SCHOOL SAFETY

Table of Contents

1  SCHOOL SAFETY VISION STATEMENT

2  INTRODUCTION – SCHOOL PROFILE

3 CURRICULUM AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

4  PHYSCIAL ENVIRONMENT

4.1   THE SCHOOL’S LOCATION AND PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

4.2   DESCRIPTION OF SCHOOL GROUNDS

4.3   MAINTENANCE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS/CLASSROOMS

5  INTERNAL SECURITY PROCEDURES

1   SCHOOL SAFETY VISION STATEMENT

South Peninsula High School …

• will provide a safe, orderly, and secure environment conducive to learning.

• will create a school in which pupils will attend regularly and be safe from both physical and social-psychological harm.

• will work collaboratively with the district office and SGB to identify, establish and use strategies and programs to comply with school safety laws.

• will develop a plan to work cooperatively and collaboratively with parents, pupils, teachers, administrators, counselors and community agencies, including law enforcement, to provide a safe and orderly school and neighborhood.

• will develop an academic program that will focus on high expectations of pupil performance and behavior in all aspects of the school experience.

• will work collaboratively with other primary and high schools to assist in a smooth transition from one school level to another.

• will solicit the participation, views, and advice of teachers, parents, school administrators, and community members and use this information to promote the safety of our pupils, staff and community.

2   INTRODUCTION = SCHOOL PROFILE

South Peninsula High School was established in 1950 and is situated in the Metro South Education District.  South Peninsula High School has a role of approximately 1000 pupils and is served by a dedicated staff.  Both staff and parents comment on the positive changes that are ongoing in our school.

South Peninsula High School can be described as a reasonably safe school. This section of the Comprehensive School Safety Plan will describe programmes in place at our school as well as strategies and programmes of our school safety committee for continued improvement in providing a safe, orderly, school environment conducive to learning.

3  CURRICULUM AND EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES

The course of study includes the basic core curriculum, a wide range of electives and  physical education.

Pupils have the opportunity to participate in extra-curricular and/or after-school activities.  These include various sporting codes, as well as Clubs and Societies.

Furthermore, the staff provides opportunities and additional activities open to pupils in various other co-curricular activities, such as the Argus Quiz, the Expo for Young Scientists, and the Young Falcons Aviation Programme, among others.  

4   PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT

4.1   The School’s Location and Physical Environment

South Peninsula High School is located in the Steurhof area of Cape Town. It is bordered on the western side by Klaproos Road, on the southern side by Old Kendal Road, on the eastern side by Azalea Road and on the northern side by the AG de Villiers field (which is leased to the school), with Constantiaberg Hospital to its north. The immediate area around the school includes single family dwellings, semi-detached houses, apartments and the hospital. There are no obvious safety hazards in the immediate surroundings.

4.2    Description of School Ground

4.2.1 There are three distinct blocks, namely the main block, including the admin section and staffroom, the classrooms bordering the main quad and the classrooms bordering the garden/amphitheatre. There are thirty six permanent brick classrooms, which include two science labs, two computer rooms, a counselling centre, two dance studios, a drama room, an art room, a Consumer Studies room, an Engineering Graphics and Design room, two music rooms, a book room and a library. Other ancillary structures include a hall, the structure of which incorporates a sick bay, a second-hand clothing shop, a drumming room and a kitchen, a tuckshop, a security room and a workshop for the Maintenance Officer. There are ablution facilities in the main building, the hall and the security room.

4.2.2 The quad is asphalt and includes basketball and volleyball courts. The AG de Villiers Field, incorporating a rugby and soccer field, as well as a cricket pitch, is situated on the northern side of the school, with the FA Coker Field adjoined to its north-western corner. The MN Moerat Field (also leased to the school) is not on the school campus as such, being situated on the corners of Old Kendal and Boundary Roads. There are car parking areas on three sides of the hall, as well as in the area on the corner of Old Kendal and Klaproos Roads.

4.2.3 South Peninsula High School is completely enclosed by a palisade fence with gates which are kept locked during school hours. The main gate is monitored by a security guard.

4.2.4 During the school day, staff members provide school ground supervision.  Identified problem areas receive increased supervision to reduce discipline, crime, or other school safety concerns. Security cameras are trained on all areas of the school campus, as well as on the AG de Villiers Field.

4.2.5 It is the practice of South Peninsula High School to remove all graffiti from school property before pupils arrive to begin their school day.  Other acts of vandalism are promptly addressed.

4.3   MAINTENANCE OF SCHOOL BUILDINGS/CLASSROOMS

4.3.1 The school’s physical facility is well maintained and generally looks neat and clean.  The maintenance is overseen by the Physical Amenities Sub-committee of the Governing Body in terms of the school’s Buildings and Maintenance Policy. District personnel periodically examine the school’s physical facility and help         eliminate obstacles to school safety.  Additionally, health and fire department inspectors contribute to school safety in conjunction with the school’s Safety and Security Officer.

4.3.2 The classrooms are monitored for safety and appearance by the management team and individual classroom teachers.  The pupils and educators take pride in the appearance of the school. Daily cleaning is undertaken by the caretakers, who also maintain the gardens.

5   INTERNAL SECURITY PROCEDURES

5.1  South Peninsula High School has established procedures in the following areas, among others: WCED Procedural Manual for Managing School Safety; suspension and expulsion procedures, as set out in the school’s Policy In Respect Of School Discipline; an inventory and disposal system, as set out in the school’s Asset Management And Disposal Policy andTextbook/Ltsm Policy; and a Policy on Drugs, Search and Seizure.5.2  As part of the Diep River Safer Schools cluster,  South Peninsula High School is visited on a regular basis by officers from the Diep River SAPS, who also address       learners on topical issues from time to time.

5.3 South Peninsula High School maintains a copy of the WCED ABUSE NO MORE policy in the principal’s office and the policy is available on request. This policy contains dissemination plans, applicable definitions, reporting requirements, investigation procedures, enforcement regulations, and information related to      suspension and/or expulsion for sexual harassment of or by pupils. 

5.4 Included in this Safe School Policy is a contingency plan (Annexure A and Annexure B) established by the School Safety Committee indicating procedures to be followed in the event of a need for emergency evacuation of the building or for lockdown in the event of danger presented by external forces. This plan is reviewed on an annual      basis.

5.5 To ensure the safety of pupils and staff, all visitors to the school, except pupils of the school and staff members, shall complete a visitor’s register immediately upon entering any school building or grounds when school is in session. 5.6  Staff members sign a staff register when entering and leaving the school.

5.7  Discipline procedures focus on finding the cause of problems and working with all concerned to reach the proper, lawful solutions. The school’s discipline plan begins at the classroom level.  Teachers use a classroom management plan to communicate classroom rules, promote positive pupil conduct, and reduce unacceptable conduct. Appropriate consequences are administered based on the seriousness of the pupil’s misbehaviour.

5.8  Pupil conduct standards and consequences are specifically described in the Policy in Respect of School Discipline at South Peninsula High School. Pupils may be suspended, or recommended for expulsion for certain acts according to the procedure as outlined in the ‘Regulations Relating to Disciplining, Suspension and Expulsion of       Learners at Public Schools in the Western Cape’ as published in the Provincial Gazette Extraordinary 6939 of the Province of the Western Cape (December 2011). 5.9  All pupils are expected to behave in a manner that promotes safety and order.  Pupils     are encouraged to bring problems to the principal, deputy principal, counselors, teachers or other staff members.  The everyday goal is for the staff to be proactive rather than reactive in all situations of concern.5.10 Non-teaching staff contribute to a positive school climate, both in terms of promoting positive pupil behaviour, and enhancing the physical environment of the school.

5.11 Where necessary, for example when school events are held after school hours, law enforcement is contacted and consulted to help maintain and to promote a safe and orderly environment. 

5.12 In addition to the security cameras, the school also employs night security, and has an alarm system which is monitored by a security company which provides armed response.

5.13 South Peninsula High School is fortunate to have the local Neighbourhood Watch actively involved in monitoring the perimeter of the school during their patrols. This helps to increase school safety. In turn, the school makes its facilities available to the community when needed at no charge.

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ADDENDUM A

EVACUATION PROCEDURE IN THE EVENT OF A BOMB THREAT OR FIRE

THE EVACUATION DRILL

In the event of a fire or bomb threat

1. The siren will be sounded briefly FIVE times to indicate a fire or a bomb threat.
2. Staff’s first priority is to calm the learners. Learners will move orderly and swiftly out of the classroom as they move towards the exit as indicated on the Emergency Exit Plan. [Map to be provided.]
3. Staff and class reps will leave their respective classes last, ensuring that everybody has left the room. Learners will not run under any circumstances.
4. Staff/Teachers to ensure they have class lists/registers for roll call at the assembly points.
5. All learners move swiftly, keeping to the right, proceeding towards the assembly point as indicated on the Emergency Exit Plan. Roll call must be taken once all learners are assembled in their respective class lines at the assembly point.
6. Once the exercise is over, and the announcement is made to return to class, all learners will move back to their classrooms in an orderly fashion, keeping to the right.

NOTE: In the event of a real fire or bomb threat, no one leaves the Emergency Assembly Point until informed by a member of the Fire Fighting Services or SAPS. Instructions may also be taken from the School’s Management Team or the Health and Safety officers.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Procedures to be followed in the event of a:

FIRE

In the eventuality of a fire occurring within the confines of the work area, the following procedures are to be followed:

BY PERSON DISCOVERING THE FIRE

1. Raise the alarm. Shout “FIRE, FIRE, FIRE”. Ensure everyone can hear you.
2. Notify the Administration Office of the fire immediately.
3. Attempt to extinguish the fire with the available firefighting appliances in the area. If the fire is too large for you to contain, close any doors and windows leading to the affected area to slow the flow of fresh air to the fire scene and therefore prevent the spread of the fire to adjacent work areas. Do not try to be a hero!
4. If the fire is not put out, and a classroom is involved, follow the procedure for “PERSONNEL IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY” section below.

BY PERSONNEL IN THE IMMEDIATE VICINITY – EVACUATION PLAN

1. The siren will be sounded FIVE times to indicate a fire.
2. Close any open windows and doors. The last person out closes the door.
3. Switch off all electrical appliances in your work area.
4. Staff and learners will evacuate the building using the Evacuation Drill, which they’ve learnt.
5. If possible, please ensure all your important personal belongings are taken with you.

BY RECEPTION/ADMINISTRATION PERSONNEL

1. Contact the Health and Safety Officer(s) or Fire Marshal immediately on hearing of a fire and sound the Fire Alarm FIVE times.
2. If the fire is not contained, contact the Fire Department immediately. Provide your full name, contact telephone number, physical street address of the school and the nearest intersection, state clearly what is burning and the extent of the fire.
3. Notify neighbours of the fire.
4. Isolate the main distribution board.
5. Exit the building by the shortest route and report to the person in charge of your Designated Assembly Point (Grade heads).

BY ALL OTHER PERSONNEL (STAFF)

1. Assist whoever possible
2. Exit the building by the shortest route.
3. Report to your designated Emergency assembly point to ensure that you are accounted for.

PLEASE NOTE:

1. Any injured individuals must be attended to at the assembly points (First Aid).
2. Everyone is to remain at the emergency assembly points until the building has been declared safe by either the SAPS or Firefighting Services.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

Procedures to be followed in the event of a:

BOMB THREAT

In the eventuality of a bomb threat occurring within the confines of the work and play areas, the following procedures are to be followed:

BY THE PERSON RECEIVING THE BOMB THREAT OR DISCOVERING THE BOMB

1. Contact the office immediately
2. The office will immediately contact the principal, SAPS and the health and safety office or fire marshal.
3. Nobody may investigate a bomb or suspicious package.
4. The person who received the bomb threat or who detected the bomb, must stay as calm as possible and not cause any panic amongst the learners and staff.

EVACUATION PLAN

1. Open all windows and doors
2. Staff and learners evacuate building as per the Evacuation Drill, which they have learnt.
3. Ensure that all personal belongings are taken with you.
4. Staff and class reps leave the classroom last after ensuring that there are no one else.
5. DO NOT PANIC!
6. Report to the person in charge of your designated emergency assembly, with your class register/list, to do a roll call of all staff and learners to ensure that no one is missing.

LOCKDOWN

The siren will be sounded briefly THREE times to indicate a fire or a bomb threat.

All staff and learners are to remain in lockdown at the sound of three bursts.

1. All staff and learners not to leave their venues unless otherwise instructed by the emergency team.
   1. Lock your venue, be seated on the floor at the back of the room, away from the door.
   1. Wait for further instructions.

EVACUATION PROCEDURES

ALARM                                 Notification by:

 SCHOOL MANAGEMENT TEAM

                                                Mr. Baker, Mr. Saunders, Mr. Ederies

 HEALTH AND SAFETY OFFICER

NOTIFICATION                   Short siren bursts x 5 à EMERGENCY à EVACUATE

                                           Short siren burst x 3 à LOCKDOWN à DO NOT LEAVE

 SAFETY MARSHALS       BLOCK A:      Mr. Miller/Mrs. Marinus

                                        BLOCK B:      Mr. Leedenberg/Mr. P. Slater

                                        BLOCK C:     Mrs. Myburgh/Mr. Mac Girlley

                                        BLOCK D:     Mr. Frank/Mr. Makanje

                                        BLOCK E:      Mrs. Van Der Rheede/Mr. M. Slater

                                        BLOCK F:      Mr. Baker/Mr. G. Bezuidenhout

                                      Maintenance and housekeeping staff – Mr. Alfred Sitwayi

TEACHER/ROOM PROTOCOL

1. Report all VANDALISM/RISKS to safety officer.
2. Make sure your venue is not overcrowded and is well-ventilated.
3. All laboratories must be secured and LOCKED at all times.
4. Fire hazards to be removed immediately and if not possible, to report them to safety officer.
5. Teachers to ensure that, if there is a FIRE EXTINGUISHER in their venue, it is in working condition.
6. Have your room key with you at all times, and pass it on to the next teacher if it’s used by someone else besides you.
7. Please make sure you know the emergency/lockdown siren notifications.
8. Lockdown – lock the venue and remove the key from the door. Move everyone into the furthest corner away from the door and, if possible, out of line of sight.

WAIT FOR FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS

• Emergency – If you are the first to observe or be notified of an emergency, immediately contact Mr. N. Gamieldien. The other option is to get in contact with your Block Marshal or check the school’s WhatsApp group.
• REMAIN CALM, DO NOT PANIC – and report any potential situation to the School Safety Officer immediately.
• On evacuation, please confirm who the learner marshal (class rep) is and if present. If no learner marshal is present, then appoint a responsible, level-headed learner. Make sure learner leads the class group along the correct exit route and to the correct exit point.
• REPEAT the emergency protocol to learners, i.e. LEAVE ALL OPENED BOOKS AND STATIONERY ON THEIR DESK AND ONLY TAKE THEIR SCHOOLBAG WITH THEM. No time should be wasted on packing books and other equipment. Learners to walk in a single line, briskly and calmly, along the emergency route to the relevant exit point. Remind them that no running, pushing or tugging may occur.
• IF any learner panics, remove that learner from the class group and make sure he/she is escorted under your supervision from the building and safely to the gathering point on the field or as otherwise determined.
• Leave your class last and make sure the windows and doors are closed.

DO NOT LOCK YOUR ROOM.

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