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Article XVI. GENERAL SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE

 

To maintain order, discipline, and the highest standards of conduct, STCFI enforces a system of sanctions and penalties for students who fail to comply with the school’s policies. This article outlines the general consequences for violations, ensuring that penalties are applied fairly, consistently, and with the goal of fostering student accountability and growth.

 

Section 1: General Guidelines on Sanctions

• Proportionality: Penalties will be proportionate to the severity of the violation, considering the nature of the offense, its impact on others, and the student’s disciplinary history.

• Progressive Discipline: Sanctions will escalate with repeat offenses. Minor violations may initially result in warnings or counseling, while repeated or severe violations will lead to harsher penalties.

• Educational Focus: Where possible, sanctions will include corrective measures aimed at helping students understand the impact of their actions and develop better decision-making skills.

• Parental Involvement: For more serious violations, parents or guardians will be involved in disciplinary actions, with mandatory meetings or written notices for severe cases.

 

Section 2: Types of Violations and Corresponding Penalties

 

1. Minor Violations

Minor violations are infractions that do not seriously disrupt the school environment but still go against established policies and standards of behavior. Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Failure to follow dress code and grooming standards

• Minor disruptive behavior in class or school activities

• Unauthorized use of school facilities (without causing damage)

• Tardiness or unexcused absences

Sanctions for Minor Violations:

• First Offense: Verbal warning and a counseling session

• Second Offense: Written warning with notification to parents/guardians

• Third Offense: Detention, temporary exclusion from non-academic school activities (e.g., sports, clubs)

 

2. Moderate Violations

Moderate violations involve behaviors that negatively impact the school community, disrupt the educational environment, or violate the rights of others. Examples include:

• Disrespect towards faculty, staff, or fellow students

• Moderate damage to school property (vandalism)

• Misuse of social media in ways that harm the school or individuals

• Unauthorized absence from school or major events

• Unauthorized use of the school’s name, logo, or official branding in any context without prior approval

• Social media misrepresentation, including creating fake accounts or impersonating school personnel or students

Sanctions for Moderate Violations:

• First Offense: Written warning, notification to parents, and community service or restitution (e.g., repairing damage)

• Second Offense: Suspension of up to three days, mandatory counseling, and a behavior improvement plan

• Third Offense: Suspension for up to five days, loss of privileges (e.g., participation in school events)

 

3. Major Violations

Major violations are serious infractions that endanger the safety, security, or well-being of others, or significantly disrupt the educational environment. Examples include:

• Bullying, harassment, or discriminatory behavior (verbal, physical, or online)

• Cheating, forgery, plagiarism, or other forms of academic dishonesty

• Engaging in fights or causing physical harm to others

• Possession of prohibited items (e.g., weapons, illegal substances)

• Severe vandalism or destruction of school property

• Repeated defiance of school rules or authority

Sanctions for Major Violations:

• First Offense: Suspension for up to one week, mandatory meeting with parents/guardians, and required participation in a rehabilitative or counseling program

• Second Offense: Suspension for two weeks, loss of privileges for the remainder of the school year (e.g., participation in extracurricular activities)

• Third Offense: Expulsion, depending on the severity and impact of the violation

 

4. Critical Violations

Critical violations are the most severe infractions and may include criminal behavior, actions that seriously endanger others, or continuous disregard for school policies after multiple disciplinary actions. Examples include:

• Engaging in illegal activities (e.g., drug use, theft, assault)

• Endangering the safety of others (e.g., tampering with fire alarms or security equipment)

• Repeated major violations despite prior disciplinary measures

Sanctions for Critical Violations:

• Immediate expulsion

• Referral to law enforcement or legal authorities (where applicable)

• Permanent ban from attending any school events or re-enrollment at STCFI

 

Section 3: Appeal Process

Students or parents/guardians who believe a sanction has been unfairly applied may appeal the decision through the following process:

• Submit a written appeal to the school’s disciplinary committee within five days of receiving the penalty.

• The committee will review the appeal, taking into account the circumstances of the violation and any evidence presented.

• A decision on the appeal will be provided within 10 working days, and the committee’s decision will be final.

 

Section 4: Restorative Measures and Rehabilitation

Where appropriate, STCFI encourages restorative justice and rehabilitative measures as part of its sanctions. This includes:

• Counseling sessions aimed at addressing the root causes of behavior

• Restorative conversations between offenders and those affected by their actions

• Involvement in community service projects to rebuild trust and accountability within the school community

 

Section 5: Enforcement and Monitoring

• The implementation of sanctions and penalties will be carried out by the school administration, with oversight by the disciplinary committee.

• Regular monitoring of student behavior will ensure that violations are addressed promptly and that sanctions are applied consistently across the school.

• Students with a history of repeated violations will be closely monitored to prevent further infractions and offer support for positive behavior change.

 

By adhering to these sanctions and penalties, STCFI ensures that all students are held accountable for their actions, fostering a respectful and safe learning environment for everyone.

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