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CONSTITUTION OF PRETORIA HIGH SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
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| 1. |
STATUTORY APPLICATIONS
All provisions contained in this constitution will be subject to the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, the South African Schools Act of 1996, and any applicable provincial legislation, in particular the Schools Education Act, 1995 and its Regulations from time to time.
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| 2. |
THE SCHOOL
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| 2.1 |
NAME AND ADDRESS
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| 2.1.1 |
This is the Constitution of Pretoria High School for Girls (“the School”). |
| 2.1.2 |
The Governing Body of the School as set out in 3 below, shall be known as the Governing Body of Pretoria High School for Girls” (“the Governing Body”). |
| 2.1.3 |
All communication by interested parties to both the School and the Governing Body can be directed to:
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949 Park Street
Arcadia
Pretoria |
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Private Bag X841
Pretoria
0001 |
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| 2.2 |
LEGAL STATUS
The School is a juristic person, with the legal capacity to perform its functions in terms of the South African School Act of 1996.
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| 2.3 |
VISION
To achieve excellence in all spheres of school life.
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| 2.3.1 |
The vision of the School is to pursue and to maintain excellence in all spheres of school life (curricular and extra-curricular) and to uphold the aims set out by the founder headmistress in the School Charter:
This school was founded in the earnest hope that here girls of different races and different denominations might meet in that commonwealth of letters which gave Erasmus and Shakespeare to the world: to acquire there, in accordance with the ideals of Christian duty, the healthy physique, the trained mind and the disciplined character which should fit each to live worthily in that state to which it should please God to call her.
Edith Aitken (1902)
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| 2.4 |
MISSION STATEMENT
It is the aim of the School to produce well educated, balanced young woman, who are adaptable, creative and independent, having integrity, social responsibility and respect, in an environment of inclusivity and equality.
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| 2.5 |
PHILOSOPHY
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| 2.5.1 |
The mission and aims of the School are founded upon the following philosophy:
- We believe in the worth, dignity and unique character of the individual. An environment of support and understanding must be sought to ensure that all feel equally valued.
- We believe that educators need to be not only experts in their learning areas, and hence committed to keeping abreast of the latest developments in methodology, but also dedicated to the psychological and physical welfare of the girls.
- We believe that successful education is a partnership between the home and the School. Therefore, and atmosphere of openness, mutual trust and respect must exist amongst the partners: the parents, staff and girls.
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2.6
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SINGLE GENDER
The School is gender-specific, being an educational institution for girls.
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| 2.7 |
LANGUAGE POLICY
The language of instruction in the School is English.
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| 2.8 |
POLICY FOR FREEDOM OF CONSCIENCE AND RELIGION
The religious ethos of the School is Christian, but an understanding of and respect for other beliefs and religions (particularly those of girls at the School) is actively promoted. Attendance at religious observances by learners and members of staff is free and voluntary.
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| 2.9 |
ADMISSION POLICY
The admission policy of the School is determined by the Governing Body in accordance with the SA Schools Act of 1996 and the Gauteng Department of Education Admission Policy, and is applied by the Principal of the School acting under the authority of the Head of the Gauteng Department of Education. Where possible, the daughters of Alumni are accommodated. |
| 2.10 |
DISCIPLINE
The maintenance of discipline at the School is the responsibility of the Governing Body and is exercised by the Principal as follows:
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| 2.10.1 |
In the event of learners at the School: in terms of the SA Schools Act of 1996, and the Code of Conduct prescribed by this Act, which Code is to be adopted by the Governing Body after consultation with the learners, their parents and the teachers of the School; this Code of Conduct is aimed to establish a disciplined and purposeful school environment, dedicated to the improvement and maintenance of the quality of the learning process; and
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| 2.10.2 |
In the event of the staff members of the School: in terms of the Educators’ Employment Act 1994, the Labour Relations Act, Act no. 66 of 1995, all relevant and applicable employment statutes, and the Code of Conduct approved by the Governing Body after consultation with the staff members of the School.
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| 3. |
GOVERNANCE
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| 3.1 |
GOVERNANCE OF THE SCHOOL
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| 3.1.1 |
The governance of the School is vested in the Governing Body. |
| 3.1.2 |
The Governing Body stands in a position of trust towards the School. |
| 3.1.3 |
The Principal is responsible for the professional management of the School, under the authority of the Head of the Gauteng Department of Education. |
| 3.1.4 |
The Governing Body or any of its members may not interfere with the professional work of the educators in the performance of their duties.
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| 3.2 |
COMPOSITION OF GOVERNING BODY
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| 3.2.1 |
The Governing Body shall consist of the following members:
The Principal
9 (nine) parent members
3 (three) educator members
1 (one) non-educator member; and
3 (three) learner members at the School. |
| 3.2.2 |
In addition the Governing Body may co-opt two members who do not have voting rights. |
| 3.2.3 |
The term of office of the Governing Body is three years and one year for learner members. |
| 3.2.4 |
The Governing Body shall meet at least once every school term.
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| 3.3 |
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF GOVERNING BODY AND ALL PROCEDURAL MATTERS AS PRESCRIBED BY REGULATION
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| 3.3.1 |
The Regulations Relating to Governing Bodies of Public Schools for the Gauteng Province, as published on 28 February 1997 in terms of the School Education Act, 1995 (“the Regulations”) which Regulations prescribe all procedural matters, including election procedures; office bearers; terms of office; vacancies; removal of members and office bearers; meetings; the composition and functions of the Executive Committee; as well as the rights and duties of the Governing Body, are incorporated into this Constitution. |
| 3.3.2 |
All members of the Governing Body will comply with the Regulations and will become acquainted with its content, the Regulations being part of the constitution.
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| 3.4 |
COMMITTEES OF THE GOVERNING BODY |
| 3.4.1 |
Other than the Executive Committee, the Governing Body will establish the following working committees:
a)a Finance Committee; and
b)a Hostel Committee; and
may establish any other committees as determined by the Governing Body from time to time. |
| 3.4.2 |
The committees referred to in 3.4.1 shall each consist of a minimum of two members of the Governing Body, one of whom must be a parent member who shall chair the sub-committee in question and one who must be a non-parent member. These two members shall not be minors. Members of the Governing Body who are minors may however be appointed as additional members to such committees, as the Governing Body deems necessary. In addition at least one further member shall be nominated by the Parents Association. Committees may co-opt parents possessing specific expertise and experience in the functional area of the committee in question. |
| 3.4.3 |
The Governing Body will specify the financial authority and other duties and powers delegated to the aforesaid committees.
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| 3.5 |
MEETINGS OF THE GOVERNING BODY AND ITS SUBCOMMITTEES
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| 3.5.1 |
The Governing Body and any Committees established by the Governing Body shall meet at least once every school term. |
| 3.5.2 |
In addition to the provisions contained in the South African Schools Act of 1996 and any applicable provincial legislation issued in terms of this Act, normal and generally accepted meeting procedures in terms of the conducting of meetings of the Governing Body and its Committees will apply. In particular such meeting procedures will apply to issues such as quorum, handling of proposals, voting, etc.
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| 4. |
MEETINGS BETWEEN THE GOVERNING BODY AND OTHER GROUPS
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| 4.1 |
The Executive Committee of the Governing Body will, at least once annually, convene meetings with the Learners Representative Council, Educators and non-educator staff to discuss matters of mutual concern.
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| 4.2 |
Special meetings with groups referred to in 4.1 will be convened at the request of the Principal, the Chairperson of the Governing Body or by a minimum of twenty-five percent of the members of the group.
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| 5. |
SCHOOL FEES AND PARENTS’ LIABILITY FOR THE PAYMENT OF SCHOOL FEES
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| 5.1 |
A parent is liable to pay the School fees as approved by the parents from time to time.
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| 5.2 |
Total, partial or conditional exemption of the payment of fees may be given by the Finance/Subsidy Committee of the Governing Body to parents who prove their inability to pay by full disclosure of their financial position, supported with certified copies of the financial documents required by the Governing Body.
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| 5.3 |
The Governing Body will legally enforce the payment of School fees in accordance with prescribed legislation.
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| 6. |
FINANCIAL ARRANGEMENTS
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| 6.1 |
In addition to all the relevant provisions of the SA Schools Act, 1996 and any applicable provincial legislation issued in terms of this Act, the School will at all times ensure that proper books of account are kept of all financial transactions and will ensure that the annual financial statements of the School are audited by registered external auditors within three months of the financial year end.
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| 6.2 |
The School will ensure that proper internal financial controls are implemented and maintained to ensure that all income and expenditure is properly accounted for and is sanctioned by the Finance Committee of the Governing Body. All disbursements made out of school funds will require the signature of two approved school officials on presentation of the relevant documentation pertaining to the expenses concerned.
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| 6.3 |
Monthly income and expenditure accounts will be presented to the Finance Committee of the Governing Body for verification and approval.
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| 7. |
LIABILITY OF GOVERNING BODY MEMBERS
A member of the Governing Body will not be personally liable for any debt, damage or loss incurred by the School unless he or she acted without authorization or with malicious intent, in which event he or she may be held responsible for such debt, damage or loss.
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| 8. |
AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION
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| 8.1 |
A decision to amend this constitution shall require a two-thirds majority of the total membership of the Governing Body after all members have been informed of such proposed amendments in writing at least one month in advance.
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| 8.2 |
Should too few members be present at the meeting contemplated in 8.1, a second meeting shall be called exclusively for this purpose at least two weeks after the first meeting. If two-thirds of the members are not present at this second meeting, the proposed amendments may be effected by two-thirds of those members present.
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| 8.3 |
All amendments to this constitution shall be submitted to the Head of the Gauteng Department of Education for confirmation that the amendments are consistent with the provisions of the School Education Act of 1996 and its regulations; until such confirmation is received, no amendment to this constitution shall be valid.
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THE REGULATIONS
(Available upon request)
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Composition of Governing Body
The Governing Body is structured as follows:
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- Elected Members
| • The Principal |
- Mrs Penny McNair |
| • Parents |
- Mr Steve Blair
- Mrs Penny Blersch
- Mr Hein Boegman
- Mr Don Bosman
-Mr Jonathan Collins
- Mr Luther Erasmus
- Mr Gary Gast
-Mrs Lesego Moloisane
- Mr Mike Godfrey
- Mrs Leonie Powell
- Mr Donovan Whittle
-Mr Jonathan Collins
-Mrs Lesego Moloisane
-Mr James Tubb
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| • Educators |
- Mrs Melita Bagshaw
- Mrs Karen du Toit
- Mr Robin Jelley |
| • Non-educator |
- Mrs Joan Viljoen |
| • Learners |
- Valmy Craffert
- Simonn Seegers
- Kym Smith |
- Co-opted Members
| • Old Girls Association |
- Mrs Wilma Cloete |
| • Bursar |
- Mrs Cheryl Alton |
| • Parents |
- Mrs Ethel Masihleho |
| • Learner (Head of North Lodge) |
- Lethabo Mongalo |
| • Learner (Head of School House) |
- Stella Echelu |
Operating Structure
The Governing Body has an established committee structure consisting of the following:
| • Chairperson |
- Mr Gary Gast |
| • Vice-chairman |
- Mrs Leonie Powell |
| • Secretary |
- Mrs Melita Bagshaw |
| • Treasurer |
- Mr Hein Boegman |
Sub-committees
| • Old Girls’ Association |
- Mrs Wilma Cloete |
| • Finance |
- Mr Hein Boegman |
| • Hostels |
- Mr Steve Blair |
| • Buildings & Maintenance |
- Mr James Tubb |
| • Subsidies |
- Mrs Gary Gast |
| • Legal |
- Mr Don Bosman |
| • Parents’ Association |
- Mrs Leonie Powell |
| • Fundraising |
- Mrs Leonie Powell |
| • Policies & Strategies |
- Mr Gary Gast |
| • Security & Risk Management |
- Mr Luther Erasmus |
| • Marketing |
- Mr James Tubb |
| • Representative Council of Learners |
- Valmy Craffert |
| • Educator Representative |
- Mr Robin Jelley |
| • Non-educator Representative |
- Mrs Joan Viljoen |
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