1. THE ST ANDREW’S CHARTER
1.1 Vision and Mission of St Andrew’s School
St Andrew’s School is a religious school, founded on an Anglican ethos. We are inspired by our faith in
God, and are a people of hope, imagination and commitment. St Andrew’s School is a place of learning
where acceptance and belonging prevails. We value the unique richness of every individual member of
the school community.
In a dynamic and stimulating environment, we provide an education of body, mind and spirit. We
educate for life. We help young people to become happy, confident and competent people of hope and
personal integrity, with a deep sense of justice and compassion, and with this a sense of social
responsibility to transform the world around them.
We are united around a set of values that shape our vision and practice of education.
1.2 Key Values of St Andrew’s School
1.2.1 The ethos of the school
The ethos of the school is underpinned by values. We are a Christian school which
recognises the multi-faith aspect of our school community, and so all learners are encouraged
to appreciate and develop their own faiths and to respect the faiths of others more deeply. We
embrace the full Constitution of South Africa. We foster caring and other sound healthy family
values.
1.2.2 Society and nation building
Pupils participate in community service that encourages them to show compassion for those in
need, commitment to the wider environment, to be responsible self-disciplined citizens and
effective decision makers.
1.2.3 A multicultural, non-racial and non-sexist learning environment
1.2.4 A learning environment in which all members of our diverse community are
encouraged to understand, accept and respect each other to foster hope for the
future.
1.2.5 The school community
The school community is one in which there is a commitment to a shared vision, effective
communication, respect, courtesy and caring in order to form a basis for the partnership
between parents, pupils, teachers, management and support staff.
1.2.6 Holistic education
Holistic education is one that develops the spiritual, social, emotional, intellectual and physical
potential of the pupil by developing life skills and fostering growth of the individual and the
community through the academic, extramural and other elements of the school curriculum.
1.2.7 Personal success and educational excellence
The notion of personal success and educational excellence refers to the potential of each child
being reached academically, extramurally and spiritually. It refers to the dedication of our
teachers and parents to providing educational resources and support so that our pupils
develop a love for learning. Our notion of educational excellence includes the encouragement
of both critical and divergent thinking. Our notion of personal success also includes the
school’s dedication to develop the personal and professional capacity of its teachers and
support staff.
1.2.8 Pupil-centred education
Pupil-centred education focuses on the individual's needs and abilities, and allows diversity to
be recognised within a spirit of discipline and acceptance, without compromising the integrity of
the School.
1.3 Commitment of Members of St Andrew’s School
To give effect to these values and objectives all staff, pupils and parents make a commitment to abide
by and support the policies as adopted and as amended by the Board of Governors.
The St Andrews’s Charter does not replace but informs the Code of Conduct and rules and policies of
St Andrew’s School. All members of the St Andrew’s School community are entitled to due process as
outlined in the Code of Conduct and school rules and policies. This commitment in no way negates the
individual's rights as enshrined in the constitution of our country.
1.3.1 Management and staff of the School shall be committed to:
1.3.1.1 Instilling into each individual pupil a sound spiritual and moral attitude, based on
the values of love, justice, compassion, respect, care, acceptance and tolerance.
1.3.1.2 Developing in each individual pupil a strong sense of self and the value of
individuality.
1.3.1.3 Developing a curriculum of excellence.
1.3.1.4 Setting the highest standards of work and behaviour for all pupils.
1.3.1.5 Protecting the dignity of all who are a part of our school community.
1.3.1.6 Creating a loving and caring environment for the pupils.
1.3.1.7 Fostering strong communication with parents as the basis for close cooperation.
1.3.1.8 Conducting ourselves in accordance with the Code of Professional Conduct of
the South African Council for Educators.
1.3.1.9 Being heard by parents and pupils.
1.3.1.10 Listening to parents and pupils and understanding any concerns raised.
1.3.1.11 Providing the appropriate time and place for full and confidential discussion.
1.3.1.12 Establishing reasonable expectations for solving any issues or problems.
1.3.1.13 Establishing a written action plan for any proposed or agreed solution.
1.3.1.14 Reporting and reviewing the action plan.
1.3.1.15 Providing an opportunity to a parent or pupil to work towards a solution.
1.3.1.15 Recognising that:
1.3.1.15.1 Parents have a depth of experience with the pupil.
1.3.1.15.2 Parental and teacher perspectives may justifiably differ.
1.3.1.15.3 Parents have multiple time commitments.
1.3.2 Parents/Guardians shall be committed to:
1.3.2.1 Helping and encouraging children to develop strong spiritual and moral values.
1.3.2.2 Taking an active and supportive interest in the School's aspirations.
1.3.2.3 Taking an active interest in children's work and progress and in this regard
attending parents' meetings.
1.3.2.4 Supporting the values, authority and discipline of the school.
1.3.2.5 Ensuring children abide by the school rules.
1.3.2.6 Reading and committing themselves to the relevant policy documents that
pertain to them at this school.
1.3.2.7 Being heard by teachers.
1.3.2.8 Listening to teachers.
1.3.2.9 Holding discussions with pupils at a time and place that permits full and
confidential exploration of issues:
1.3.2.9.1 Concerns will be directed at the teacher only.
1.3.2.9.2 The issue / problem will be articulated clearly and fully.
1.3.2.9.3 Teachers will be afforded the opportunity to work
towards a solution, which will require sufficient time.
1.3.2.10 Recognising that:
1.3.2.10.1 Teachers are trained professionals.
1.3.2.10.2 Teachers' perspectives may differ from parents'.
1.3.2.10.3 Teachers have multiple time commitments.
1.3.3 Pupils shall be committed to:
Supporting and abiding by the Code of Conduct of St Andrew’s School:
1.3.4 CODE OF CONDUCT OF ST ANDREW’S SCHOOL
1.3.4.1 Accepting accountability for all our actions
(which would include accepting legitimate disciplinary actions taken against us as
being necessary)
1.3.4.2 Behaving decently in a manner that will not bring ourselves or our school
into disrespect
(which would include behaving responsibly and not endangering the safety,
welfare and rights of others; as well as complying with instructions from School officials
and with the general rules of the School
1.3.4.3 Treating others as we ourselves would like to be treated
(which would include maintaining sound relations with others at school, being
courteous and respecting the dignity and self-worth of others)
1.3.4.4 Having respect for property no matter to whom it belongs
(which would include respecting and caring for the property of the school and
others)
1.3.4.5 Completing and executing learning activities and assignments to the best
of our ability and co-operating with our teachers
(which would include demonstrating a positive attitude towards the opportunity to
learn and being diligent in our efforts to learn; as well as being punctual and
observing the timekeeping practices of the school)
1.3.4.6 Applauding and sharing in the achievements of other pupils/colleagues
1.3.4.7 Rendering commitment and loyalty to the school and its ethos
1.3.4.8 Striving for excellence in all that we do
1.3.4.9 Being honest in all our dealings
1.3.4.10 Valuing the community in which we work and live
1.4 The absence of a specific guideline in this St Andrew’s Charter does not relieve an individual of his or
her responsibility to behave in what would be considered a fair and reasonable manner in all situations
related to the school.
2. VISITOR
The Bishop of the Diocese of Bloemfontein for the time being shall be the Visitor of the School.
The traditional role of the Visitor is to inspect the School and to report to the Diocesan Standing
Committee from time to time. The Visitor may, if he so wishes, attend Board meetings ex
officio with the right to vote.
3. BOARD OF GOVERNORS
3.1 The Board of Governors shall consist of:
3.1.1 The Rector of St Matthias, Welkom, ex officio.
3.1.2 The Head Teacher, the Deputy Head Teacher, the School Business Manager and
the current Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson of the PTA, all ex officio.
3.1.3 One representative of the whole school staff (i.e. academic, administrative, support
and Village), elected by the St Andrew’s School Welkom Staff Forum.
3.1.4 One priest and two communicant members of the Anglican Church of South Africa,
appointed by the Diocesan Standing Committee every three years.
3.1.5 Three additional members, all of whom shall be parents or guardians themselves,
elected by the parents or guardians every three years.
3.1.6 Three additional members appointed by the Board of Governors.
3.1.7 Two pupil representatives, namely the President and Vice-President of the School
Council, elected by the pupils and academic staff of the school.
3.1.8 Extra members (without voting rights) may be co-opted for the duration of a
particular project or exercise for a period to be determined by the Board of Governors.
3.2 The term of office of Board members shall be three years. After a term, a member may
be elected / appointed for a further term of three years.
3.3 Only the elected, appointed and ex officio members shall have the right to vote.
3.4 Should a vacancy occur among the Members of the Board of Governors, the body or person
which made the original appointment shall be informed of the vacancy and shall, within
the time of one school term, cause the vacancy to be filled for the unexpired period whether by
appointment or election.
3.5 At its first ordinary meeting in each year and thereafter as often as may be necessary the
Board of Governors shall elect one of its members as Chairperson and one as Vice
Chairperson.
3.6 The Vice Chairperson shall carry out the powers and duties of the Chairperson when the
Chairperson is absent and, when the Vice Chairperson is also absent such powers and duties
shall be carried out by any other Member who has been designated acting Chairperson.
4. FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
4.1 The Board shall be the preserver and guardian of ethos of the school (its history; what it
presently is, in all respects, and what it stands for; what it wishes to be in the future). This is its
core and over-riding function and duty.
4.2 As such, the primary function and responsibility of the Board shall be
4.2.1 the good governance and ordering of the school,
4.2.2 and the maintenance and further development of its facilities,
so as to provide
4.2.3 an environment conducive to the delivery of quality education,
4.2.4 and the continuation of the school ethos through all of these, as well as through the
appointment and actions of the Headteacher and all staff.
4.3 In pursuance of this, the Board shall have the following functions and duties:
4.3.1 At the first Board meeting of the year, to elect the Chairperson and Vice-
Chairperson, and arrange for the election and/or appointment of the members of the
Board when necessary.
4.3.2 To appoint the Head Teacher and the School Business Manager (Bursar), subject
to ratification by the Diocesan Trust Board, as well as ratify any appointments
made by the Head Teacher.
4.3.3 To preserve and develop the mission statement of the School;
4.3.4 To evaluate and support the Head Teacher in his/her management of the school;
4.3.5 To approve the Head Teacher’s proposals for the curriculum;
4.3.6 To preserve and develop institutional policy in order to guide the Head Teacher in
running the school;
4.3.7 In conjunction with the Head Teacher, to develop and manage a strategic plan for
the school;
4.3.8 To promote the best interests of the School and strive to ensure its development
through the provision of equality for all learners at the School;
4.3.9 To approve any extraordinary disciplinary measures;
4.3.10 To preserve and develop a code of conduct for learners, teachers and parents at
the School;
4.3.11 To support the Head Teacher, Teachers and other staff of the school in the
performance of their professional functions, maintain contact with the School, and
where necessary form and co-ordinate the activities of one or more administrative
committees (for example administrative committees on buildings, transport and
finance);
4.3.12 To hold meetings with parents, learners, teachers and other staff at the School
when necessary;
4.3.13 To render a report on its functions and duty and activities to the parent body of the
School annually;
4.3.14 To set up a standing Finance Sub-Committee.
4.3.14.1 Members shall be
School Business Manager (Chair),
School Head Teacher,
School Deputy Head Teacher,
Two additional members appointed by the Board,
who are appointed because of their particular
financial expertise and experience and who may
or may not be current members of the Board.
4.3.14.2 Any other member of the Board may attend a Finance
Sub-Committee Meeting with the right to speak but not to
vote.
4.3.14.3 This Finance Sub-Committee shall meet at least once per
school term, report to every Board meeting, and report-
back to the parent body annually on the financial status of
the school.
4.3.15 To approve the recommendations of the Finance Sub-Committee, as
reported, by majority decision, at least quarterly to the Board of
Governors, regarding the following:
4.3.15.1 The financial policy of the School;
4.3.15.2 Compiling and reviewing the annual budget;
4.3.15.3 Annual recommendations regarding School Fees;
4.3.15.4 Setting the remuneration to be paid to teachers and other
staff employed by the Board of Governors as well as their
terms and conditions of employment subject to the
Educators Employment Act, 1994, and the Labour
Relations Act, 1995;
4.3.15.5 Enforcing the payment by parents of school fees;
4.3.15.6 Taking responsibility for the capital improvement policy;
4.3.15.7 Loaning money on behalf of the School on such terms
and conditions as it may deem fit;
4.3.15.8 Administering the finances of any bursary funds;
4.3.15.9 Making and withdrawing investments in the name of the
School or the School fund;
4.3.15.10 Utilising the School’s funds for the purpose of realizing its
objectives;
4.3.15.11 Opening and maintaining a banking account;
4.3.15.12 Approving the keeping of records of funds received and
spent by the School and of its assets, liabilities and
financial transactions and, as soon as practicable, but not
less than three months after the end of the financial year,
drawing up annual financial statements;
4.3.15.13 Ensuring that all audit findings and recommendations are
implemented;
4.3.15.14 With the Trustees, where appropriate, making all
professional appointments of accountants,
auditors, lawyers, medical practitioners et alia whenever
necessary and engaging them whenever their services are
required in the School and its affairs;
4.3.15.15 Administering and controlling the School’s property,
buildings and grounds occupied by the School, including
the hostels;
4.3.15.16 Obtaining and alienating movable and immovable
property in conjunction with the Trustees and subject to
their approval.
4.4 A quorum for the meetings of the Board of Governors shall be at least two thirds of the
members.
4.5 Any Governor failing to attend two consecutive meetings of the Board without leave of absence
and unable satisfactorily to account therefore shall cease to be a Governor forthwith.
4.6 The Board shall appoint a secretary or secretaries upon such terms and conditions, as it may
deem fit, but such person or persons shall not be members of the Board and will have no vote.
4.7 The Board shall meet at least once per school term.
5 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS (EXCOM)
5.1 The function of the Executive Committee (Excom) is to deal with issues requiring immediate
Board input, input which cannot wait for the next Board meeting. It therefore meets only when
needed and usually very briefly.
5.2 As the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors, its members are all current Board
members:
Board Chair (with a casting vote), who will chair the Executive Committee,
Board Deputy Chair, who will be the Deputy Chair of the Executive Committee,
School Head Teacher,
School Deputy Head Teacher
The Rector of St Matthias,
Another Board member appointed annually by the Board.
5.3 The six members of the Executive Committee should consist of at least two “school”
representatives, at least one “parent” representative, and at least one “diocesan”
representative.
5.4 Any other member of the Board may attend an Executive Committee meeting with the right to
speak but not to vote.
5.5 A quorum is five, of the six, members.
5.6 At the first Board meeting of the year, the Board will appoint the sixth member of the Executive
Committee.
6. THE HEAD TEACHER
6.1 The Board of Governors, subject to the approval of the Diocesan Trust Board, shall appoint the
Head Teacher. He or she shall be a communicant in good standing, preferably of the Anglican
Church of Southern Africa, or of some other Christian denomination approved by the Diocesan
Bishop.
6.2 The Head Teacher, in accepting his or her appointment, acknowledges his or her commitment
to continue the ethos of the school through all his or her actions. Moreover, he or she thereby
acknowledges his or her acceptance that any changes to the ethos must be brought before and
finally ratified by the Board who are its custodians.
6.3 The Head Teacher is ultimately responsible for the day-to-day running of the School and for the
entire curricular and extra-curricular programme (academic, spiritual, physical, cultural and
social); curriculum development; disciplinary policy and implementation of this; appointment,
evaluation and termination of services of staff; maintenance and the provision of necessary
resources; and the development and management of a strategic plan for the school, which
would include developing and managing a marketing strategy for the School. He or she is also
responsible for the School day and calendar, and for the appointment and leadership of the
School Management Team.
6.4 The Head Teacher shall present to the Board, at least quarterly, a written, appropriately
detailed report on his or her current performance regarding the responsibilities outlined
particularly in 6.2 and 6.3 above.
6.5 Although decisions relating to the curriculum are not the function of the Board, the Board may,
however, discuss the curriculum with the Head Teacher and make recommendations
concerning various aspects of it.
6.6 The Head Teacher shall not engage in any other work or accept any other paid office or
employment without the written permission of the Board.
6.7 The Board may terminate the services of the Head Teacher, in terms of the provisions of any
relevant Act currently in force, in pursuance of a resolution being passed at a special meeting
duly convened for the express purpose of considering the matter, such resolution being
affirmed by a two-thirds majority of the members of the entire Board with the Chairperson
having a casting vote. (The recommendation for termination must come from the Executive
Committee.)
7. SCHOOL MANAGEMENT TEAM
7.1 The School Management Team is led, chaired and appointed by the Head Teacher (in the
capacity as CEO) and consists of the school’s senior management, including the Deputy Head,
the Business Manager (Bursar), the Directors of Academics and Sport, the PRO, and the
Boarding House Guardian. Other representatives of school management may from time to
time be appointed to the School Management Team, either in a temporary or permanent
capacity.
7.2 The School Management Team is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the school
including the entire curricular and extra-curricular programme (academic, spiritual, physical,
cultural and social); curriculum development; disciplinary policy and implementation of this;
evaluation of staff; maintenance and the provision of necessary equipment; and the
development and management of a strategic plan for the school, which would include
developing and managing a marketing strategy for the School. It is also responsible for the
School day and calendar, and for the continuation of the school ethos through all its actions.
7.3 Membership of the School Management Team may, at the discretion of the Head Teacher and
in consultation with the Executive Committee of the Board of Governors, be terminated with
immediate effect.
8. THE CHAPLAIN
The Diocesan Bishop shall appoint a chaplain who will usually be the Rector of St Matthias.
9. THE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER
9.1. A Public Relations Officer may be appointed by the Board of Governors. Subject to the
authority of the Head Teacher, he or she will be responsible for raising funds for School
projects from donors approved by the Board. The PRO will be responsible also for all
communications with the media and with School publications. He or she will communicate with
the parent body unless the subject matter refers to fees or major announcements on the policy
of the Board, which will be undertaken by the Chairperson in consultation with the Head
Teacher.
(It seems that this position is separate and different from the “school” marketer/PRO – the part-
time position presently carried out by Tish Goodwin – and I wonder whether such a Board
PRO is really necessary? CJ)
10. MEETINGS OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
10.1 The Board of Governors shall hold ordinary meetings as often as the Chairperson may decide
but not less than four times each year; the meetings shall take place at the School or wherever
the Chairperson shall designate. Each member shall receive not less than three weeks’ written
notice of an ordinary Meeting and twenty four hours’ notice of an extraordinary meeting.
10.2 An extraordinary meeting of the Board may be called by the Secretary at any time on
instructions from the Chairperson, or his or her nominee or at the written request of any three
members of the Board. At least twenty-four hours’ written notice of an extraordinary meeting
shall be given and such notice shall specify the business of the meeting.
10.3 The inadvertent failure to give such notice to any member shall not invalidate the proceedings.
10.4 Proper minutes of all meetings of whatever nature shall be kept and sent to each Board
member.
11. LIABILITY OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
A member of the Board of Governors is not liable for any debt, damage or loss incurred by the
School unless he/she acted without authorization, or with malicious intent and can therefore be
held responsible for such debt, damage or loss.
12. LEGAL PERSONALITY
The Board of Governors is a body corporate which is represented by the Chairperson ex officio
or, when necessary, by another member of the Board of Governors nominated by the Board of
Governors.
13. DISQUALIFICATION AS A MEMBER OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS
A member of the Board shall be disqualified whenever he or she:
13.1 has, in terms of the South African Schools Act, become disqualified to serve as a member, or is
for any other reason not entitled to serve as such;
13.2 has, without the permission of the Board been absent from two consecutive meetings of the
Board; or
13.3 has, in connection with his/her services as a member received any compensation whatsoever
(excluding bona fide traveling expenses as approved by the Chairperson and Head Teacher of
the Board)..
14. DELEGATION
The Board may delegate to any one of its members, or any committee established by it, such
authority, powers and duties as it may deem fit.
15. TRUSTEES
15.1 There shall be five Trustees, appointed by the Board of Governors, whose Chairperson shall be
ex officio the Registrar of the Diocese of Bloemfontein, and no business conducted by them
shall be valid without the presence of the Chairperson or his or her nominee and at least two
others.
15.2 All the School’s assets, movable and immovable, shall be vested with the Trustees of the
School for the time being, to be held by them in trust for the School and to be dealt with in such
manner as the Board may authorize or direct.
15.3 The Trustees, when so authorized or directed shall represent the School in:
15.3.1 The giving or taking of immovable property;
15.3.2 The letting or hiring of immovable property;
15.3.3 The mortgaging of immovable property;
15.3.4 Instituting or defending any legal actions by or against the School.
15.4 All documents required to be signed by the Trustees shall be deemed to be valid if signed by
the Diocesan Registrar as Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and by one other Trustee.
16. CLOSING DOWN OF THE SCHOOL
In the event that the Board of Governors for any reason ceases to exist as such, while there are
still assets of the School vested in the Trustees, for the time being all those assets, movable as
well as immovable, shall remain vested in the said Trustees until such time as they in their
discretion consider that there is no reasonable prospect of a Board of Governors again being
established, consider that there is no reasonable prospect of the School’s continuing or being
revived as an independent educational organization, functioning in terms of the Constitution as
amended from time to time. The said Trustees shall then, in those circumstances, be entitled
at their discretion to transfer all the said assets of the School as held by them to the Trustees of
the Diocese of Bloemfontein of the Anglican Church of Southern Africa, subject to their
obtaining consent of the Diocesan Standing Committee and the Diocesan Trusts Board of the
said Diocese of Bloemfontein to such transfer. The said Trustees of the Diocese shall then
continue to hold those assets in full ownership subject only to the provision of the Constitution
of the said Diocese and to such conditions as the Diocesan Standing Committee and/or the
Diocesan Trusts Board may decide, provided that as far as possible the said assets shall be
used only for educational purposes under the control of the said Diocese of Bloemfontein.
17. ALTERATIONS TO THE CONSTITUTION
The Board may, by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the Members present at any quorate
meeting of the Board, repeal, alter, amend or modify any provision of this Constitution or make
additional provisions thereto, providing that notice of not less than one calendar month, before
the date of the meeting, be sent to each member of the Board, stating the date of the meeting
and the provision or provisions to be addressed.