to suspension if repeated or severe. |
| Lying (Deliberately giving false information.) | Written warning issued and notification to guardians. May escalate to detention if serious or repeated. |
| Disrespect to Staff or Peers (Speaking or behaving rudely or mockingly.) | Written warning, followed by detention. Suspension in serious or repeated cases. |
| Disrupting Class (Interrupting teaching or peers.) | Starts with verbal warning. If persistent, leads to written warning and recess detention. |
| Insubordination (Refusal to follow directions from staff.) | Written warning. May lead to suspension if repeated. |
| Shouting (Uncontrolled or loud outbursts.) | Verbal warning followed by written warning. |
| Missing Class without Permission (Skipping class intentionally.) | Written warning and detention. |
| Not Completing Assignments (Failure to submit homework or tasks.) | Verbal warning followed by a written notice. Academic support may be offered and notification to guardians will be required. |
| Lack of Participation/Work (Avoiding involvement in class.) | Verbal warning. Repeated cases result in recess detention. |
| Unexcused Absence (Being absent without a valid reason.) | Written warning and detention. Attendance record monitored closely and are posted in the student’s report card. |
| Cheating in Exam (Copying or using unauthorized materials.) | Verbal warning followed by a written notice. May include nullification of exam results. |
| Theft (Taking someone else’s property.) | Immediate recess detention, return of item and notification to guardians. May lead to suspension if repeated or severe. |
| Leaving School without Permission (Exiting campus without authorization.) | Immediate suspension and parental involvement. |
| Chewing Gum (Chewing gum on school grounds is not permitted.) | A first offense will result in a verbal warning and the gum being disposed of immediately. Repeated offenses may lead to a written warning and detention. |
| Wearing jewelry (not part of school uniform) | Written warning; if repeated, item will be confiscated and returned only to parents. |
| Skipping P.E. class without a permission slip from the administration | Written warning and will be marked as unexcused absence; student may lose participation grade for the day. |
| Poor personal hygiene | Private conversation with student and/or parent. |
| Misconduct in the Bus (Unruly or unsafe behavior on the school bus is treated seriously due to safety concerns.) | A written warning will be issued for minor misconduct. Continued misbehavior may result in suspension from bus privileges for a specified period. |
Parent-School Policies
At West Hill College, we prioritize the safety, well-being, and smooth day-to-day functioning of our students and staff. To ensure proper procedures and safeguard all students, the following policies must be strictly followed by all parents and guardians:
- Student Pickup Policy
• Students may only be picked up by their mother or father unless otherwise pre-approved.
• If another individual is to pick up a student, a written request must be submitted in advance by the parent, clearly stating the name of the person, date, and reason.
• The request is subject to the Principal’s approval.
• Upon approval, parents must provide a valid identification copy of the authorized person. Without this process, the student will not be released. - Emergency or Early Leave
• Requests for early departure due to appointments, emergencies, or any other reason must be submitted in writing by the parent, including the date, time, and reason.
• The request will be processed only after the Principal’s approval.
• Verbal or last-minute requests may not be accommodated unless under urgent circumstances deemed valid by the school. - Parent Visits to the School
• Parents are always welcome at West Hill College. However, for security and safety reasons, visits must be scheduled in advance by appointment.
• Upon arrival, parents must report directly to the reception area where they will be guided accordingly.
• Parents are not permitted to walk around the school premises unaccompanied under any circumstances. - Force Majeure & Emergency Situations
• In the event of force majeure conditions, we kindly urge parents not to panic or attempt to collect their children immediately.
• Due to high congestion and road blockages, early pickup will not be possible, and will delay or obstruct bus movement.
• The school will communicate all procedures and updates via official WhatsApp groups.
• Parents are advised not to overload the communication lines (phone lines). Rest assured, the administration will handle student safety and transportation efficiently.
• All buses can be tracked via the school’s GPS tracking system. - Communication with Teachers
• To maintain professionalism and proper boundaries, parents are not allowed to contact teachers on their personal phones or social media platforms.
• All communication must go through the school administration, who will arrange a suitable time for you to speak with the teacher during official school hours. - School Bus Policy
• Under no circumstance should parents stop a school bus on the road to take their child without formal approval.
• If a parent wishes to collect their child instead of having them ride the bus, a written request must be submitted and approved by the administration in advance.
• Unauthorized bus interruptions pose a safety risk and disrupt operations. - Parent Conduct Toward Other Students
• Parents are strictly prohibited from addressing any student other than their own in matters of concern or dispute, whether on the school bus, during school events, or in any school-related setting.
• Additionally, parents must not contact other students’ parents directly to resolve issues.
• All concerns involving other students must be communicated to the school administration, who will handle the matter appropriately and ensure it is addressed in a respectful and structured manner.
• This policy is in place to protect all students and to maintain a safe, neutral, and supportive school environment.
We thank all parents for their cooperation in respecting and adhering to these policies. Our shared commitment ensures the security, efficiency, and success of our school community.