Governance

Good Hope High School maintains the ideals of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in matters of conduct and morals. The teaching of these ideals is one of the reasons for the school’s existence. The standards of conduct are intended to improve the learner’s standing in society, elevate their character, ennoble their minds and increase their happiness. Because we believe God’s laws outline standards of ethical behaviour based on His character of love, learners will be encouraged to:

1. Purposefully support the religious ideals of the school.

2. Respect people of other religious and philosophical persuasions.

3. Demonstrate qualities such as kindness, empathy, courtesy, patience, humility, tolerance, generosity and helpfulness.

4. Prepare for the responsibility of leadership in the home, school, church and community.

5. Follow practices which contribute to strengthening the Biblical concept of the body as the temple of God. This will include abstinence from harmful substances such as drugs, alcohol and tobacco.

6. Practice punctuality and dependability.

7. Practice honesty, truthfulness and integrity.

8. Develop academic skills and abilities to their fullest extent.

9. Dress appropriately and modestly.

10. Use appropriate language that is in character with our school.

School Hours

School hours are 8:00 to 14:30, Mondays to Thursday, and 8:00 to 12:15 on Fridays to enable learners and educators to prepare for the Sabbath.

Attendance

When a learner has been absent, the school requires that a letter from the parent/guardian be given to the class teacher when the leaner returns to school. If the learner is absent due to illness, a medical certificate is required.

Absence or Non-participation

Attendance at school and school related activities is compulsory. Non-participation in any part of the school program is permitted only on medical advice. Parents/guardians are required to submit a letter requesting any planned absence. It is the responsibility of the learner to ensure that he/she is up to date with all the subjects prior to the planned absence, and to liaise with the educators when returning to school to complete the work or any tests they have missed.

Late Arrival

Parents/guardians are required to ensure that learners arrive at school on time. Learners arriving at school after 8:30 must report to the Principal’s Office with an explanation. A “Late Slip” is obtained from the office and must be taken to the class teacher.

Spiritual Emphasis

Class worship is conducted in the register class each morning, except Wednesdays. A weekly Chapel (assembly) period is held on Wednesday mornings for the information and inspiration of learners and staff members. Each a year, two weeks are set aside to focus on spiritual growth. Meetings are scheduled in the morning and all learners are required to attend. Special guest speakers are invited to conduct a Week of Prayer during the first term. “The Voice of Youth” is conducted by the learners, for the learners in the third term.

Breakages and Losses

All breakages, losses or damages to school or church property will be reported to the Principal’s Office. The learner responsible will pay for all careless and deliberate damage.

Telephone 

Learners may use the telephone in the Principal’s or Business Office for emergency purposes only. Learners must obtain permission from the secretary of the office before using the phone. Calls are charged as follows:

LOCAL TELEPHONE NUMBER...................... R2
NATIONAL TELEPHONE NUMBER............... R5
CELL PHONE NUMBER ...................................R5

Cell Phones 

Learners are not allowed to bring cell phones to school. If a learner is found to be using a cell phone during school hours, the cell phone will be confiscated.

1ST OFFENCE ..........................................2 WEEKS
2ND OFFENCE .........................................1 MONTH
3RD OFFENCE ..........................................1 TERM

Areas out of bounds to all learners

Unless with express permission of staff, the following areas are out of bounds:
1. Staff Room
2. Behind the Church and Hall
3. Primary School
4. Photocopy Room
5. Swimming Pool

In summary, what to do if you: 

Are unable to come to school	Phone the Principal’s Office before 8:30
Are late to school	Bring a note to the Principal’s Office, complete a late slip and take it to your class teacher
Are feeling sick while at school	Get your teacher’s permission to go to the Principal’s Office
Have been absent	Bring a letter from your parent/guardian or doctor
Have an appointment during school time	Bring a note from your parent/guardian and hand it in to your class teacher at the start of the day
Return after your absence	Report to the Principal’s Office and your class teacher
Lost something	Report losses to your class teacher and the Principal’s Office
Need to use the telephone	You may use the office phones, but only for emergencies and with permission from the secretary
Are unable to be in full school uniform	Bring a letter from your parent/guardian to the Principal’s Office for a uniform pass
Are given detention by a teacher	Arrive at the detention venue on time and complete your detention