School Rules & Code of Conduct for Pupils

Anchored in the beliefs and values of the Good Shepherd, the school is committed to nurturing a safe, supportive and enabling learning environment for every student. Students are responsible for making their own school experience, and that of their schoolmates, a safe, supportive, and joyful one. Guidance and support are given to students involved to take responsibility for their choices, learn from the consequences of their actions and live out the values of love, humility, respect and grace in words and deeds.

In Marymount Convent School, we believe that
• Every student can make good choices.
• Every student is responsible for her choice of actions.
• Every student needs to understand that wrong choices may lead to misbehaviours which lead to learning consequences.
• Every student has the right to learn without disruptions.
• Every student has the right to feel safe in school.
• Everyone must be respected at all times.

School rules are established so that students can develop self-discipline and sound decision-making skills which are essential for success in life. The Code of Conduct serves to guide students in demonstrating behaviours that reflect the values they practise.

Rule 1: Be Present and Punctual for all School Activities
Attendance
1.1	Students must enter the school premises and be seated in the hall/classroom before 7.30 a.m.
1.2	Students must be on time for CCAs, extra classes and all other activities.
1.3	Students must be present for all lessons unless there is a valid reason. Students' absence from lessons must be accompanied by a medical certificate or letter from parent/guardian and promptly submitted to the Form Teacher(s) on the day the student returns to school.
1.4	Students must remain within the school grounds once they have reported to school. They are not allowed to leave school without permission during curriculum hours, CCA or other after-school activities before they are dismissed.
1.5	Absence during Curriculum Time The school does not condone absence during the school term, except on medical grounds. The school will only accept up to two parent's/guardian's letters per term. Other absences will be considered invalid. Parents/Guardians are discouraged from planning holidays, family activities or any trips such that students will miss lessons and school activities (CCAs, remedial and supplementary lessons, learning journeys, enrichments, post- exam activities, and school events like Sports Day etc.). Approval to be away from school must be sought in writing at least one week prior to any absence.
Rule 2: Be Respectful
2.1	Students 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. Students must stand at attention throughout the flag-raising ceremony.
2.2	Students must display integrity at all times.
2.3	Students must show respect to all school staff and their peers at all times.
2.4	Students must respect all official documents and property belonging to others.
2.5	Students are expected to be loving and kind to all school staff and their peers at all times. They are not allowed to do any form of mischief or abuse anyone (in words, actions or in written form both online and offline) that may lead to bullying behaviours.
2.6	Students are not allowed to extort any items from anyone.
2.7	Students are not allowed to trade, tout or sell any items to other students.
2.8	Students are not allowed to bring toys, gambling cards, or any other items that may disrupt learning.
2.9	All students must vacate the classroom during recess. Students are allowed in the classroom only when there is a teacher with them.
2.10	Students are not allowed to use smartphones, and/or smartwatches during school hours, including recess, CCA, other school programmes and during examinations. Students may only use their handphones at the school foyer after curriculum hours. Those who bring these devices must turn them off and put them in their school bags before school starts.
2.11	Students are not allowed to have in their possession any weapons. They are also not allowed to bring any weapon-like items that can be used or are intended to be used to cause harm to others. Students should not bring any personal sharp-pointed/sharp-edged tools to school (i.e. including scissors). Teachers will provide scissors and these must be returned after use.
Rule 3: Responsibility
3.1	Students are to check their bags the night before to ensure that they have what they need with them. With the exception of medication and food for those requiring a special diet, other items will not be allowed to be dropped off at school. Parents will be requested to turn around with the items they have brought with them.
3.2	Students who bring smartphones and/or smartwatches are to put them in their school bags before school starts. They can retrieve them after school ends. Students are only allowed to use smartphones and/or smartwatches at the school foyer after school hours.
3.3	Students are responsible and accountable for the safekeeping of their personal belongings. They are to label all their personal belongings and not leave their belongings unattended. The school will not be able to follow up on any loss of items, including communication devices.
Rule 4: Be Proud of My Work
4.1	Students are to bring the required books/worksheets/materials for lessons.
4.2	Students must hand in all written assignments and projects on time.
4.3	Students are allowed to use correction tape only when correcting their work.
Rule 5: Be Proud of My School
5.1	Students are expected to take care of the school environment and school property. They must not wilfully or maliciously destroy school or personal property or write graffiti.
5.2	Students are taught to care for the environment and be responsible for the cleanliness of the school. All litter must be disposed of in the plastic bins provided.
5.3	Students must ensure that all lights and fans are switched off when not in use.
5.4	No eating or drinking is allowed outside the canteen, except during healthy bites. No sweetened drinks are allowed in any classroom, along the corridors, or at the foyer.
5.5	Students must stand in line when buying food in the canteen or when purchasing stationery at the bookshop. They must return used utensils to the respective collection points after their meals.
Rule 6: Be Properly Attired
6.1	The school uniform is a representation of the school and its history. It is to be worn in a dignified manner that befits the image of the MCS girl. Students are to wear the prescribed school uniform/school attire when they are in school or when attending all school functions within or outside the school. The school uniform must be worn exactly as prescribed, without any modifications or alterations. School skirts should reach knee-length. Name tags are to be sewn on school uniforms and PE T-shirts.
6.2	Students must be properly attired for PE lessons. PE T-shirts must be tucked in neatly at all times. Pl and P2 students are allowed to be in their PE attire throughout the day on days when they have PE or PAL. P3-P6 students must come to school in their PE T-shirts and skirts. Students are to wear PE attire only on days when they have PE lessons. For field trips or excursions, Pl and P2 students should wear the PE attire, and P3 to P6 students should wear the PE T-shirt and school skirt.
6.3	Students are to wear only the school jacket or a solid black jacket.
6.4	Students must wear white *socks (ankle socks and high socks are not allowed) and black shoes when they are in school or when attending all school functions within or outside the school. Socks must be at least 5 cm above the ankle bone. Socks must not go beyond the mid-calf.
6.5	A doctor's memo or parent's/guardian's letter is required for students who have to wear sandals to school.
6.6	Brassiere straps must not be visible.
6.7	Students must wear their hair neatly. Fringes must be neat and above the eyebrows. Students with long fringes must use plain hair clips or hair bands. The long fringes are not to be tucked behind the ears. Hair that touches the shoulder must be tied up. Only black hair accessories are allowed.
6.8	Personal adornments, accessories or any jewellery pieces (rings, bracelets, necklaces, fancy watches and earrings, etc.) are not allowed.
6.9	Students are allowed to wear one set of plain gold or silver round studs with a maximum diameter of 0.5 cm, or colourless 'ear sticks' on the earlobes. Students are discouraged from having multiple ear piercings. Other forms of piercings are not allowed.
6.10	Students must keep their fingernails clean, short and unvarnished at all times.
6.11	Students are not allowed to put on make-up.
6.12	Students are not permitted to have elaborate hairstyles, including hair colouring, highlighting, dyeing, or the use of hair extensions.
6.13	Students are to wear clear and colourless contact lenses if necessary.
Others
7.1	Birthday celebrations are not allowed in school. The distribution of tokens or goodie bags is also strongly discouraged so as to cultivate a culture of simplicity and to be mindful of food allergies.
7.2	Students are taught that friendships are built on mutual care, love and understanding. They are discouraged from giving or exchanging gifts with their peers. Students should inform their teachers if their peers ask them for gifts so that teachers can provide guidance on forming healthy friendships.
7.3	Students are not permitted to enter teaching blocks, classrooms, staff areas, or other designated spaces without proper supervision or permission. This policy ensures the safety and security of all members of our school community.
7.4	To ensure our students enjoy a safe and pleasant bus journey, students are expected to observe safety rules and etiquette on the bus: a. Put on the seat belt at all times. b. Place your bags neatly on the floor/under your seat. c. Remain seated in your assigned seat at all times. Standing is strictly prohibited. d. Having normal conversation is permitted; however, loud noises may distract the driver. e. Respect the personal space of your bus mates and avoid behaviour that may make them feel uncomfortable. f. Sit facing forward for the duration of the journey and keep feet on the floor in front and out of the bus aisle. g. Stay seated until the bus has come to a complete stop before alighting. h. Do not cross in front of or behind the bus immediately after alighting. Wait for the bus to move off beore crossing. i. No eating and drinking on the bus.

The school adopts MOE's Philosophy on Student Management.
• Students learn well when there is order and discipline. At the same time, they need care, encouragement and space to learn from mistakes and improve.
• Discipline is an educative process, and the goal is to instil self-discipline and good character in students.
• Disciplinary measures are the consequences of poor choices made. They are not punishments and must be meted out fairly, firmly, and appropriately.

Our educators adopt a caring, student-focussed approach when addressing disciplinary matters. All decisions made and actions taken by the school will focus on:
• how to help students to learn to become a better person;
• the impact of the offence on other students; and
• the well-being of all students.

As such, when incidents occur, students will be asked to share the facts of the matter, both through conversation and in writing.

The school adopts Restorative Practice (RP) when guiding the student who has made a poor choice. This is an approach that aims to:
• Manage conflict and tension by repairing harm and strengthening relationships to build community.
• Foster respectful and trusting relationships as a foundation for teaching and learning.
• Provide opportunities for students to learn about the consequences of their actions, develop empathy, and find resolutions.
• Guide students through reflective questions to help them learn from their mistakes and explore possible solutions.

Minor Offences

Attendance Issues	1.1 Late-coming 1.2 Skipping class(Being absent from formal lessons without a valid reason)
Behavioural Offences	2.1 Inappropriate use of mobile devices This includes use of mobile device outside the designated time and location - including during lunch breaks. 2.2 Improper attire and grooming This includes an untidy uniform, hair that is not pinned up properly, an inappropriate haircut, nails that are not clean and trimmed, use of coloured hair bands, a uniform that is too short, etc. 2.3 Not meeting classroom expectations This includes repeated non-submission of homework or assignments without a valid reason, off-task behaviour, sleeping in class, displaying an inappropriate attitude, tone, or comments, and dishonesty (e.g., lying). 2.4 Littering 2.5 Touting/Selling/Trading of items
Bullying and Harassment	3.1 Minor scuffles during lessons or outside class 3.2 Mischief (in words and actions) that may lead to bullying behaviours. This includes use of profanities and/or unkind words (e.g. 'stupid') inappropriate gestures, spreading rumours, cancel culture, etc.
Safety and Security Violations	4.1 Unauthorised entry to teaching block, rooms or prohibited areas
Others	Any other behaviour that disrupts safety, learning and development of students (e.g. touching other students' belongings, etc.)

Note: Minor offences committed repeatedly will be considered as major offences.

Consequences for Minor Offences

1. Parent/Guardian will be notified.
2. Verbal warning by Form Teacher/Subject Teacher/Discipline Mistress/Year Head.
3. Possible downgrade of conduct grade for the semester.
4. Recess detention for up to 3 days.
5. Attendance in RP sessions to help them "make things right''.
6. Mobile devices will be confiscated if students are found using them during school hours, in any pa rt of the school. Confiscated device(s) must be collected by a parent or guardian.

Major Offences

Attendance Issues	1.1 Leaving school grounds without permission (after reporting but before the end of the school session without the school's approval) 1.2 Truancy (Being absent from school or school activities without a valid reason)
Misconduct	2.1 Open defiance and/or rudeness to teachers or school personnel. This includes refusing to follow school rules, norms, and practices; disobeying teachers' instructions;displaying rudeness or disrespect through words or body language. 2.2 Repeated disruptive behaviour This includes in school and outside school, on the school bus.
Abuse of Technology	3.1 Record, modify, upload, send, store, create or share inappropriate content through any digital means. This includes negative posts, emails, messages via social media, as well as inappropriate documents, presentations, pictures, or videos on phones or other devices. 3.2 Possession of inappropriate materials / viewing of explicit content.
Bullying and Harassment	4.1 Bullying of any form, including verbal, physical and cyberbullying 4.2 Harassment /Threat 4.3 Causing physical or emotional hurt
Cheating and Dishonesty	5.1 Cheating, attempting to cheat, or changing answers or marks in assessments This includes possessing unauthorised notes or materials, copying from others, allowing others to copy, or tampering with marks or assessment records. 5.2 Forgery This includes forging signatures, medical certificates, consent forms, or other documents with the intent to deceive. 5.3 Theft or other acts of dishonesty
Damage of Property	6.1 Arson 6.2 Vandalism This includes defacing property, tearing pages from a library book, etc.
Other Serious Offences	7 .1 Extortion 7.2 Gambling 7.3 Gangsterism / Fighting / Assault 7.4 Smoking, vaping and substance abuse, or being found in possession of such items, including cigarettes and e-vaporisers. 7.5 Possession of weapons and/or dangerous objects
Other	Other offences that do not fall in the above categories

Note: The tables provide guidance only and cannot cover all possible situations. The school reserves the right to take appropriate action in the best interest of students, staff and the learning environment, with each case assessed individually.

The school reserves the right to access the content(s) in a student's mobile device, bags or other materials in the presence of the student should any misuse be reported or for investigation purposes.

Consequences for Major Offences

1. Parents/guardians will be notified.
2. Verbal warning by Discipline Mistress/Year Head / School Leaders.
3. Issuance of Major Offence Letter.
4. A conduct grade of 'Fair' will be given for the semester.
5. Student Leaders will be asked to step down from leadership positions.
6. Recess detention for up to 7 days.
7. Partial or full class suspension and out-of-school suspension may be considered, particularly if the student's presence poses a risk to other students.
8. Attendance in RP sessions for students to learn about the consequences of their actions, develop empathy and find resolutions.
9. The student may be required to pay for any damage to school property.
10. Students caught cheating in assessments will be given a zero for the affected paper.
11. Students caught vaping will be reported to the Health Sciences Authority. The school-based disciplinary actions will be meted out in addition to the national penalties imposed by Health Sciences Authority. They are:

Additional Support Measures

As the primary focus is on facilitating student learning and growth, guidance and counselling may be provided by Form Teachers, Year Heads, Teacher Counsellors, or School Counsellors.

For attendance issues, students will receive appropriate counselling support to address underlying concerns and develop better habits.

For academic dishonesty such as cheating or forgery, students will receive targeted counselling to understand the importance of integrity and develop honest academic practices.

School Attire

Acceptable Attire