Guidelines for Conduct

Since effective learning takes place in a positive atmosphere, we focus on reinforcing positive behaviour. We want students to use their time at school purposefully.

Punctuality and attendance

• Be punctual. Arrive before 8:00 a.m.

• Report to the guards and sign the late book if you arrive after 8:05 a.m.

• Report directly to the lobby of the auditorium if you are late and worship is in progress.

• Behave in a sensible and responsible manner that does not prevent others from learning.

• Treat all members of the Naparima Girls' High School community with respect and consideration.

• Avoid conflict, unkindness and rudeness to others, and consult with staff to help resolve conflict if it occurs.

• Spend free periods constructively. Supervision is arranged to provide this opportunity.

• Attend school every day. A student is considered absent from school if she does not attend classes on a particular day, and is responsible for any work missed.

Personal safety

• When travelling to and from school, do not talk to or accept lifts from strangers.

• Do not loiter around malls, bars, shops and similar places. Go straight home after school.

• Inform your parents of your whereabouts at all times.

• Remain on the school compound unless permission is given to leave, and follow proper procedures when leaving school before time.

• If you need to leave the classroom, seek permission from your teacher.

• Possession and/or use of alcohol or other dangerous or addictive substances will not be tolerated in school or travelling to and from school.

• Do not bring a mobile phone with a camera. As you enter the school compound, your mobile phone must be switched off, and may be switched on again after 2:40 p.m. Do not have a mobile phone on your person in an exam room.

• Avoid bringing large sums of money or valuable personal electronic devices such as tablets, cameras or e-readers to school. If you must, inform your Form Teacher — the school will not be held responsible for the loss of any such equipment.

• Mark all clothing and personal belongings with indelible ink. If you lose something, report it to your Form Mistress and check with office staff.

• Visits to public places in uniform must be made with your parents' permission or in their company.

• Under no circumstances are you to change from school uniform into civilian clothes to leave the school compound.

Staying out of isolated areas

Some areas on the school compound are considered remote, isolated or private. For your safety, avoid:

• The principal's residence and yard.

• The verandah at the back of the Sarah Morton Dormitory.

• Specialist areas if a member of staff is not present.

• Staff rooms and adjoining corridors, without valid reason.

• Backstage of the auditorium, without permission.

• Loitering on the Skywalk.

• Any other area deemed isolated.

Respecting the school premises

• Avoid eating or drinking in any specialist room or in the auditorium.

• Use the bins provided to dispose of all litter.

• Do not operate any equipment unless a teacher is present.

• Access only websites deemed appropriate by the school. Do not spread confidential or distasteful material by email, and do not reveal other people's personal contact information.

• Leave fruits and flowers on the trees unless otherwise instructed.

• Avoid defacing any item of school property, such as desks, chairs or walls. Students who do so will be billed for any resulting repairs.

• Leave the toilets clean at all times.

• Carry your own personal items, such as soap, toilet paper, hand sanitiser, sanitary napkins and tissues.

Behaviour and respect for others

• The use of profane or obscene language or gestures — including swearing, or writing or pictures that convey an offensive, racist, obscene or sexually suggestive message — will not be tolerated.

• Peers and all members of staff must be respected at all times. There is zero tolerance for insubordination, threats or intimidation. Students are expected to follow any lawful direction from an authorised member of teaching or non-teaching staff during school time.

• There is zero tolerance for bullying of any kind.

• Inappropriate material must not be posted online. Be aware of the dangers of indiscriminate use of social networking and messaging apps.

• Comments on, or pictures of, school-related activities must not be released to the print or electronic media without the Principal's permission.

Any breach of these guidelines will be dealt with promptly, in keeping with the National School Code of Conduct of the Ministry of Education.