ACADEMICS CULTURAL PHYSICAL
Hudson Park High School PROSPECTUS 2019
PASTORAL
Hudson Park High School
CONTENTS
• Introduction • Building a Tradition • Admissions Policy • Important Events In The Hudson Park Year • Useful Contacts • Academic • Cultural • Pastoral • Physical • Pupil Management • School Organization • Facilities • Finance • Discipline • Code Of Conduct • Uniform • Appearance • Essential Questions Answered
INTRODUCTION
We are a co-educational school focusing on balance and excellence, in a caring, pupil-centered, environment.
This prospectus aims to provide an informative and stimulating reference guide. We hope it gives you, our parents and friends, insight into how our philosophy of education is reflected in every facet of school life. At Hudson Park: o Children are educated in a warm environment based on Christian values. o We believe in personal growth through positive expectation. o We are committed to a balanced education encouraging excellence in academic, physical, cultural and pastoral activities. o We strive to help each pupil attain his or her full academic potential through the development of skills, the encouragement of creativity, and the assumption of responsibility. o We promote an attitude of caring. o We recognise each person as an individual whose dignity is respected and whose sense of self-worth is promoted. o We encourage open communication at all levels. o We provide many opportunities for leadership. o We strive to engender a spirit of loyalty and pride in our school and its traditions. o We believe that fair discipline leads to the development of individual accountability and to the attainment of self-discipline.
The success of Hudson Park is measured in terms of confident, happy pupils and staff, equipped to face the challenges of a changing world with courage and sensitivity.
We believe in honesty and integrity, positive expectations, balanced involvement, accountability, caring, mutual respect and encouraging excellence.
CORE VALUES
Core Values At Hudson Park High School we believe in:
RESPECT OF: Ourselves, the worth of others, the rights of others, authority.
RESPONSIBILITY TO: Contribute to the care of our school, be reliable, accept accountability for our actions.
HONESTY: In our thoughts, words and actions, so that we can be people of integrity and create harmony in our school.
TOLERANCE THROUGH: Mutual understanding and respect, valuing our differences.
LOYALTY TO: The traditions of our school, sharing a vision for its future.
BUILDING A TRADITION
How it all began A small primary school, catering for the Clifton area, was established in 1905 and housed in the St Albans Church Hall. In 1912, buildings were erected on the present site and the school began to grow. It became a secondary school in 1959 and was named Clifton Park High School in 1965. It was during this period that the uniform, badge and school song were established.
A new school is born In 1978 the Primary Department amalgamated with Hudson Park Primary School and the school changed its name to Hudson Park High School. The Grade 7 class remained with the High School until 1985, at which time it was decided that the phenomenal growth of the senior school required that the Gr 7s move to join the Primary School. The school continued to grow, and in 1991 the decision was made to open its doors to pupils of all races.
New buildings to house an expanding school 1993 saw the fulfilment of a long-time dream for many people, as a new administration and classroom block, as well as new garages were built, and renovations were made to the entire school. The extensions were opened officially in August 1994 by the Minister of Sport, Mr Steve Tshwete.
Latest extensions o In 2005 we built the Centenary Hall. o In 2010 we built a mini hockey astro turf together with a refurbished clubhouse and change rooms at Dashwood Park. o In 2012/13 we built four new classrooms, a new Swimming/Water Polo pool, a gymnasium, change rooms and a clubhouse, named Eagles’ View, overlooking the Swimming pool and Clifton Fields.
Founders’ Day Since 1978, one day has been set aside in August each year for the school to pay tribute to its heritage. During the Founders’ Day Ceremony, held as a combined event with the Primary School, the Head Prefects light the lamp symbolizing enlightenment.
The Oath of the Eagle, a promise of loyalty to the school, is then led by the Head Prefects:
“I promise to honour God, to be loyal to my country, to respect my family, to uphold the traditions of my school, Hudson Park, and to make a positive contribution so that this school will be made richer by my presence”.
Our school motto has come to epitomize everything for which we strive: “Tentando Superabis” By Endeavour We Will Succeed
The tradition continues Our Past Pupils’ Association ensures that we continue to remember our heritage. Members meet on a regular basis, and a tie and blazer badge are available from the school or from our stockists. Since 1988, each Matric class has celebrated its 10-year reunion weekend at the end of August with a special Founders’ Day Assembly. Twenty and thirty year gatherings have been added to the Reunion Assemblies.
USEFUL CONTACTS Headmaster Mr Dennis Vorster Senior Deputy Headmaster Mr Dave Alers Deputy Headmaster Mr Andy Knight Vice Principal Ms Cathy van der Merwe Vice Principal Ms Sandy Bode Head of Academics Ms Cathy van der Merwe Head of Sport Mr Dave Alers Head of Culture Ms Claire Branford Head of Service Ms Brenda Friend Director of Pupil Management Mr Dylan Hawkes Director of Operations and Protocol Ms Sandy Bode Director of Hostels Mr Dave Alers GET Phase Head Ms Carmen Schenk FET Phase Head Ms Cathy van der Merwe Director of Social Cohesion Ms Megan Kayser Grade Heads: 8 Ms Elizabeth Gallant Mr Wayne Marr Grade Heads: 9 Ms Tara Gravett Mr Garth Carelse Grade Heads: 10 Ms Jessica Scholtz Mr Thabo Sisusa Grade Heads: 11 Ms Lindsay Weyer Mr Tollie Opperman Grade Heads: 12 Ms Rosanne De’Ath Ms Theresa van der Merwe Student Counsellor Ms Kristy-Ann Govender Mr Damian Timms Headmaster’s Personal Assistant Ms Caryn Sirgel Deputies’ Personal Assistant Ms Clodine van Heerden Financial Manager Ms Michelle Heyman Receipts Ms Dulcie Goss Debtors Ms Andrea Bezuidenhout Debtors Ms Charmaine Bezuidenhout Receptionist Ms Toby Dallas Clothing Shop Ms Elaine du Plessis Utilities Manager Ms Elaine du Plessis Tuckshop Supervisor Ms Deidre Bezuidenhout Bookroom and Textbooks Ms Delicia and Mr Doug Berndt Marketing Ms Kirsty-Lee Dell
We are committed to a balanced education, encouraging excellence in academic, cultural and pastoral activities.
ACADEMIC
We strive to help each learner to attain his or her full academic potential through the development of skills, the encouragement of creativity and the assumption of responsibility.
EXCO and SMT membership The Vice Principal (Academic) is appointed to the School Management Team to represent the academic area.
Subject Heads and Learning Area Heads In each academic area, a staff member is appointed as Subject Head (in the FET Phase) or Learning Area Head (in the GET Phase) to co-ordinate staff, teaching material and examinations. Meetings are held regularly to discuss teaching and assessment methods and matters of common interest.
Teachers Most teachers have a subject classroom with the distinctive character of the subject. The pupils move around the school to attend their classes.
General Education and Training (GET)
(Grade 8 and 9)
1. English Home Language 2. Afrikaans First Additional Language, or isiXhosa First Additional Language 3. Mathematics 4. Social Sciences – History and Geography (SS) 5. Natural Sciences – Science and Biology (NS) 6. Life Orientation (LO) 7. Technology (Tech) 8. Creative Arts (includes: Drama, Art) or Specialised Art or Specialised Music 9. Economic and Management Science (EMS)-Business Studies and Accounting
National Senior Certificate – FET Course
(Grades 10, 11 and 12)
Rules of combination: Subject choices at Hudson Park High School FUNDAMENTAL COMPONENT: GROUP A (all these subjects are compulsory)
1. English (Home Language level, as this is the Language of Learning and Teaching at the school) 2. Afrikaans OR isiXhosa (First Additional Language level) 3. Mathematics OR Mathematical Literacy 4. Life Orientation ELECTIVE COMPONENT: GROUP B (learners must choose three subjects, one from each group)
Subject choices are dependent on there being sufficient demand, and they are subject to timetabling restrictions.
GROUP 1 GROUP 2 GROUP 3 Life Sciences Physical Science Accounting Business Studies Business Studies Geography Computer Assisted Technology Computer Assisted Technology Consumer Studies Physical Science History History Information Technology Consumer Studies Visual Arts Engineering Graphics and Drama Accounting Design Engineering Graphics and Music Design Life Sciences
Learners may study a maximum of TWO additional languages (not already offered in Group A) by special application to the school. Certain conditions apply in such cases.
In making subject choices, the following criteria should be observed:
o In order to be admitted to Mathematics, a learner should achieve at least 60% in the Grade 9 June Mathematics examination (HPHS recommendation). He or she should also preferably have attained this mark throughout the year.
o In order to be admitted to Accounting, a learner should have achieved at least 60% for both the Accounting component of the EMS examination in June and the third term tests of Grade 9. He or she should also preferably have attained this mark in Accounting component of EMS throughout the year. Note: Some Universities require Mathematics and NOT Mathematical Literacy for admission to a B Comm degree course.
o In order to be admitted to Physical Science, a minimum of 60% must have been achieved in the Physical Science section of Natural Sciences in the June examination of Grade 9 (HPHS recommendation). Note: Learners are required to take Mathematics and not Mathematical Literacy as per Departmental Regulation.
o An aptitude test will be written by learners to guide their choice in the following subjects: Engineering, Graphics and Design, IT and Drama.
o Learners are not automatically admitted to Music, Drama or Art. They apply to do these subjects and are accepted on merit, according to the limited number of places available.
Changing subjects in the FET Band A learner may change a maximum of two subjects in Grade 10, provided that this is done before 30 June of the Grade 10 year.
A learner may change two subjects in Grade 11, provided that this is done before 31 March.
At the end of Grade 11, a final subject change may be made, should this be necessary. No subject changes are allowed in Grade 12.
General Academic Information
Examinations There are two examinations during the year – in June and November. The Grade 12s write in September as well. Official medical confirmation of illness is necessary should any pupil be forced to miss an examination. An assessed mark, based on the learner’s records, may then be given in consultation with the Subject Head.
Standardised Tests These are written twice a week and are intended to encourage continuous study. They provide marks for those terms in which examinations are not written and are the basis of assessed marks. They also form part of the year mark. They should be seen to be as important as an examination, and absenteeism must therefore be covered by official medical confirmation of illness, both to the Subject Teacher concerned and the Grade Head. This test will still have to be written by arrangement with the subject teacher; following this an assessed mark will be given.
Homework It is vital that pupils learn to study independently. Conditions at home should therefore encourage homework. Ideally, each pupil should have a desk, silence and good light. Parents can help by showing a real interest in their child’s work and progress. Homework should be done every afternoon or evening, for approximately the following time periods:
Grades 8 and 9: 1 – 2 hours Grades 10, 11 and 12: 2 – 3 hours
Deadlines for assignments must be met. A learner failing to do so will be penalized.
Plagiarism is regarded in a very serious light.
Each pupil must have a homework book.
Prize Giving Prize Giving is held in the fourth term and it is the culmination of the year’s activities in all spheres.
Reports Parents are kept informed of learners’ progress by means of Academic Reports at the end of every term. Follow-up is then conducted by the Grade Heads on days set aside for counselling.
Resources and Facilities
Media Centre Many facilities are offered, including binding and laminating.
Computer Centre Two computer laboratories are used to teach CAT and IT from Grades 10 to 12, and Grade 8 and 9 Computer Skills. A computer laboratory is open after school from Monday to Thursday, where school computers may be used.
Olympiads Students are encouraged to enter for Olympiads and other academic competitions in a number of subject areas.
Peer Tutoring This happens on four afternoons a week. A team of learners offers to help those who are finding their academic work challenging.
Extra Lessons These are offered in English, Mathematics and Physical Science. Academic Awards
Academic Badges Academic encouragement is provided by the awarding of academic lapel badges to pupils who have achieved commendable results. Awards are made at the end of the second and fourth terms, as follows:
Red 60% Silver 70% Gold 80%.
Further Academic Awards Half-Colours, Colours and Honours are awarded for sustained meritorious achievement. In exceptional cases, a learner who is in Grade 12 and who achieves at a very high level may receive an Honours Cum Laude Award. In order to qualify, the learners must achieve straight As and an average of over 90%. Life Orientation and Mathematical Literacy are excluded.
Top 10 Awards Pupils who are placed in the top 10 positions in their grades receive badges to acknowledge their achievement.
Extra-mural Activities
A summer and a winter extra mural is compulsory for all learners.
CULTURAL
All pupils are encouraged to participate in at least one of the many exciting cultural activities offered at the school.
Drama Crew Drama Crew is for learners who want to work behind the scenes on activities such as sound production, set painting etc.
Drama The school presents a major dramatic or musical production each year and has established a reputation for excellent theatre. In addition, opportunities are offered through the Senior and Junior Play Festivals for pupils to learn and extend their dramatic skills as well as to experience the fun and fellowship of acting and directing. Hudson Park has won the annual Eastern Cape Play Festival twice.
Choir Our Choirs has brought considerable credit the school, receiving Eisteddfod Gold Awards, with Special Mention, and Best Choir trophies, on a regular basis.
Concert Band The school values its excellent music tradition. The Concert Band practises once a week and performs throughout the year at both school and community events. It has achieved considerable and consistent success at the Eisteddfod.
Public Speaking/ Debating Hudson Park also has an outstanding oratory tradition and has participated in several South Africa and overseas competitions. The Public Speaking and Debating societies meet twice a week for skills development, and activities which include debates, forum discussions, oratory and Eisteddfod competitions.
Qhayiya Our popular Qhayiya Multi-Cultural Society provides an opportunity for cultural, culinary and musical exchange.
Visual Arts Art is taught as a subject by teachers from the Belgravia Art Centre. We are proud of the quality of the work produced by our learners.
Chess Chess is offered on both social and competitive levels.
Cultural Week Each year we celebrate our cultural talents in a week of break-time and assembly performances at different venues within the school.
Cultural Awards Achievements in Band, Music, Choir, Drama, Public Speaking, Dance, Art and Chess are recognized by Team, Half Colours, Colours, Honours and Honours Cum Laude Awards.
PASTORAL AND SERVICE
We recognize each person as an individual whose dignity is respected and whose self-worth is promoted.
We value the pastoral development of each child, and pupils are encouraged to participate in school and community activities and service.
School and Community Service The many groups dedicated to service at the school include Interact, the Talon Club (environmental issues), the Dance Committees, and teams which are responsible for providing First Aid, Technical Support, Tuckshop Assistance, Sports’ Scoring and various other essential services at the school.
SCA A vibrant Student Christian Association provides Christian fellowship throughout the year.
Pupil Magazine TENTRABIS is the pupil magazine which is produced annually by an editorial committee of pupils.
Counselling Counselling is available to our pupils with either of our school counsellors. A trained nursing sister is available to offer support to pupils after school on a weekly basis.
Founders’ Day We celebrate our traditions and our heritage and meet each year with our past pupils on the schools’ birthday.
Reports and Service Awards Extramural Reports Twice a year, at the end of the first and third terms, parents receive Extramural Reports, reflecting their children’s involvement in extramural activities. These provide an excellent picture of the integration of each child into the overall life of the school.
Awards Team, Half Colours and Colours awards are made once a year to pupils in recognition of both service involvement and service excellence.
Eagle Awards Pupils who have achieved at a high level in all four areas of school life – Service, Academic, Cultural and Physical – are invited to apply for the prestigious Eagle Award. This award epitomizes the school’s commitment to a balanced education.
PHYSICAL
We believe that participation in physical activities builds a healthy mind as well as a healthy body and enables pupils to learn the true meaning of sportsmanship.
Sports offered at the school Summer Winter Athletics Badminton Badminton Cross-country Cricket (boys and girls) Golf Golf Hockey (boys and girls) Hudson Active Netball (girls) Squash Rugby (boys) Swimming Squash Tennis (team/intermediate) Tennis (team/intermediate) Water Polo Soccer (boys and girls) (Grade 10 to 12 only)
Match Dress Girls have a standard match kit for Badminton, Hockey, Netball, Squash and Tennis to be ordered at our Clothing Shop at the start of each year.
Athletics and Cross Country Navy shorts, red HP sports shirt (Athletics vest for races) Boys: White shorts or navy HP shorts, HP Phys-Ed shirt Badminton, Squash and Tennis Girls: Match kit Matches: White shirt, Cricket longs, boots or white track-shoes or takkies Cricket Practices: White shorts or navy HP shorts, white shirt or HP Phys-Ed shirt, boots or white track shoes or takkies Boys: Red Hockey shirts with navy collar, navy shorts, Rugby Hockey socks Girls: Match kit Netball Match kit Red and white striped jersey, white shorts, red rugby socks Rugby with two white stripes Team swimmers: navy costume with red trim Social swimmers: red costume for both boys and girls (only Swimming and Water Polo available from our Clothing Shop) Water Polo: navy Turbo Water Polo costume (Clothing Shop) Soccer (Boys and Girls) Red shorts, white shirt, red socks.
Sports kit is available from our Clothing Shop.
Practice dress Navy Quantec shorts or white shorts, red HP Phys Ed shirt.
Tracksuit Navy/ red Drimac top with HP Eagle, and navy blue tracksuit pants. All Grade 8s receive the navy/ red Drimac top at the start of the year. Hudson Park pupils may use the tracksuit bottoms from Hudson Park Primary. All new pupils from other primary schools will be required to buy the tracksuit bottoms.
Coaches Some staff members are qualified sports coaches. Where it is deemed necessary, the school also employs professional coaches to assist in certain sports.
Attendance When a pupil chooses a particular activity, he or she must attend all practices punctually. The coach must receive a note or phone call before the practice to explain any absence. The pupils must not assume that the sport will be cancelled for bad weather. A notice will always be communicated to learners.
Matches Pupils are representing the school when they play matches, and their behaviour and appearances is expected to be of the normal high standard.
Sportsmanship All sport at the school is aimed at teaching pupils to play the game, to be fair, to respect the referee, to play to the best of one’s ability, to learn team responsibility and to promote pro-social behaviour. Sports Awards Team, Half Colours, Colours, Honours and Honours Cum Laude awards are presented according to the criteria laid down for each sport. School Championships are run for racquet sports.
PUPIL MANAGEMENT
We promote an attitude of caring.
Grade Heads A system of Grade Heads has been created to ensure that the needs of each individual pupil are met. Two Grade Heads are appointed to each grade and it is their responsibility to counsel pupils, to manage discipline problems and to arrange grade functions and parents' evenings. The pupils are encouraged to speak to their Grade Heads about any problems encountered.
Counselling Two Teacher Counsellors are available to help with personal, school and vocational issues.
Class Teachers Each base class is allocated a Class Teacher who meets the pupils for 15 minutes at the start of each day to check attendance and deal with class administration. We encourage Class Teachers to get to know the pupils under their care and to help build class spirit. The pupils in turn should feel free to speak to the Class Teacher about any matter which may be cause for concern.
Parents’ Evenings Each grade has a parents’ evening once a year, designed to give parents an opportunity to meet the teachers and to discuss individual problems with them.
RCL The RCL body is separated into two parts: the Executive Committee and the Class Representatives. The RCL Executive Committee is made up of 12 learners from Grades 9 to 12. These learners represent student interests in the school and meet on a weekly basis. The committee serves for a duration of one year. The Class Representitives are elected twice a year in each class. These students have the responsibility of assisting the Class Teacher with administration and with building class spirit. An enthusiastic, yet sensitive Class Rep can be a great asset to any class, and performing this duty is one of the many opportunities we provide for pupils to learn leadership skills which will benefit them, while at school and afterwards.
We believe in providing opportunities for leadership which develop self-respect, self-esteem, self-discipline and self-confidence.
SCHOOL ORGANISATION
School Governing Body (SGB) This is the main policy- and decision-making body of the school. The committee comprises the Headmaster, staff, parents and pupils, under the guidance of a Chairman.
School Executive Committee (EXCO) EXCO is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the school. It comprises the Headmaster, Deputies, Portfolio Heads and other senior staff.
Parent Teachers’ Association (PTA) The school values and encourages parent-teacher contact. The PTA has an AGM in the first term, to which all parents are invited; it also runs educational, social and fund-raising activities.
Ladies’ Association A committee of mothers caters for many school events. Parental interest and involvement are greatly appreciated.
Houses There are 3 houses – Buchholtz (yellow), Malin (red), and Lake (blue).
School Day At present this runs from 07:30 – 14:10, except on a Wednesday when school closes at 13:00. Break times are as follows:
Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday
1st Break 10:00-10:25 10:05-10:30 10:05-10:30 10:00-10:25 10:15-10:45 2nd Break 12:30-12:50 12:25-12:50 12:25-12:50 12:30-12:50
Day ends at 14:10 14:10 13:00 14:10 14:10
Each day begins with a short Class Teachers’ period in which class administration is effected.
Assemblies These important occasions, held on Mondays and Fridays, provide an opportunity for the whole school body to meet for devotions and also to share news of school activities and achievements.
Early release due to illness NO medication will be dispensed to pupils by the school. Should your child feel ill, he or she will be allowed to lie in the sick bay for one lesson. Should a child not feel well enough to continue with the school day, he or she should request a release slip from the Class Teacher. This release slip must be signed by each of the Subject Teachers whose lessons the child will miss during the course of the academic day. This slip must then be taken to the Grade Head to sign. The child takes the signed slip to the office to contact a parent or guardian and arrange transport home. A child may not use his or her own cell phone to contact a parent. This completed slip must be handed in at Reception before your child will released into your care.
Appointments during the school day The school urges parents to make appointments for their children after school time. However, we are aware that, at times, appointments can only be made during the morning. In this instance, a letter is to be sent to the school stating the name and class of your child, and what time you will be collecting your child. This includes older pupils going to write or take a driving licence test. Your child will need to report to his or her Grade Head to have a permission slip signed before leaving the school.
Cell phones Learners may bring cell phones to school for use before or after school hours. Cell phones must be switched off for the duration of the school day. If a learner’s cell phone rings or is seen by staff or prefects during school hours, the learner will receive 20 demerits.
Pupils arriving late at school (after 07:30) Should your child arrive late for school, he or she must report to the school office before going to class. The child must have a note from you, as parent or guardian, or a phone call is to be made to the school, or you should please accompany the child to the office. Pupils who arrive late and have no written or verbal excuse from a parent or guardian will be demerited. Parents are requested to ensure that their children arrive at school on time every morning.
Primary School Hudson Park Primary School is the main feeder school of the High School, and most of the Grade 7s move up from the Primary School. There is regular contact between the two schools through the Hudson Park Liaison committee. The combined Founders’ Day ceremony in August is our annual highlight.
New Pupil Integration We try to ensure that all new pupils settle quickly and confidently into their new surroundings. A special integration programme exists for the incoming Grade 8s, run by the Grade Heads, Class Teachers and Prefects. This programme begins the day before school opens and reaches a climax over the first weekend of school when the pupils take an oath to their new school, in our moving candle-lighting Induction Ceremony. FACILITIES
Transport The school owns two Minibuses and two Sprinters. Additional transport is hired when needed. Most transport is free for pupils, but parents are required to pay for touring transport costs which are not covered by fundraising.
Pupil Parking Pupils riding motorbikes should enter the school grounds via Hampton Road and park in the bike park next to the Tennis courts. Bikes are to be locked. Pupils with their own cars are to park on the bottom field. Pupils are required to provide the office with their vehicle licence plate numbers and copies of their driving licences. Under no circumstances may any learner, with a vehicle, drive or park anywhere other than on the bottom field.
Parent Parking Parents are asked to park in the parking bays in Devereux Avenue before and after school. It is illegal as well as dangerous to effect a 3-point turn or a U-turn, or to double park in Devereux Avenue. Dropping off or picking up learners on the school grounds is prohibited.
Stationery In Grades 9 to 12, pupils purchase their own stationery. Each pupil receives a comprehensive list of the stationery requirements for the year. Grade 8 pupils are provided with stationery packs which are issued on the first day of the school year. Small items of stationery, such as pens and rulers, are for sale at the Bookroom.
Tuckshop The school has a modern and spacious Tuckshop where a variety of foods may be purchased during breaks and after school. Pupil volunteers ensure fast and efficient service.
School support All pupils are expected to attend major functions, such as Founders’ Day and Prize Giving, and are encouraged to attend other cultural and sporting events, wearing school uniform. Grade 8s and 9s will be expected to attend certain major Derby Fixtures. Parents are also encouraged to attend.
Term Diary A Term Diary, listing all school events and important dates, is supplied to each learner during the first week of each term.
Lockers Lockers may be rented individually. Learners are to provide their own padlocks. Lockers provide learners with a safe place to store textbooks and other valuables, and payment may be made through the Finance Department.
Bookroom All textbooks needed for Grades 8 to 12 are available from the Bookroom, which operates from 06:30 to 14:30 every day, except Wednesday, when it is open from 06:30 to 13:15.
Buildings All buildings are cleaned and maintained on a regular basis, and learners are expected to treat the school’s facilities with respect. FINANCE
School Fees Although we became a state-aided school in 1997, the state pays only departmentally employed teachers’ salaries. All other expenses are borne by the school and our expenditure is therefore extremely high. Expensive items include: subject materials, Media Centre supplies, building and grounds maintenance and development, electricity and water, transport, salaries for support staff, secretaries, capital expenditure and an increasing number of School Governing Body teaching posts.
School fees are compulsory and are payable monthly, termly or yearly. They must be kept up to date.
Insurance Hudson Park High School provides a personal accident scheme for all pupils whose parents do not belong to a Medical Aid Scheme. Parents wanting personal effects cover should take out independent insurance policies, as the school cannot be held liable for the loss of possessions.
PUPIL MANAGEMENT
We believe that fair discipline leads to the development of individual accountability and the attainment of self-discipline.
Code of Conduct Our School Code of Conduct is in compliance of the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996, the National Education Policy Act 27 of 1996 and all other regulations and related material reflecting the law to date.
The School Code of Conduct is available on our school website www.hphs.co.za and all parents and learners need to familiarize themselves with its contents. On admission to our school, all learners, together with their parents, will be required to sign a Commitment Agreement, which remains binding until the learner leaves the school.
Merit System This system seeks to recognise and reward learners for displaying positive behaviour; it also serves to balance the demerit system. Merits are awarded to learners in recognition of positive contributions such as voluntary service to the school.
Demerit System and Detention In an attempt to improve discipline, a demerit system has been introduced at Hudson Park. Every misdemeanor carries a demerit value. The demerits are computerized and a cumulative total of -20 points results in a two-hour detention (DT).
UNIFORM
Girls’ Summer o Ruby red blazer with badge o Optional navy jersey with embroidered Eagle (under blazer only) – long-sleeved or sleeveless o Navy striped princess-style gym with embroidered Eagle badge – length 10cm from ground when kneeling o Short-sleeved shirt only o White ankle socks with turn-overs o Black school shoes (bar-type shoes are allowed) – no platforms
Girls’ Winter o Ruby red blazer with badge o Optional navy jersey with embroidered Eagle (under blazer only) – long-sleeved or sleeveless o Navy striped princess-style gym with embroidered Eagle badge – length 10cm from ground when kneeling o Short or long-sleeved white shirt o Navy school tie (a shirt with a top button is required) o Long navy socks or navy stockings o Black school shoes – no platforms o Optional scarf (navy blue with red Eagle)
Boys’ Summer and Winter o Ruby red blazer with badge o Optional navy jersey with embroidered Eagle, long-sleeved or sleeveless o White long-sleeved/ short-sleeved shirt (a shirt with a top button is required) o Navy school tie o Navy long pants – available from stockists only o Belt - plain black only o Navy or black socks o Black leather school shoes – lace-up only (no slip-ons or long toed shoes) o Optional scarf (navy blue with red Eagle)
General o A school jersey may not be worn outside the school property, unless it is under a school blazer o A plain raincoat or anorak (with a red Eagle embroidered) may be worn in wet weather, outside the building only. This will be made available to your child at the beginning of Grade 8 as part of your admin fee o For safety reasons, earphones may not be worn when in school uniform
Official Stockists Hudson Park High School Clothing Shop Tel: 043 726 3205 Strand Outfitters Tel: 043 722 1225 Kingons of Cambridge Tel: 043 726 3213
Lost Property Pupils are urged to take particular care of their property whilst at school, as the school cannot be held liable for missing property. All items of clothing should be clearly marked with the pupil’s name. Unclaimed and unmarked lost property will be sold after three months and the proceeds added to school funds.
APPEARANCE
General We are proud of our pupils’ neat appearance. Whether at school, on the sports field, on tour or at any public function, we encourage an awareness of correct dress.
BOYS Boys’ Hair o Should be neatly groomed o Must not touch ears or be long enough to be pulled over the ears o Must be tapered down to nape of neck and off the collar o Fringes pulled down must be above eyebrows o No fashion statement hairstyles are permitted – shaved heads, perms, tails, spiked hair o Sideburns are not permitted below middle line of ear o Natural colour only – no dyed or streaked hair o Face cleanly shaven every day
General o No jewellery may be worn except for a plain watch o At least one button on the blazer should be fastened
GIRLS Girls’ hair o Must be tied up if it reaches the collar o No fashion statement hairstyles will be permitted o Fringes must be neat and clipped back so that it does not hang in the face o Natural colour only – no dyed or streaked hair o Navy or red ribbons, alice bands or scrunchies only o Slides – silver, gold or tortoiseshell only Earrings o No jewellery may be worn except for a plain watch and earrings as specified below. o Small plain studs or sleepers o Only one pair in the earlobes General Girls are not allowed to wear the following: o Make-up, except for a skin-coloured foundation o Coloured nail varnish Name badges o Every pupil is expected to wear a name badge at all times, supplied by the school at a charge of R20 o Badges may be re-ordered if lost Book bags o Navy blue or black only o Must have an internal support – either a box, cardboard or compartment o Must have no graffiti or stickers placed on them o No handbags, shopping bags or other ‘fashionable’ bags
ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS ANSWERED
Where do I obtain application forms and any other information required?
From: Hudson Park High School Office 043 726 3205 Devereux Avenue Headmaster 043 726 5442 Vincent, 5247 Fax 043 726 6565 East London Email [email protected] Website www.hphs.co.za
What if I need to contact my child in an emergency? Phone the Receptionist on 043 726 3205.
What happens if I experience sudden financial problems? Please contact us if financial difficulties prevent you from paying school fees, equipping your child with the necessary uniform or sports kit, or financing a school trip. The Finance Office will put you in touch with the relevant person.
Whom should I contact to discuss my child’s academic problems? Your child’s Class Teacher will be happy to talk over the phone or make an appointment to discuss academic concerns. Alternately, you might like to phone an individual subject teacher. Questions relating to career guidance should be directed to our Teacher Counsellor who specializes in career guidance.
Whom should I contact about family problems that may affect my child at school? Your child’s Grade Head would be the first person to contact. He/ she may refer the problem to the Grade Head or one of the Teacher Counsellors who are specially trained and are able to give professional guidance.
What happens if I need to take my child away during the school term? Please contact the Grade Head in advance to discuss this, so that the relevant staff can be notified and suitable arrangements made.
VISION
Our vision is to ensure that Hudson Park High School remains a school of excellence in our region, commiJed to a balanced educaKon.
MISSION
Our mission is to be a friendly family school where children are educated in a warm environment based on ChrisKan values. We believe in personal growth through posiKve expectaKon. We are commiJed to providing a balanced, inclusive educaKon and to encouraging our learners to develop their full potenKal through parKcipaKon in a wide range of academic, physical, cultural, and pastoral acKviKes. We promote an aNtude of caring and service. We recognize each person as an individual whose dignity is respected and whose sense of self-worth is promoted. We encourage open communicaKon at all levels. We provide many opportuniKes for leadership and the assumpKon of responsibility. We seek to engender a spirit of loyalty and pride in our school and its tradiKons. We believe that fair discipline leads to the development of individual accountability and the strengthening of self- discipline.
The success of Hudson Park High School is measured in terms of confident, happy learners and staff members equipped to face the challenges of a changing world with courage and sensiKvity.
Tentando Superabis - By Endeavour We’ll Succeed