SILENT READING PROGRAMME & DAILY FLAG RAISING CEREMONY

1. Every Monday, all students must reach school and assemble at the parade ground before 8.15 am for the Silent Reading Programme. Attendance will be taken at 8.15 am sharp. Every Tuesday to Friday, all students must reach school and assemble at the parade ground before 7.15 am for the Silent Reading Programme. Daily flag raising ceremony will commence after the Silent Reading Programme on 8.30 am on Monday and 7.30 am on Tuesday – Friday. Students who arrive late for school will need to serve afternoon detention.
2. 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.
3. The flag raising ceremony is to be observed with solemnity and respect.
4. The school tie must be worn every Monday of the week. Students will not be required to wear the school tie if their internal examinations fall on Monday.

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WEEKLY ASSEMBLY

1. Students must assemble in the school hall according to their classes quickly and in an orderly manner.
2. Students are to behave with consideration towards any speakers who are making presentations.

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CLASSROOM PROCEDURE TO START THE LESSON

S tand & greet the teacher
T idy up the classroom
A ttire & appearance of students
R ecord attendance
T each

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ATTITUDE

1. Students should be loyal to their country and show respect for the Head of State, the National Anthem, the State Flag and our country’s leaders.
2. All students must remember and demonstrate the school core values at all times.
3. Be polite and refined in manners at all times. Students are to greet teaching staff, non-teaching staff and visitors upon meeting them.
4. Respect and obey school authorities – e.g. Principal, teachers, student leaders, and non-teaching staff at all times.
5. Students must be attentive and diligent in class – there must be no sleeping or interruption by students when the teacher is teaching. They are expected to show consideration for their fellow classmates and not to disrupt the learning environment.
6. Students who need to leave the classroom for valid reasons must obtain permission from a teacher.
7. Students should complete and submit all assignments on time. Students who fail
   frequently to submit their homework will be identified and they have to stay back after school to finish their homework before they can be dismissed.
8. Students must not indulge in any activity that will harm, inconvenience or disturb the other students in the school and members of the public in any way. As long as students are in uniform, they are to uphold the name of the school.
9. Smoking, littering, vandalism (such as scribbling on the walls etc.), extortion, theft, tampering with medical certificates, arson and other flagrant acts of dishonesty are strictly forbidden. Offenders may be reported to the Police.
10. All students are not allowed to have in their possession any weapon. They are also not allowed to bring any weapon-like item which is used or intended to be used to cause harm to others.
11. Furniture should not be removed from any room without the permission from the OM. Any furniture borrowed should be returned to its original place. Students are expected to keep their classroom and the school premises clean at all times.

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APPEARANCE

1. Hairstyle for boys
   a. Hair must be neat.
   b. Fringe should not touch the eyebrow when combed down.
   c. Hair must not touch the ears or shirt collar.
   d. Long sideburns are not allowed.
   e. There must be a gradual slope at the back of the head.
   f. Hair must not be dyed or highlighted.
   g. Students must be clean-shaven at all times and no facial hair is allowed.
   h. Gelled spiky hair/mohawk hairstyle is not allowed.
2. Hairstyle for girls
   a. Hair should be neat and tidy and kept away from the face either by keeping the hair short with the use of black or dark blue accessories.
   b. Hair longer than shoulder-length must be tied up.
   c. Fringes should be neatly pinned up with black hair pins / clips.
   d. Hair must not be dyed or highlighted.
3. Students must not wear coloured contact lenses to school.
4. Nails must be short, clean and unpainted.
5. Tattoos are strictly not allowed.

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ATTIRE

1. Students are to wear the prescribed school uniform and modification to the uniform is not allowed. The school badge must be put on at all times.
2. Only white shoes are allowed. If the shoes come with laces, they must also be white.  Only white ankle socks without logo should be worn during curriculum time. No-show socks (Invisible socks) are strictly not allowed
3. Students are required to wear name tags which will be colour coded according to the level they are in. Students who have misplaced their name tags must order a replacement from the book shop immediately. In the meantime, they will be issued a temporary name tag by the school.
4. Shirt collars must be buttoned when a tie is worn. The tip of the tie should reach the waist.
5. Black school shorts and the school T-shirt are to be worn during PE lessons. Students must not wear PE attire after recess.
6. All students must be in school/CCA T-shirt and appropriate footwear (no slippers or sandals allowed) when they are in school for activities, CCA or remedial lessons. This also applies to activities conducted during Saturdays and school holidays.
7. Spectacles should be worn as a necessity and not as an accessory.
8. Trousers must not have pleats or belt loops. They should not be tapered, baggy or worn around the hips. Shorts should sit neatly at the waist. They should not be too baggy.
9. The blouse should be buttoned up and tucked in neatly. Girls are only allowed to wear simple white/ beige bras (including sports bra). Halter-neck bras or other outlandish bras are not allowed. Girls who do not adhere to this requirement will be sent home to change.
10. The skirt should not be shorter than 2 cm above the knee.
11. No student is allowed to wear jewellery or any religious ornaments.
12. Girls are permitted to wear a pair of simple round ear studs/ transparent ear sticks.
13. Boys are not allowed to pierce their ear or wear any plastic studs or sticks.

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ATTENDANCE

1. Every student is to be punctual not only in coming to school but also in going from class to class whenever such movement is necessary. Students who are late will be liable for detention. Latecomers will be given a latecomer’s slip obtained from the Guard Room.
2. Students who are exempted from certain subject are to remain in their classroom and do their own work.
3. Permission from the Principal, Vice-Principals, Heads of Department or Operations Manager (OM) is required before a student may leave the school premises during school hours. The student will have to inform his/her form teacher and complete a permission slip which can be obtained from the general office.
4. A student who is unwell and absent from school (including class tests, school
   examinations and other compulsory school activities) must see a doctor and submit a medical certificate to the teacher-in-charge the next working day.
5. Students who are absent from school without valid reasons or approval from the Principal will be subject to disciplinary actions for truancy.

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RECESS

1. Students must behave with integrity in a socially responsible manner. E.g. queue up in the canteen when purchasing food, not making noise to disrupt learning of students at other levels.
2. Students must return the cutlery immediately after use and clear litter including plastic bottles on the table.
3. Consumption of food and drinks is confined to the school canteen only.
4. All students must proceed to the classroom with minimal noise when the first bell rings at the end of recess.

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VALUES IN ACTION (VIA) PROGRAMME

1. All students must render a minimum of 6 hours of community service in every academic year.
2. All classes will be rostered to upkeep the canteen as a good and happy social space.

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PARENT- TEACHER ASSOCIATION (PTA)

1. Once a student enrolls in the school, the parents are automatically part of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) of the school.
2. There is an annual subscription fee of $6 for the PTA. For students who have older siblings studying in the school, only the older sibling needs to pay. There is a one-time subscription fee for PTA, which is $24.

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NATIONAL EDUCATION QUIZ

1. It is compulsory for all graduating students to complete the MOE National Education Quiz at the stipulated date and time. A pass in the MOE National Education Quiz is expected for graduation.

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Major Offences

1. Students who commit major offences will have to face the consequences and this may include counselling and punishment. The School Principal / Vice-Principal and the Student Management Committee will decide on the consequences. Only the Principal can give approval for suspension from school and/or caning of Kindly note that testimonials may not be issued for students who have committed major offences.
2. It is impossible to list all possible offences. For offences which are not listed in the table below and for offences which may tarnish the school image, disciplinary action will be  taken at the discretion of the Principal / Vice-Principal. This includes public caning and suspension from school. The school reserves the right to make amendments to any school rules as and when necessary

(A) Attendance

Leaving school grounds without permission

Truancy / Wilful absenteeism

(B) Misconduct

Littering/Refusing to return crockery in the canteen/Dirtying common areas in the school

Malpractice of Cheating in tests/assessments/examinations

Abuse of Technology

Disruptive Behaviour

Open defiance / rudeness

Using vulgar language

Use of threat / bullying

Giving false information / lying

Repeatedly flouting school rules

Forgery / tampering with official documents eg. medical certificates, results slip

(C) Theft/Damage of property

Theft

Arson

Vandalism (Eg. Setting off fire alarm, breaking of school furniture, defacing school property)

(D) Other Major Offences

Assault

Affray / Fighting

Gangsterism

Viewing / Possession of pornographic materials

Smoking / Possession of cigarettes and/or e-cigarette / vaping

Gambling

Possession of weapons / weapon like items

Substance Abuse (eg. consumption of alcohol

 

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Attire of a Gessian (Boy)

 

• Hairstyle:
  • Gradual Slope.
  • Short Side Burns.
  • Fringe not touching the eyebrow.
• Attire:
  • School Badge must be worn on the stitch above the pocket.
  • Name tag to be worn below the school badge.
  • Shirt must be tucked in.
  • No modifications should be made to the uniform.
• Shoes:
  • Only white shoes with white shoe laces.
  • Wear white ankle socks without logo. No-show socks (invisible socks) are not allowed.

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Attire of a Gessian (Girl)

 

• Hairstyle:
  • Hair length that touches the collar must be tied up.
  • Fringe to be pinned up neatly.
  • Fringe not touching the eyebrow.
• Attire:
  • School Badge must be worn on the stitch above the pocket.
  • Name tag must be worn below the school badge.
  • Blouse must be tucked in.
  • No modifications should be made to the uniform.
• Shoes
  • Only white shoes with white shoe laces.
  • Wear white ankle socks without logo. No-show socks (invisible socks) are not allowed.

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Conduct Grades Indicators

GESS Conduct Grade 

1. Conduct grade will be awarded to students based on 2 components:
i. Basic Components
ii. Determining Components

2. Basic Components are made up of 2 parts
i. The first part is aligned to GESSIAN Portrait and the second part is aligned to the CCE Outcomes
ii. Students will be assessed by their teachers based on their demonstration of the attributes in these 2 areas.

3. Determining Components are veto components and are determined by the following

• School Attendance
• Serious Discipline Case

Students who do not meet the minimum expectations will be awarded a “Fair” or “Poor” conduct grade.

4. Students with poor late-coming records will have their conduct grade downgraded by 1 grade.

5. Students who obtain a Fair grade for Conduct will not be eligible for

• MOE Edusave Awards eg Scholarship, Bursary, Good Progress
• Edusave Character Awards (ECHA)
• External Scholarship/Bursary

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Weighting for Student Conduct Grade

Component		Excellent	Very Good	Good	Fair	Poor
Basic Component	GESSIAN Portrait	≥ 80%	66 – 79%	50 – 65%	< 50%
	CCE Learning Outcomes
Determining Component	School attendance	> 90%	85 – 90%	80 – 84%	< 80%
	Serious Discipline Issue	–	–	–	Yes

 

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Wireless Network Policy – WIRELESS@GESS

The Wireless Network Policy (SWN@SSOE) applies to all wireless network users (staff and students) operating within the school. Uses of the SWN@SSOE wireless network are required to adhere to the acceptable and prohibited use guidelines as listed below.

In order to limit the potential security risks that may be associated with wireless network technologies, access to the Authenticated Wireless Network must take place in a controlled and secure manner.

ACCEPTABLE USE

Students’ use of the following for solely educational purposes:

• school-owned computers/IT equipment;
• privately-owned computers or devices in school and
• school-owned software, data, accounts, wired/wireless network and online services are for educational purposes.

PROHIBITED USE

Students’ access to computers, mobile devices, network and internet services in GESS is a privilege and not a right. Examples of unacceptable uses include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Unauthorized use of computers/mobile devices – Accessing computers/mobile devices during curriculum hours without specific authorisation from the supervising Accessing these devices after curriculum hours is only permissible for educational purposes.
• Unsupervised usage of computers in computer laboratories – The use of computers in the computer laboratories is purely for curricular purposes under the supervision of the Subject Computers located in the Aroozoo Library are available for use during non-curricular hours.
• Accessing Inappropriate Materials – Accessing, submitting, posting, publishing, forwarding, downloading, scanning, or displaying materials that are defamatory, abusive, obscene, vulgar, sexually explicit, sexually suggestive, threatening, discriminatory, harassing and/or illegal.
• Illegal Activities – Using the school’s computers, networks, and Internet services for any illegal activity or that violates other policies, procedures and/or school rules
• Violating Copyrights – Copying or downloading copyrighted materials without the owner’s permission
• Plagiarism – Representing as one’s own work any materials obtained on the internet. When Internet sources are used in student work, the author, publisher and web site must be identified.
• Misuse of Passwords/Unauthorized Access – Sharing passwords, using other users’ passwords and/or accessing other users’ accounts without their permission.
• Malicious Use/Vandalism – Any malicious use, disruption, altering, or harm to the school’s computers, software, equipment, networks, and Internet services, including but not limited to hacking activities and creation/uploading of computer viruses.

Breach of Wireless Network Policy directives will result in immediate action being taken to disconnect any unapproved networking equipment and may be treated as a disciplinary offence.

If students need help to log into their wireless network account, support can be sought through the school’s Technical Assistant (TA) at the Level 2 staffroom.

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Handphone Policy

In GESS, we believe that a positive, educative and restorative approach to discipline is more effective than one that is punitive. And we recognize that in order to learn well, there must be order and discipline. It is also important that each student and staff member have a safe environment where they are free to learn. In order to sustain that safe environment, it is imperative for schools to nurture students to be responsible and discerning users of technology.

The school handphone policy has been established, based on MOE guidelines and Wireless Network Policy – Wireless@GESS (Pg 40-41 in the student handbook). This policy is meant to ensure that students are focused during lesson time and not be distracted texting or playing with phone functions. Henceforth, we are informing the students and their families about the policy and procedures that will promote a positive educational experience in GESS.

Guiding Principles

The hand phone rules apply to all students who choose to bring their hand phones to school.

• All hand phones must be switched off or put on silent mode and put in the school bags during lesson time.
• All handphones must be handed over to the teacher during PE lessons for safe keeping
• Students are not to display their hand phones during school activities inside or outside school.
• If students need to contact their parents  while  in  school,  they  are  to  call  within the designated area in the foyer or canteen during recess and after school hours.
• If students need to contact their parents during a  school  activity  out  of  school,  they must have the teacher’s permission.

If the students choose to bring their hand phones to school, they must be responsible and should not :

• leave their hand phones unattended.
• leave the hand phones in open view, for instance, in the toilet, classroom and canteen
• bring expensive hand phones to school. This may create temptation for theft, and it is a costly lesson if the hand phone is lost or damaged.

Students who are found to have breached the guidelines will have their handphones confiscated by the teachers and parents/guardians will be informed. Parents/Guardians may be required to personally collect the handphones from the school’s Operation Manager (OM).

As for student offences involving the use of the mobile devices, e.g. inappropriate content such as making derogatory or hurtful remarks, taking upskirt photographs or possessing of pornography, the students will have to surrender the handphones to the school for investigation

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Collection and Use of Photographs and Videos

1. Gan Eng Seng School (GESS) is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the responsible use of photographs and/or video recordings of your child.
2. Throughout his/her time in GESS, photographs and/or video recordings of your child may be taken during school activities. These activities include classroom lessons, CCA sessions, camps, or other school-organised activities. The school may in turn publish such photographs / video recordings in school publications, the school website, Facebook account, or any other communication channels, for publicity purposes.
3. If you do not consent to the use of your child’s / ward’s photographs and/or video recordings of your child for publicity, kindly fill in an opt-out form at : https://go.gov.sg/ gess-pdpa-consent and pass a hardcopy of the form to the Form Teacher