School Rules and Regulations

Rules and Regulations

The following rules and regulations have been crafted to help students develop self-discipline and imbibe a sense of accountability to self and others in the school and community.

A. Attendance

Flag-raising and Pledge-taking Ceremony

1.    Students should be ready at the assembly point for the flag-raising ceremony which commences at 7.30 a.m. sharp. Attendance will be taken at the assembly point.

2.    Students who are Singapore Citizens must sing the National Anthem and take the Pledge. Students will take the Pledge with the right fist over the heart.

3.    Students in the vicinity of the ceremony are to stand at attention and face the National flag.

Punctuality for school

1.    A student is considered late when he/she is not at the assembly point on time to attend the flag-raising and pledge-taking ceremony.

2.    Latecomers will be required to take their attendance at the Security Guard House.

3.    Latecomers must be attired in school uniform when entering the school. The top must be neatly tucked in.

4.    No extra time will be given for students who turn up late for tests or examinations.

5.    Punctuality for school is a component in the assessment of a student’s conduct grade (refer to Conduct Grading section).

Absence from school

1.    Students who are absent from school due to illness must submit a medical certificate (MC) issued by a registered medical practitioner through the Parents Gateway (PG) app. Alternatively, the original hardcopy MC may be submitted to the student’s Form Teacher on the day the student returns to school.

2.    Medical certificates from non-MOH registered clinics (Chinese medical halls/ homeopathy clinics etc.) will not be accepted.

3.    For non-medical reasons (such as a bereavement in the family), the parent/guardian can submit the reason with accompanying document(s) via PG. Alternatively, a hardcopy letter with accompany document(s) should be neatly written or typed and enclosed in an envelope for submission to the student’s Form Teacher on the day the student returns to school. Students should not submit more than five letters/emails from parent/guardian per semester for their absence.

4.    If MCs or letters are submitted in hardcopy, parents/guardians must inform the school of the student’s absence by email or telephone by 7.30 a.m. on the day of absence.

5.    The following reasons for absences are strongly discouraged:

a.         Going on overseas trips or holidays during curriculum time

b.         Engaging in unofficial activities during school hours

c.         Allowing a child to be absent from school to study at home

Students who need to be absent from school for any of the above reasons must seek the school’s permission at least two weeks in advance. Even if permission is granted, the absence will be recorded as an absence without a valid reason.

6.    Absence without a valid MC or a parent’s/guardian’s letter will be regarded as a truancy case.

7.    School attendance is a component in the assessment of a student’s conduct grade (refer to Conduct Grading section).

8.    Students must produce a valid MC to be eligible to sit for a make-up weighted assessment (WA) or to be considered for special considerations. Letters from parents/guardians will be considered on a case-by-case basis when determining whether an absent student may take the make-up assessment.

9.    There will be no make-up paper for students who miss the Preliminary Examination, or the Summative Review. Students who are absent without a valid MC will be awarded zero mark.

B. Movement

Leaving class during lessons

1.    If the need arises, a student can leave the class after obtaining the teacher’s permission.

2.    A student who does not need to attend any lesson during curriculum time should engage in self-study during his/her free periods at study areas such as the School Library.  

Movement between lessons

Students should line up in two rows and walk in a brisk and orderly manner to the venue for the next lesson. Students must bring all necessary resources for their lessons and should not return to their classrooms to retrieve any materials. Students are not allowed to detour to other areas of the school without first obtaining permission from the teacher of the next lesson.

Leaving school premises during school hours

1.    A student must inform his/her Form Teacher if he/she needs to leave the school premises during school hours.

2.    A parent/guardian should accompany a student home after registering with the General Office.

C. Attire & Grooming

Uniform

1.       Students are to wear the prescribed school uniform and modifications to the uniform are not allowed.

2.       Students are to wear the school uniform with the school tie every Monday. The tie must be neatly knotted at the first button of the shirt or blouse.

3.       Boys are to wear a short-sleeved plain white shirt and girls a short-sleeved plain white blouse. The breast pocket on the left must be embroidered with the words “Hua Yi” in blue.

4.       Shirts and blouses must be properly buttoned at all times and neatly tucked in. Tops must remain tucked in throughout the school day and during all school activities.

5.       Lower Secondary boys are to wear plain white shorts, while Upper Secondary boys are to wear long white pants. Pants must cover the ankle and socks. Unauthorised tailoring of pants is not allowed.

6.       Girls are to wear the light blue school skirt. The hem of the skirt must be at or below the knee-cap.

7.       The school collar badge must be worn on the left collar.

8.       Student Leaders are to wear their name tags above the left breast pocket of their shirt or blouse at all times. They are not required to wear collar badges.

9.       Shoes must be white-based with white laces. Any brand, icon or stripes on the shoes should be limited to a maximum of one colour.

10.   School shoes must be worn with plain white socks that cover the ankles. Slippers and sandals are not allowed.

For boys:

1. Hair must be kept clean, neat and short at all times.

2. Hair at the front must be kept above both eyebrows at all times. When combed downwards, it should not cover the eyes.

3. Hair at the back must not touch the collar. There should be a distinct and gradual slope, without stepped cuts, undercuts, or extreme tapering.

4. Hair at the crown must not be too thick or bushy.

5. Hair at the sides must not touch the ears. Sideburns must be kept short.

6. Hairstyles must not incorporate inappropriate, outlandish or extreme styles.

7. Hair must be of its natural colour and must not be dyed, tinted or permed.

8. Beards or moustaches are not allowed. Students should be clean shaven.

For girls:

1. Girls with hair that is shoulder-length or longer must tie it up neatly. Only black, plain hair accessories may be used.

2. Hair at the front must be kept above both eyebrows at all times. When combed downwards, it should not cover the eyes.

3. Hair products may be used only to keep hair neat and in place.
   They must not be used to create fancy or stylised looks (e.g., spiky designs).

4. Hair must be of its natural colour and must not be dyed, tinted or permed.

5. Hairstyles must not incorporate inappropriate, outlandish or extreme styles.

Other Guidelines on Attire and Grooming

1.    Schools normally have a rule against the wearing of jewellery or ornaments. This is for the safety of students when they participate in physical activities, reduce risk of possible loss due to students’ negligence or minimising distractions among students. These ornaments include items that may pose a risk to self and others, e.g., chokers, and neck or wrist chains.

2.    Girls may wear one pair of ear studs or ear sticks on the ear lobes. These should be transparent, black, white, gold, or silver, and the diameter must not exceed 0.5 cm

3.    Boys are not allowed to wear ear studs or ear sticks.

4.    Tinted or coloured contact lenses are not allowed.

5.    Students must not have long or painted nails, and must not wear cosmetics or make-up.

6.    The school reserves the right to confiscate inappropriate accessories. Students may be asked to purchase a new set of uniform or shoes if their attire does not meet school standards.

7.    The school reserves the right to take disciplinary action against any student found with tattoos and/or body piercings. This may include suspension.

D. Classroom Expectations

1.       Classrooms are used for the purpose of learning only.

2.       Each class should take personal responsibility for the cleanliness and neatness of the classroom.

3.       Students are not allowed to consume food and drinks in the classrooms or at any location other than the canteen and other areas designated for food consumption.

4.       Students are expected to adhere to the START routine at the start of every lesson so that effective learning can take place in the classrooms.

5.       When a teacher is absent from a lesson, students are expected to learn independently without a relief teacher. They should follow the FLOW routine and complete the learning tasks assigned by their teacher.

6.       Students should also observe discipline and orderliness during and between lessons.

E. Use of Digital Devices

1.       The school is a mobile phone-free learning environment.

2.       Students must deposit their mobile devices in their assigned lockers upon arrival in school.

3.       Students must not retrieve or use their mobile devices during breaks, between lessons, or during school activities, lessons, and CCAs, unless permission is granted.

4.       Students must abide by the school’s Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) when using their personal learning devices.

5.       Charging of mobile devices or personal learning devices using school facilities is not allowed.

6.       No recording of any form (audio, video or otherwise) is permitted. Recording is allowed only with explicit consent from the school administration and the individuals involved.

7.       Students who use their mobile devices or personal learning devices inappropriately, or whose devices ring, beep, or cause disruption during curriculum time or CCA, will face disciplinary consequences as outlined below.

8.       Confiscated mobile devices and personal learning devices will be kept in a secure location in the General Office.

F. Possession of Weapons

All students are not allowed to have in their possession any weapon. They are also not allowed to bring any weapon-like item which is used or intended to be used to cause harm to others.

G. Physical Education Lessons

1.       The attire for Physical Education lessons is the school PE T-shirt and black shorts with the letters “HYSS” embroidered in red. The PE T-shirt must be neatly tucked in at all times.

2.       CCA attire (e.g., jerseys and team shorts) must not be worn during PE lessons. Recalcitrant students who fail to wear the stipulated PE attire will be dealt with according to school rules.

3.       Students are to change into their PE attire only during their PE period.
Students who have PE lessons before their break must change back into their school uniform by the end of the break.

4.       Students who are exempted from physical activities or are physically unfit to participate in PE lessons must present a valid medical certificate (MC) to the PE teachers. PE teachers may assign light duties such as timekeeper, recorder, or equipment assistant, and students may also be advised to bring reading materials.

5.       Students who are unwell without an MC must still change into their PE attire and report for the lesson. They may be exempted from physical activity at the teacher’s discretion.

6.       All students are encouraged to deposit their valuables with their PE teachers at the start of the lesson. Valuables will be returned at the end of the lesson.

7.       Students will be given at least one water break during each PE lesson. Water breaks will be provided after 20–25 minutes, depending on the intensity of the activities.

Anti-Bullying Policy

Our Commitment

At Hua Yi Secondary School, we believe every child deserves to feel safe, valued, competent and empowered in their learning journey. We are committed to creating a caring and enabling school environment where all students can flourish and develop positive relationships with their peers.

Our approach focuses on teaching kindness, empathy, and respect whilst addressing any hurtful behaviour that may arise. We work together as a school community – staff, students, and parents – to ensure everyone feels they belong.

What are hurtful behaviours and bullying?

Hurtful behaviours are unkind and hurtful acts such as once-off insensitive comments, actions and physical fights, while bullying involves persistent and intentional hurtful acts.

Hurtful behaviours and bullying can take various forms, including verbal, social, physical and cyber:

·       Verbal: Name-calling, spreading rumours, or making threats

·       Social exclusion: Deliberately leaving someone out, or encouraging others to ignore someone

·       Physical actions: Pushing, hitting, or damaging someone's belongings

·       Cyber bullying: Using online technology like phones, computers, or social media to hurt or embarrass others on purpose and repeatedly

The School’s Firm Stance Against Hurtful Behaviours

The school takes a firm stance against all forms of hurtful behaviours, from once-off, insensitive comments to persistent intentional acts of bullying and physical violence. This stance guides our school in managing different forms of hurtful behaviours.

We recognise that children may have disagreements or say things they do not mean. We help students understand the difference between occasional conflicts (which are normal) and persistent bullying behaviour, addressing each situation with care and appropriate support.

How We Prevent Incidents

·       Take a firm stance against hurtful behaviours and bullying

·       Foster a caring and enabling school environment, with positive teacher-student relationships and strong peer support structure with trained student leaders

·       Conduct Character & Citizenship Education lessons on empathy, conflict management, resilience and cyber wellness

·       Have regular communications with staff and students

How to Report Concerns

We want parents and students to feel comfortable coming to us with any concerns. You can reach out to us in several ways:

·       Direct reporting to any staff member, e.g. Form Teachers, HOD/Student Management, Year Heads, School Leaders

·       Call us at 6563 4568 or email us at hyss@moe.edu.sg

How We Respond

·       Immediate physical and psychological safety measures for all students involved

·       Prompt investigation and timely updates, subject to case complexity

·       Consequences, including disciplinary actions, conduct grade adjustments, learning prosocial skills and reconciliation of relationships

·       Support plans for affected students, including victims and offender

·       Restorative support including school counselling, external referrals and community resources

·       Partnership with parents throughout the process, including informing parents at the earliest opportunity

How Parents Can Support

·       Talk regularly with your child about school experiences and friendships

·       Teach respectful behaviour and reinforce healthy digital habits at home

·       Monitor your child’s online and offline interactions and activities

·       Share concerns promptly with your child’s Form Teacher, Assistant Year Head or Year Head

·       Work collaboratively with school on agreed interventions

·       Model positive behaviour in your own interactions, such as being calm and respectful in communications

·       Use 'teachable moments' in your daily interactions with your child to explain why certain conduct is inappropriate

We review this policy regularly to make sure it continues to serve our school community well. Together, as a school community, we shape our students’ character, strengthen relationships, and build caring communities.

Guidelines on Searches of Students’ Belongings and Digital Devices

The school is committed to maintaining a safe and disciplined environment for all members of our school community.

As part of this commitment, the school may conduct searches of student belongings (e.g., bags, folders, files, uniform pockets, digital devices) where there is reasonable cause to believe an offence may have been committed or prohibited or dangerous items are present. Searches of student belongings may also be carried out on a random basis as a general safety measure, and to help maintain a safe and disciplined environment

The school will confiscate items which are prohibited, dangerous, and/or suspected of containing evidence of an offence/crime. If such items are found, parents/guardians will be informed, and the items may also be turned over to the relevant authorities.

Conduct Grading

At the end of each semester, students will be awarded a Conduct Grade, which reflects their conduct and behaviour.

The Conduct Grade is determined based on a student’s attendance for school and Co-Curricular Activities (CCA), as well as records under the Merit and Demerit System (MDS), together with the following grade descriptors.

Students who receive a Conduct Grade of ‘Fair’ or ‘Poor’ at the end of the year will have their eligibility for MOE Edusave awards affected. Students with a ‘Fair’ or ‘Poor’ Conduct Grade may also be disallowed from representing the school in competitions (e.g. National School Games, Singapore Youth Festival), external events, or internationalisation trips.

School and CCA Attendance

Regular attendance and punctuality for both school and Co-Curricular Activities (CCA) are essential to a student’s learning and character development.

For conduct grading, school attendance includes the percentage of days the student attends school punctually, as well as absences supported by a valid medical certificate (MC).

Similarly, CCA attendance includes the percentage of sessions the student attends punctually, and absences supported by a valid MC.

Late-coming or absence from school or CCA without a valid medical certificate will adversely affect the student’s Conduct Grade.

Merit and Demerit System

Every student begins each year with a “Very Good” conduct grade. Merit points will raise the benchmark and demerit points will reduce it. Every teacher can award merit and demerit points to deserving students.

Merit points

Students can be awarded merit points for good behaviour or socially-responsible acts such as those specified below:

Demerit points

All students are empowered to make responsible choices aligned to the school values. At the same time, students can expect to face disciplinary consequences if they choose to behave irresponsibly or violate school rules.

Students will receive demerit points and disciplinary consequences for offences committed in accordance with the Table of Offences:

Consequences

* Relevant authorities may be notified for serious and very serious offences.