Policy

Religious Policy

• GEMS School is open for children of all religions and races, however priority is given first to Christian families.

• The school is a Church School under the Bangladesh Baptist Church Fellowship, so GEMS strives to have a Christian atmosphere.

• Some Christian songs, stories, prayers and Bible readings will be used.

• We always strive to honour and give no offence to children of other religions.

• All teachers must agree to abide by, contribute to and affirm the Christian nature of the school.

• No formal Religious Education is given. Religious Education is the responsibility of the Guardians.

• From time to time compulsory Christian discipleship classes are held for the Christian students

• GEMS has a Christmas function each December; attendance is compulsory for all students.

• The school is open each Palm Sunday. Attendance is compulsory for all Christian Students but voluntary for other students. At this session we teach and explain Palm Sunday and the Easter celebration.

Health, Safety & Emergency Policy

A teacher is appointed as Safety Officer with responsibilities to;

• • • Run safety drills

    • Inform teachers and students of safety procedures

    • Check that safety equipment is in working order

    • Check for and address possible safety hazards

    • Look after and use the school safety books, and

    • Be in charge of the first aid box.

• From time to time, basic emergency and health and safety procedures are taught at assembly as part of the good citizenship program.

• The Safety officer is also in charge of all safety and health matters for school trips and picnics.

• Two safety drills are to be practiced each year one of which is to be unannounced (fire drill, earthquake, lockdown, flood drill)

• Guardians are to fill in a health form stating any important health issues that their child(ren) has about which the school should know.

• The Safety Coordinator is to check these for any important points and to regularly update these with the guardians concerned.

• Monowara Hospital is our first place of use unless otherwise requested however Guardians undertake to pay all costs involved in any medical intervention.

• All guardians must sign the medical indemnity form before admission.

Student attendance, Withdrawals, Suspensions & Terminations

At GEMS School we aim to teach well and to provide all that is necessary within school and homework time. Our aim is to teach well, so that every class has significant and helpful learning. We aim to make attendance vital.

• Regular attendance is important for children to do well. Attendance counts towards final grades. Repeated unpunctuality and/or non-attendance will result in a reduced final grade. All teachers will keep a daily roll. Attendance is written into the half-year and final year reports.

• If a child is unwell, a signed note must be sent with the child on his/her return. The school should be informed by phone of all absences. Notice must be given ahead of time for all other absences, and leave applied for by letter. In cases where the school has not been informed, missed Class Tests will not be given again.

• One month’s notice is required in writing or one month’s fees in lieu thereof before withdrawal of a child during the school year. A bond of 2 months fees will be taken at the time of admission and returned one month after the notice of withdrawal is given. We would appreciate knowing the reason why a student is withdrawing. This is to help us improve and make a better school for the future.

• We aim to be fair, honest and just, and to have clearly written standards. The school aims to work with Parents for the welfare and best outcomes for all children. Minor behavior issues will be dealt with in class, repeated or larger offences will be reported to the Head Teacher. Parents will be informed by letter of repeated or large offences. When it is necessary conferences between the child, teacher, Head Teacher, Principal and Parent will be arranged to discuss discipline issues. It is a privilege to be at school, so irregular attendance, disobedience, bullying, and objectionable behavior may result in the removal of a student from school. Please encourage your children to have good attitudes and good behavior.

• GEMS does not allow private tutoring, coaching or paid help with Homework by any teacher of GEMS or immediate family member of a GEMS teacher. If any tutoring by GEMS teachers of GEMS students is found, the teacher will lose his/her job, and the student will lose his/her seat.

Grievances, Complaints & Suggestions

GEMS School is open to hearing complaints, grievances and suggestions. Please feel free to write it in the book kept in the office. We will read and respond to every complaint or suggestion given. However for complaints or grievances against another person we follow Jesus Christ’s procedures. The first step is always to speak directly to the person involved… this is for children, teachers and parents. We will not listen to or accept complaints about another person until this is done. Grievances not shared with the person directly are gossip! We do not gossip at GEMS. If the person involved will not listen and repeats the offense, the second step is to speak again with another person as witness. Only if the person will still not listen or stop the offense should the issue go to the higher authority (A teacher, the Principal or the board).

We aim to speak all complaints and grievances in a gentle and polite way. We will also try to listen to any criticism with humility and patience. We are ready to change for the better if necessary or appropriate.

Teacher and Staff Leave

Schools have between 6 to 10 weeks holiday a year, plus holidays during term time. This is much more than other types of workers, however the holidays are at fixed times and are generally not flexible. GEMS School uses the Government holiday List as its reference point. Please see the holiday list for more details. Teachers may apply for Casual leave up to a week before, however unless it is agreed by the Committee, this will be unpaid. (This is because it cannot be taken against Annual Leave which is fixed). In special circumstances agreed by the Committee, Casual Leave may be granted with pay. Up to 5 days Sick and Emergency Leave may be taken with pay, provided notice is given. If the leave is for more than 3 days, then a Medical certificate is necessary.

Leave may be granted for Examinations and Training needs which relate to improving the Education and Training Level of the Staff member. This must be applied for before the necessary time and approved by the Senior Management.

Tutoring

No tutoring of GEMS students is allowed by teachers, staff or direct relatives of teachers of GEMS school. The school aims to teach well and to provide all that is necessary within school and homework time. If any tutoring by GEMS Teachers of GEMS students is found, the teacher will lose his/her job and the student will lose his/her seat. Students who are tutored are automatically exempt from end of year prizes and awards, and academic prizes.

GEMS runs extra classes for students with particular learning difficulties. These classes are provided when teachers suggest needs.

Homework

Because the time at school is very short, it is essential that students do their Homework. As well as the homework set by the teachers, students should reread their textbooks and notes from their exercise books. At secondary school each student is required to do 20/20 HW, which means 20 minutes of set homework and 20 minutes extra to read and revise the work of the day. No student needs a tutor to help with the Homework!

Service

All teachers, staff and students are required to help clean and keep the school tidy. The school will occasionally do service projects. This is compulsory and may not be exempted. We want GEMS School to learn to serve their school, community and country.

Fees

Monthly fees must be paid by the 12th of the month. There is a fine of T100 for late fees in the 1st month, and T200 for the 2nd month. If fees are not paid after 3 months the student’s seat will be cancelled. Please pay fees in cash and in the exact change. Fees for the month of June must be paid in advance with the fees of May. Examination fees will not be received unless all other fees and fines are cleared. If session fees are not paid the student may lose their place.

2 month refundable deposit & Withdrawal

A two month deposit is required from all students. This will be refunded at the time of withdrawal providing all other fees and fines are paid. The school office must be informed when a student leaves. One month’s notice is required in writing or one month’s fees in lieu thereof, before the withdrawal of a student.

Attendance and Punctuality

Regular attendance is important for students to do well. Attendance counts towards final grades, and repeated absences and or unpunctuality may result in a reduced final grade. If your child is unwell, please send a signed note or inform the school by phone, explaining the absence. If you know ahead of time of any important reason for an absence, the school must be notified to arrange for Homework to be done. Tests will be given to students who have informed the school of absences, tests will not be given if the school has had no notification, a zero mark will be entered onto the class test. 80% attendance is required to sit the exams.

The week after school exams is compulsory. The last week of school is very important for learning, as we go over the exams, it is very important for finishing, as we have a class party, photos, and cleaning up. The final week is important as every class practices an item for the final function, this is an important part of school. Students who do not attend will be fined T500.

Late Policy of GEMS School

GEMS students come on time. GEMS trains students for success in life!

Punctuality is respect, and unpunctuality is disrespect for the school. Punctuality is training for success in life.

GEMS students attend assembly and classes on time.

Assembly is GEMS family time. We learn respect for God, our country and each other. We learn helpful citizenship themes that help our lives. We take part in performances and learn how to present in front of others. We learn how to listen and learn as a group.

Primary and Junior Students who are late must wait behind the late line until assembly is over.

Primary Students who are late must write lines (which are filed in their student file).

Secondary Students who are late miss their first class and do service.

Primary- 1st time 0 lines, 2nd time, 10 lines, 3rd time 20 lines, 4th time 40 lines, 5th time 80 lines. After 5 times it is 100 lines each incident of lateness.

Secondary – library sorting and shelving/sorting and cleaning of book boxes (from 4th incident).

Junior- only the fines for the guardians. Students wait behind the lines, apologise and go up to class.

The first incident is considered accidental and is only noted. Even the 2nd and 3rd incident are considered minor incidents.

After 4 times late, guardians will be informed. Students who come late 5 times are fined T100.

The fine system is to show how serious GEMS views lateness. We believe it is important to come on time. 5 times late is beginning to be a serious issue.

After 9 times the guardians will be informed. Students who come late 10 times are fined T500. The Guardians must attend a meeting with the Principal or Vice Principal. A behaviour contract is issued and signed in the presence of the guardians.

10 times late is not accidental, but reveals a serious issues of lateness, so we give a serious fine. The money will be contributed to the digital projector fund (used for assemblies).

Students who come late 10 times are considered on contract and must sign a contract to say they will try to come on time. The guardians must meet with the school to discuss the issue and must also agree to help their students come on time.

The school, student and guardians will try to identify and overcome the issues involved. The contract is signed by the guardians in the presence of the school authorities and guardians.

After 15 times late the school will issue a Transfer Certificate.

GEMS School encourages punctuality. Lateness is a form of disrespect. A student arriving more than 15 minutes late will not be admitted to school and will have to return home (unless the school has been rung and informed of the reason).

Uniform

Students must look neat and tidy. Students must strive to honour the school and uniform at all times. Students may not be involved in disrespect, rudeness, loitering or any other behaviour which brings dishonour to the school while wearing uniform. Not wearing correct uniform results in written lines. On hartal days students may wear sensible out dress suitable for school. Jewellery, long nails, and showy hairstyles are not suitable for school.

Visits

Guardians may visit the school office between 9 am and 12pm each day, or 3.30 to 4.30. Please make appointments at the office if you want to see a teacher, Head teacher, Vice Principal or Principal. The school office is closed from 12pm to 3.30pm.

Identity Cards

Please guard your identity cards and keep them in a safe place. Students must be picked up by an authorized guardian (unless you have written permission from the school). Secondary School male students may come and go without a guardian if the guardian has signed the permission slip.

Complaints & Suggestions of guardians

There are 3 options for Guardians to make a suggestion or complaint to the school.

Complaint and suggestion book. This is read by the management every week. All guardians who write and sign will be given an appointment to see the P or VP to follow up the complaint or suggestion.

An appointment may be made to see the P or VP. P/VP will write up the complaint or suggestion into the book, and make further appointments as appropriate, if follow up is needed.

Every month 2 appointment slots will be open for guardians to visit the school with suggestions and complaints. The last 2 Wednesdays of each month between 4.30 and 5.30 will be available for complaints and suggestions.

Abusive complaints and behaviour

In GEMS we try to work together to solve problems. If any person threatens, abuses, shouts, or behaves abusively, then a first warning letter will be given. If the abusive behaviour reoccurs then a TC may be given. We will only give a TC in order to maintain the order and good atmosphere of the school. Please note – GEMS does not and will not punish students for the behaviour of their parents, or any other. Each student is treated on their own merits.

Promotion and Retention

At the end of each school year the student’s progress is evaluated. Grades are given on a ratio of 60% final test and 40% Class Work for Primary Students, and 70% final test and 30% Class work for secondary school. Attendance and punctuality may affect the final grade. For promotion, behaviour, maturity and social skills, and age will also be taken into account. A student will not be retained unless it is felt that it is for his/her best benefit. Low grades or immaturity may result in retention, and may require extra work over the holidays. Guardians will be informed if it is felt that a student is struggling and suggestions for help and extra work can be given. Play group, Nursery and Kg do not have exams. Classes 3, 5 and 8 are more important examinations and entry into the next Key stage is only given if the exams are passed.

Tiffin and Water

Students need to bring a bottle of water and a small healthy tiffin to eat at break time. No sweets, chocolate, canned drinks, juices or soda drinks, or chewing gum. Chips and other unhealthy tiffin should only be given occasionally. Healthy food, healthy body and mind, unhealthy food, unhealthy body and mind!

Damage and Breakages to school property/Student possessions

An appropriate fine is imposed for wilful damage of property and for breakages due to student irresponsibility. Fines begin at T100, but will be charged according to the nature of the damage. The school is not responsible or liable for security of student’s personal items. No mobile phones are allowed in school time, and all mobiles must be kept at the school office. Student possessions must be named and looked after. Teachers will not take any action if student items are not named. Students caught stealing will be fined a minimum of T400 and will be required to return or pay for the item, as well as do cleaning detentions and other service work.

Bribes, Gifts, Extra fees and Partiality

GEMS School accepts and gives no bribes. We treat all students on their own merits, and show no partiality. Any Guardian offering a bribe or gift will cause their child to lose their seat, so please do not try it. Up to 3 seats a year may be allocated for special admission, at T30 000 per seat. Guardians may apply for one of these seats. This money will be used for the benefit of the school and goes through School accounting systems. This fee only gives special admission;

it does not thereafter give any special benefit to the student. Students who receive special admission are treated the same as all other students.

Functions – such as book week, study tours, sports, science fairs, Ekushey, Victory Day/ Christmas, End of Year and so on must be attended. These are part of the student’s education.

Guardian / Parents meeting – There are 3 meetings a year, attendance is strongly recommended. There is a complaints & suggestions book held at the office. Guardians may also talk to the Guardian Representative about issues.

Celebrating birthdays at school - at Pg, N and Kg parents may share a cake or some small food items if they please. From Class 1 this is not needed.

Rental books system and Library - to help guardians with expensive book prices, GEMS School has a rental book system. Rental books belong to the school, and must be covered and kept in a plastic folder. Our library is beautiful and a wonderful resource for the students. Everyone must help to look after the library. Library books must be kept in a plastic folder. Lost and damaged books must be paid for.

Safety - Safety and good health are very important to us. From time to time we have emergency drills. Teaching is given in assembly time. We have a health programme with National Institute of Advanced Nursing Education and Research (NIANER) and KOICA (A Government approved NGO) to help keep all of our students healthy. From time to time we try to arrange speakers for Guardian meetings.

Hartals – Hartals are political and our school is not political. We value education and so we do not close on hartal days. It is important to give quality education to our children, they should not be made to suffer because of hartals. Students may wear suitable outdress, and enter through the side entrance. We give no major tests on hartal days.

ICT – GEMS School offers ICT lessons and real use of computers. An ICT fee is needed to buy, maintain and update the computers.

Discipline Policy

We aim to be fair, honest and just and to have a well-disciplined school. We aim to have clearly written standards and rules. The school will work with Guardians for the welfare and best outcomes for all of our students. Minor behaviour issues will be dealt with in class and my result in a child remaining in class during break or after school, or taking time out of a class for some minutes. Repeated and major behaviour issues are referred to the Head teacher or Senior Management, and Guardians will be informed by letter of the issue and the punishment. Punishments may be lines, letters, fines and/or cleaning detentions. When it is necessary, conferences may be arranged between student, Head Teacher, Vice Principal or Principal and Guardian to discuss discipline issues. It is a privilege to be at school, so disobedience, bullying, objectionable behaviour, and disrespect may result in removal of a student from school (either as a temporary suspension or as a removal). Please encourage your students to have good attitudes and to have good behaviour. We do not allow any bullying. Students and Guardians must sign the discipline rules before each school year.

All teachers, students and Guardians must sign a copy of this policy to show their commitment to abide by these rules.

The school aims at fairness, honesty, and treating all children equally. We aim for a well-disciplined school that fosters respect for one another and that serves its community.

Our aim is to do to others as we would like them to do to us, to treat others as we would like to be treated

Teachers

If a school wants well disciplined children then the teachers and staff need to be disciplined people first! If the teachers and staff are lazy, unpunctual, dishonest, impolite or do not treat students fairly then we cannot expect children to be well disciplined. All staff will try to model well disciplined, punctual, honest, polite, good and teachable lives.

Teachers will first aim to build a positive atmosphere of discipline. Teachers and staff should aim to positively reinforce good behaviour before bad behaviour appears. Our aim is always to work out what is best for each child and the class so that learning happens and is not hindered.

The Head Teacher’s role is to help teachers with discipline issues. Teachers can request help and counsel in this area from the Head Teacher.

When a breach of discipline occurs...

The teacher should verbally correct the student and warn him/her not to repeat the offence (if possible this should be done quietly and without drawing too much attention to the incident). Remind the student of the agreed rules.

If the child repeats the action a second warning may be given, but after that action must be taken for the 3rd offense. The teacher may give extra work, give lines, remove the child outside of the classroom for a small time, or require time out of break. The teacher must choose what is appropriate for the child, age and action. It is always best if breaches can be dealt with quickly, quietly and by the teacher.

If the action is repeated the child will be sent to the Head Teacher. The HT must enter the offence into the Punishment Book as a record.

If a child is sent to the Head Teacher twice in one week, then the Head Teacher issues a black mark. This must also be entered in the Punishment Book. The Head Teacher can give appropriate punishments (lines, extra work, letters of apology, and so on). The Head Teacher sends a note to the Guardian/parent informing them of the black mark and briefly explains the reason why. Repeated black marks will result in temporary suspension.

If a child repeats bad behaviour and it is deemed to be a serious breach of discipline the Head Teacher may call a conference of the parents, child (and possibly Principal). The aim is to deal in the best way with the issue and to come up with a solution that will best help all involved (including the child). A plan of action specific to the child will be drawn up that overcomes the offending action and is agreed on by all, including the child.

Serious, repeated breaches of discipline will be referred to the School committee and expulsion or suspension may result.

Rules for Students

Children are expected to try their best to work well, to obey teachers, and treat others kindly.

Children are expected to try their best to complete the Class work set by teachers. Children may ask questions if they do not understand. Homework should be completed unless there is an adequate excuse given in a written note from a Guardian

Children should speak politely to teachers, all staff and other children. Rude or aggressive talk is not allowed. No bullying is tolerated. No student may try to stop another student from learning.

The classroom is for learning. No chewing gum, food, cell phones, games or other distractions are allowed. If the use of extra things is distracting others, the objects will be confiscated and returned at the end of the school day.

Stealing and damaging of school or other people’s property is forbidden

Children must tell the truth

GEMS children should be punctual and well presented in clean, neat, standard uniforms. If a child arrives more than 5 minutes late they will have to wait outside until after assembly, their name will be listed in the lateness book. Repeated lateness will result in black marks and punishment.

No GEMS student may receive tutoring from a GEMS staff member. No student or Guardian may give any extra fees, gifts or favours to any GEMS Staff member.

Rules for Guardians

The school and the parents need to work together for the best education for their children.

Please deal honestly with the school.

Please try to help your child be punctual and dressed neatly.

Please reinforce GEMS rules and encourage your child to obey them. Please help your child to understand that when we treat others kindly it makes our world better. Help your child to understand that rules are for the advantage of everyone.

Please do not encourage your child to cheat or to dishonour GEMS guidelines.

No GEMS student may receive tutoring from a GEMS staff member. No student or Guardian may give any extra fees, gifts or favours to any GEMS Staff member. Dishonouring of this rule will result in the loss of seat for the student and job for the staff member.

See the Information and general rules sheet for other information, rules and guidelines.

School to learn to serve their school, community and country....see Rules and Information)

Helping in the end of term clean up

Attendance and help with concerts, plays, functions of the school

Attendance at Parents’ meetings

First Aid to children if needed

Exercise and games with children from time to time

Keeping an accurate roll

Taking turns to lead assemblies

Filling in necessary forms and administration as required by the school authorities

Taking part in any school service projects, school outings or activities together.

Helping with School stock takes

Helping plan and lead any school concerts, functions, sports days and so on as requested.

Teacher’s Duties

Teachers should give their best and aim to be excellent teachers. Teachers are models for the future generation so should aim at honesty, fairness, kindness and service. We are not only teachers but also Christian teachers, so our work and service, attitudes and actions should reflect Christian values.

Remember we are teachers, we work for the students...they don’t work for us.

Your main duty is to help the children learn! Learning and remembering are not the same thing. In this school our priority is for the students to learn. We will strive to improve our teaching methods and skills so that the students can learn well.

School is from 7.45am to 1.30pm & 9 am to 5:00pm for all teachers of Primary school & Secondary school respectively.

Arrive promptly at 7.45am (Primary school teachers) & 9am (Secondary school teachers). Meet together for prayer and any instructions for the day. Teachers are professionals, and punctuality is professional behaviour. Unpunctuality reveals bad attitudes and gives children a bad example.

All teachers stay till the end of school. Teachers who have classes that are finished earlier are expected to do their special assigned duties, help in other classes, and/or help with other work the Principal may give.

Compulsory attendance at the daily Teacher’s meeting, weekly staff meeting and weekly teacher training. Daily meeting is at 7:45am for Primary School or 9am for Secondary School. The weekly staff meeting is Mondays 12.50pm, and weekly teacher training is Mondays 9.15am to 10.15am for Secondary School and Wednesdays 1.00pm to 2.30pm for Primary School. Try to come quickly to the staff meeting and the training, the quicker we start the quicker we can finish!

All teachers must attend the Teacher Only days at the start of term, and any other training days.

Teachers need to be trainable, teachable and together. GEMS requires teachers to catch the vision and values of the school and pass those on. Teachers need to keep on learning. Ongoing training and learning is part of the DNA of the School. We all want to learn, we all want to be better, and we are all on the way together. GEMS needs to model and teach togetherness as a part of Godly lifestyle.

Teachers need to strive to improve in 3 main areas; English language competency, Godly lifestyle (moral values and healthy community living) and teaching skills. Improvements and failures in these areas will be reflected in promotion, responsibility and granting of increments.

Each teacher will fill in a planning book before the beginning of each week. Each teacher will use a planning book and have it ready at any time to be checked by the Head Teacher or Principal. The Head Teacher is available to help teachers with planning if needed.

Teachers normally need to plan lessons and teaching and do marking of students’ work (both class and homework) outside of school session hours.

All teachers will observe 3 lessons of other teachers during the year and evaluate them. All teachers (even senior teachers) will be observed at least 3 times during the school year, and meet with the Principal, Head Teacher or other designated senior teacher to discuss the observation. This is not an examination or test, but is for help and encouragement so that we can learn to be even better teachers.

Normal working days for Teachers and Teacher Assistants are from Sunday to Thursday each week. Weekly and daily school session time may change depending on circumstances.

All teachers need to help with the non-teaching duties they are assigned...

Non-teaching duties that are required

Supervision of assembly and lines leading into and out of assembly areas.

Preparation of classrooms before and after term

Cleaning and sweeping with classes as required. (Service...All teachers, staff and students are required to help clean and keep the school tidy. The school will occasionally do service projects. This is compulsory. We want GEMS School to learn to serve their school, community and country....see Rules and Information in GEMS Policy)

Preparation for, attendance in and help to facilitating school functions, concerts and sports days.

Attendance and help with concerts, sports days, functions of the school

Attendance at Parents’ meetings (occasional)

First Aid to children if needed

Exercise and games with children from time to time.

Keeping an accurate roll

Taking turns to lead assemblies

Filling in necessary forms and administration as required by the school authorities

Taking part in any school service projects, school outings or activities together.

Helping with School annual admission, textbook selling and stock takes.

Assigned special duties related to the school’s subject resources/equipment.

There will be certainly more responsibilities than what are listed above. However, since GEMS works as a team, it is expected that you will operate and work as a team member, attempting to accomplish any task or work that is placed before you by the principal, school management authorities or conveners of central/local education & school committees.

Special Attention:

GEMS Teachers / staff (and their family members) are not allowed to privately tutor any student of GEMS. If any teacher / staff or any of their family members is found tutoring any student of the school that teacher / staff will lose his / her job and the student will lose his / her seat. GEMS provides all that is needed for students within school time, so that they do not need extra tuition.