Use Kind Words: Speak to teachers and friends politely. No shouting, teasing, or using mean or rude words (swearing/abusive language).
Listen: Follow directions from all staff (teachers, principals, security guards) the first time they are given.
Include Everyone: Treat all students equally, regardless of their differences. Never participate in bullying (name-calling, exclusion, hitting, or threats).
Hands to Yourself: Keep your hands, feet, and objects away from other people unless you have permission.

B. Responsibility for Actions

Be Honest: Always tell the truth, even when you make a mistake.
Be Prepared: Come to school on time every day with the correct uniform, books, and completed homework.
Clean Up: Put away school materials, toys, and trash to help keep the classroom and school tidy.
Own Your Choices: Understand that your actions have consequences (good and bad).

C. Respect for Property and Environment

Care for Things: Treat all school property (desks, computers, books, restrooms) with care. Do not draw on walls or damage anything.
Respect Others' Belongings: Ask before touching or borrowing anything that belongs to a friend or teacher.
Keep Safe: Move calmly and quietly when walking in hallways and stairwells. No running inside the buildings.

II. School Rules and Safety Guidelines

These rules ensure the safety and order of the school campus during all activities.

A. Classroom and Learning Rules

Be Ready to Learn: Sit in your seat and have your materials ready when the lesson begins.
Raise Your Hand: Wait patiently and raise your hand if you have a question or need to speak. Do not interrupt the teacher or other students.
Complete Work: Do your best work and hand in assignments on time.
Electronic Devices: Personal electronic devices (mobile phones, smart watches, games) must be turned off and kept in bags during school hours unless a teacher gives explicit permission for educational use.

B. Rules for visits to the Park and Breaks

Play Fairly: Use playground equipment correctly and safely. Wait for your turn.
No Rough Play: Fighting, pushing, tripping, and intentionally hurting others is never allowed.
Stay on School Grounds: Students must remain within the designated boundaries and ask a supervisor before leaving the area.
No Dangerous Items: Sticks, stones, or other items that could cause injury must not be thrown or used as weapons.

C. Uniform and Attendance Rules

Uniform: The school uniform must be worn neatly and completely every day. [Specify expectations, e.g., shirts tucked in, proper shoes and socks].
Tardiness: Students must be in their classroom by the official start time. Repeated tardiness will result in parental contact and disciplinary action.
Absence: Parents must notify the school by phone or written note if a student will be absent.

III. Disciplinary Actions and Consequences

The school uses progressive discipline, meaning consequences get more serious with repeated or more serious misbehavior. The goal is always to help the student learn how to make better choices in the future.

A. Level 1: Classroom-Managed (Minor Infractions)

These are dealt with quickly by the classroom teacher.

Examples: Calling out, minor uniform violations, littering, not following directions once.
Consequences:
1. Verbal Warning/Reminder
2. Loss of a Privilege (e.g., five minutes of recess time)
3. Student-Teacher Conference (a private talk about what happened and how to fix it)
4. Note/Call to Parent

B. Level 2: Administration-Managed (Repeated or Serious Infractions)

These are referred to the Principal or Head Teacher.

Examples: Repeated Level 1 offenses, bullying, repeated lying/cheating, serious insubordination, vandalism/damage to school property.
Consequences:
1. Formal Written Warning
2. Recess Detention or In-School Suspension (ISS): Student spends a supervised period isolated from the class.
3. Mandatory Parent Meeting: Parent is required to meet with the Principal and teacher to create a Behavior Plan.
4. Out-of-School Suspension (OSS): Student is required to stay home for 1 to 3 days (parent will be notified).

C. Level 3: Zero Tolerance (Expellable Offenses)

These are actions that immediately endanger others and severely disrupt the school environment.

Examples: Physical assault or fighting, bringing a weapon to school (real or toy), possession or use of illegal substances (drugs/alcohol), gross disrespect or threat toward a staff member.
Consequences:
1. Immediate Suspension pending investigation.
2. Police or Authorities Notification (as legally required).
3. Recommendation for Expulsion (Permanent Removal).

Parent Code of Conduct

This Code of Conduct outlines the standards of behavior expected of all parents, guardians, and visitors of Chesed Academy. Adherence to these standards is essential to maintain a positive and productive educational environment for all students and staff.

I. Communication and Respectful Engagement

Parents are expected to communicate with the school community in a manner that is professional, courteous, and constructive.

A. Respect for School Staff

Courtesy: Treat all staff members (teachers, administrators, security, and support personnel) with respect and courtesy in all interactions, whether verbal, written, or electronic.

Abuse is Prohibited: Verbal abuse, intimidation, profanity, or threatening behavior directed toward any staff member, student, or other parent is strictly prohibited and constitutes a breach of the Enrollment Contract.

Scheduled Meetings: Respect staff time by scheduling meetings in advance. Parents should refrain from interrupting class instruction or attempting to engage teachers in lengthy discussions without prior arrangement.

Electronic Communication: Utilize appropriate channels (e.g., email or WhatsApp) for communication and avoid using other methods to air grievances, criticize staff, or make accusations against the school or its personnel.

B. Conflict Resolution

Tiered Approach: All concerns or complaints should be addressed through the proper chain of command:

Step 1: Discuss the concern calmly and professionally with the Class Teacher.

Step 2: If unresolved, escalate the issue to the Grade Level Supervisor or School Counselor.

Step 3: Only if all prior steps have failed, submit a formal request for a meeting with the Principal.

False Allegations: Persistently repeating or insisting upon an unsubstantiated or malicious false claim against a staff member, after a formal investigation has concluded, will be considered disruptive conduct and may lead to termination of enrollment.

II. Safety and Management

Parents must adhere to all school safety procedures and campus rules to ensure student well-being.

A. School Presence and Security

Visitor Protocol: All parents and visitors must report and state their reason before entering the premises.

Restricted Areas: Parents must not enter classrooms, hallways, or non-public areas without permission.

Drop-off and Pick-up: Adhere strictly to the school’s established, drop-off, and pick-up procedures to ensure the safety and flow of traffic.

B. Parental Supervision and Conduct

Supervision: Parents are responsible for the direct supervision and behavior of their child(ren) before and after school hours, or when visiting the school for events.

Weapons and Substances: The possession of weapons, illegal substances, or alcohol is strictly prohibited on school property.

Smoking: Smoking or vaping is not permitted anywhere on the school premises.

III. Support of School Policies

Parents agree to actively support the policies necessary for the orderly function of the school.

Discipline: Support the school's disciplinary decisions, recognizing that disciplinary actions are taken for the benefit of the entire school community. Undermining the authority of school staff in the presence of students is prohibited.

Attendance and Uniform: Ensure the student attends school regularly, arrives on time, and is wearing the full, correct school uniform as specified in the Student Handbook.

Financial Obligation: Abide by the terms of the Tuition and Payment Policy

SCHOOL POLICIES

I. Health and Medication Administration Policy

This policy ensures the safety and well-being of our youngest students.

A. Illness and Exclusion

Symptom Check: Students who arrive at school showing clear signs of illness (e.g., fever of 39 degrees Celsius or higher, persistent vomiting, unexplained rash, persistent runny nose or severe cough) will be isolated and their parents called for immediate collection.
Return to School: A student sent home due to fever or vomiting must remain home until they have been symptom-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication.
Contagious Conditions: Parents must notify the school immediately of any diagnosed contagious illness (e.g., conjunctivitis, chickenpox, dengue fever).

B. Medication Administration

Prescription Only: Only prescription medication can be administered by school staff. Over-the-counter medication (like paracetamol or cough syrup) cannot be given without specific written instructions from a doctor.
Authorization Form: All prescription medication must be accompanied by a completed "Medication Authorisation Form" signed by the parent/guardian and the prescribing doctor.
Storage: All medication, must be stored in a locked cabinet in the Administrator’s office or the designated area , accessible only by authorised staff. Students are not allowed to carry medicine, except for essential emergency medication (e.g., inhalers) with staff knowledge.

C. Allergies and Emergency Plans

Documentation: Parents must provide comprehensive medical documentation for students with severe allergies, asthma, diabetes, or other life-threatening conditions.
Action Plan: An individual Emergency Action Plan must be developed by the parent and school staff. This plan will be clearly posted in the classroom, canteen, and clinic.
Social Activity: The school will implement "allergy-aware" policies for our social activities, as such severe food allergens may be restricted from these activities.

II. Academic Honesty and Assessment Policy

This policy introduces the concept of academic integrity in an age-appropriate way.

A. Honesty in Primary School

My Own Work: Students must understand that schoolwork, tests, and homework must be their own work. Collaboration is encouraged, but final answers must reflect individual effort.
Helping Hands: Teachers will clearly distinguish between asking parents for help (good) and having parents do the work (not allowed).
Plagiarism: Copying an entire sentence or paragraph from a book or the internet and saying it's your own work is plagiarism. Students will be taught how to find information and put it into their own words.

B. Consequences for Academic Dishonesty

Since the goal is to teach ethics, consequences are focused on learning:

Offense - 1st Time

Action and Consequence - Warning and Redo: Student receives a warning, a "zero" placeholder grade, and must complete the assignment correctly after an instructional talk with the teacher about honesty.

Offense -2nd Time

Action and Consequence - Parent Notification: Student earns a zero on the assignment. Parent is called for a mandatory meeting with the teacher to discuss the importance of honesty.

Offense - 3rd Time

Action and Consequence - Administrative Referral: Referral to the Principal. May result in a temporary suspension of privileges (e.g., club participation).

C. Grading and Reporting

Focus on Growth: Grades reflect a student’s progress, effort, and mastery of the curriculum. In the younger grades (Nursery/Infants), reporting will emphasize behavioral and social development alongside academics.
Reports: Formal Report Cards are issued termly (three times per year).
Conferences: Mandatory Parent-Teacher Conferences are held at least once per term to discuss progress.

III. Technology and Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)

This policy protects students when using school technology and addresses digital safety.

A. Acceptable Use Rules

Purpose: School devices (tablets, computers) and the internet are to be used only for learning and educational tasks assigned by the teacher.
Privacy: Students must never share their passwords, personal information, or photos of other students online without a teacher's permission.
Safety: Students must immediately tell a teacher if they see something online that is scary, confusing, or inappropriate.
Care: Students must treat all equipment gently. Intentional damage to devices will result in the student and parent being held financially responsible for repairs or replacement.

B. Cyberbullying and Misuse

Definition: Using school computers, email, or personal devices to say mean things about someone, share secrets, or make fun of others is cyberbullying and is a direct violation of the Anti-Bullying Policy.
Consequence: Misuse of technology, including violation of the cyberbullying rule, will result in immediate loss of technology privileges for a defined period, parental notification, and disciplinary action per the Code of Conduct.

C. Monitoring

The school reserves the right to monitor and review all files, emails, and internet activity conducted on the school’s network or using school-owned devices.

IV Anti-Bullying Policy

I. School Statement of Commitment

Chesed Academy is committed to providing a safe, respectful, and supportive learning environment free from bullying, harassment, and intimidation for all students and staff. Bullying is strictly prohibited and will be addressed immediately and consistently.

II. Definitions and Scope

A. What is Bullying?

Bullying is defined as repeated, intentional behaviour by one or more persons directed toward another person that causes fear, distress, or harm. Bullying is characterized by a real or perceived imbalance of power.

Bullying is not simply a single argument, disagreement, or social conflict between peers.

B. Types of Bullying

Verbal - Using words to hurt or humiliate. Name-calling, teasing, insults, spreading malicious rumors, making derogatory comments about someone's background or family.

Physical - Using the body or objects to cause physical harm or intimidation. Hitting, kicking, pushing, tripping, stealing, destroying belongings, or making aggressive gestures.

Social (Relational) -Harming a student's reputation or relationships. Excluding someone from a group, encouraging others to reject a student, spreading lies, or deliberate isolation.

Cyber - Using technology to harass, threaten, intimidate. Sending mean texts or messages, posting hurtful comments or photos or online, or creating fake profiles to embarrass someone.

C. Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to student behaviour that occurs:

On the school premises during school hours.
During school-sponsored activities, such as field trips, sports events, and clubs.
While students are traveling to and from school.
Off-campus, if the bullying impacts the school environment or the emotional well-being of students at school (e.g., cyberbullying).

III. Prevention and Education

The School believes that preventing bullying is the responsibility of the entire community (students, staff, and parents).

A. Staff Responsibilities

Supervision: Actively supervise all areas of the school, especially unstructured settings like the playground, hallways, and canteen.
Curriculum: Incorporate lessons on empathy, conflict resolution, digital citizenship, and respectful behaviour into the curriculum.
Model Behaviour: All staff must model courteous, respectful, and inclusive behaviour in all interactions.

B. Student Responsibilities

Report: Students must report all incidents of bullying to a trusted adult immediately (teacher, counselor, principal, or parent).
Intervene Safely: Safely assist targets of bullying by removing themselves and the victim from the situation and seeking adult help.
Refuse to Participate: Students must refuse to join in on bullying or be a bystander who supports the bully.

IV. Reporting and Investigation Procedures

A. Reporting an Incident

Immediacy: Any student, parent, or staff member who witnesses or learns of a bullying incident must report it to a teacher, the Principal, or the designated School Counselor as soon as possible.
Confidentiality: Reports can be made in person, by phone, or through a confidential written form. The identity of the reporter will be protected to the extent possible, consistent with the School’s need to conduct a thorough investigation and adhere to Guyanese law.

B. Investigation Process

Launch: The Principal or a designated staff member (e.g., the Discipline Master) will promptly launch an investigation within 24 hours of the report.
Fact-Finding: The investigator will interview the target, the alleged bully, and any witnesses separately. Records of all interviews and evidence (e.g., screenshots of cyberbullying) will be documented.
Determination: The investigator will determine if the incident meets the definition of bullying (repeated, intentional, power imbalance).

V. Intervention and Consequences

Consequences for bullying will be progressive, corrective, and restorative, focusing on changing the bully's behaviour and repairing the harm done to the victim.

A. Corrective Actions (For the Bully)

First Incident

Mandatory Parental Conference. Student performs a restorative task (e.g., writing a letter of apology or restitution). Student signs a Behaviour Contract committing to refrain from future bullying.

Second Incident

Out-of-School Suspension (OSS) for 1–3 days. Mandatory counseling session with the School Counselor. Loss of privileges (e.g., extracurricular activities, school events).

Third Incident

Long-term Suspension (5+ days). Referral to the School Board for review. The School may require the student and family to seek professional counseling or transfer schools.

Severe Incident

Immediate Suspension pending a formal hearing. May result in a recommendation for Expulsion (e.g., physical assault, criminal cyberbullying). (Permanent Removal) as a gross breach of the Code of Conduct.

B. Support for the Target

The School will provide immediate support to the student who was bullied, which may include:

Counseling: Access to the School Counselor for emotional support.
Safety Plan: Implementing strategies (e.g., changes in seating, monitored transitions) to ensure the target feels safe at school.
Follow-up: Regular check-ins by the Principal or Counselor to ensure the bullying has stopped.

VI. Review and Acknowledgment

This Anti-Bullying Policy is subject to review and revision by the School Administration and Board. All students and parents are required to acknowledge agreement to this Policy annually as part of the enrollment process.

V. Emergency and Disaster Preparedness Policy

This policy uses clear, simple language so even the youngest children understand how to respond in an emergency.

A. Emergency Drills

Frequency: The school will conduct practice drills (Fire/Evacuation and Lockdown) at least once per term.
Response: When the alarm sounds or the signal is given:
- Stop: Freeze what you are doing.
- Listen: Listen for the teacher's instructions.
- Walk: Walk quickly and quietly to the designated safe zone with your class line.
- Wait: Stay with your class and wait for the "all clear" signal from the Principal.

B. Evacuation Protocol (Fire/Flood)

Teachers are responsible for keeping a class roster and physically accounting for every student at the assembly point.
The designated assembly point for all classes is Empty Lot to the North of the School.
In the event of a significant, prolonged emergency (e.g., severe localized flooding in Georgetown), parents will be contacted via WhatsApp. Parents should only come to the school when instructed to do so to avoid blocking emergency access.

C. Lockdown Protocol (Security Threat)

The signal for lockdown is an announcement: "Secure the Perimeter".
All students and staff must move quickly into the nearest classroom, and remain silent out of sight of the windows and doors.
No one is to open the door until the "all clear" is given by the Principal or the Policy.

vi Tuition Payment Policy (Termly Schedule)

I. Financial Obligation and Enrollment Guarantee

Annual Obligation: The Parent/Guardian is fully responsible for the Total Annual Tuition Fee (G$[Insert Annual Amount]) as established in the official Fee Schedule.
Termly Contract: Each tuition installment payment secures the student's place only for the specific term to which that payment applies.
No Guarantee of Future Space: Payment for a current term does not guarantee the student's enrollment or available space for any subsequent term. Continued enrollment is conditional upon:
- Timely payment of the next term's tuition.
- Compliance with all policies in the Enrollment Contract, including the Student and Parent Codes of Conduct.
- Final administrative approval from the Head of School.

II. Termly Payment Schedule

The annual tuition fee is divided into three (3) equal termly installments. Payments are due in full on or before the first day of the respective term.

Term 1 (Sept. – Dec.) Due date - August 29th - Amount Due - G$55,000 (Pre-School), G$60,000 (Nursery School) , G$65,000 (Primary School)

Term 2 (Jan. – Mar.) Due date - December 31st - Amount Due - G$55,000 (Pre-School), G$60,000 (Nursery School) , G$65,000 (Primary School)

Term 3 (Apr. – Jun.) Due date - March 1st - Amount Due - G$55,000 (Pre-School), G$60,000 (Nursery School) , G$65,000 (Primary School)

Payment Methods

Payments can be made via Cash at the School's Office. ( The Administration will indicate changes to this Policy)

III. Late Payment and Default Procedures

1. Late Fees

Any termly payment received more than seven (7) calendar days after the official due date will automatically incur a late fee equal to 2% of the outstanding termly balance daily. This fee must be paid alongside the outstanding tuition.

2. Notice of Financial Default

If tuition remains unpaid for more than fourteen (14) calendar days past the due date, the Parent/Guardian will receive a formal Notice of Financial Default via email or a letter sent with the child.

3. Suspension for Non-Payment

If the term's tuition is not fully paid within thirty (30) calendar days of the term's due date, the student will be placed on Immediate Suspension and barred from attending classes until the full outstanding balance, plus all accrued late fees, is settled.

4. Termination of Enrollment

If the tuition remains unpaid for sixty (60) calendar days past the due date, the Enrollment Contract will be terminated. The student’s place will be forfeited, and the School will begin legal procedures to recover the debt. The School reserves the right to withhold all academic records (transcripts, reports) until the outstanding account is cleared.

IV. Withdrawal and Refund Policy

Tuition is Not Prorated: Since the school's resources (staff salaries, rent, maintenance) are contracted for the full term, no portion of the termly tuition fee is refundable or prorated if a student withdraws or is involuntarily dismissed during the term for any reason (including disciplinary or financial termination).
Financial Hardship: Parents experiencing unforeseen financial hardship should contact the Head of School or Admin Office before the termly due date to discuss a potential temporary, written payment agreement. Such agreements are granted at the sole discretion of the Administration and must be adhered to strictly.

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code of conduct

STUDENTS CODE OF CONDUCT

I. Expected Behavior: The "Three R's"

A. Respect for Self and Others