Code of Conduct
National School Code of Conduct
General Conduct
Students are expected to maintain a high standard of conduct both in and out of school. An application for enrollment indicates that the student has chosen to abide by the practices and regulations outlined in official school publications or announced during the school year. Any student who fails to respect the standards upheld by the school or disobeys its rules will face disciplinary action.
Conduct Specifications
Caribbean Union College adheres to the regulations outlined in The National School Code of Conduct as prepared by the Ministry of Education. All students are expected to abide by these regulations. A copy of the National Code of Conduct is available at http://moe.gov.tt/News/Post/790/National-School-Code-Of-Conduct.
In addition, Caribbean Union College is a Seventh-day Adventist institution, which means the high moral values of the SDA Church serve as foundational principles in the school’s conduct guidelines. Students are expected to observe these guidelines at all times, and parents are encouraged to fully support the school as we work together to develop young men and women who are capable of being positive influences in society.
Attendance
The school day begins at 7:45 a.m. each day and ends at 2:45 p.m. from Monday to Thursday, and at 1:00 p.m. on Friday. Students are expected to be present for the entire duration of these hours. The class attendance register is marked each morning and afternoon. Students who are not present for roll call will be marked as late or absent.
| Time | Monday to Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|
| 7:45 am | Bell-Worship Begins | 1st Period Starts |
| 8:00 am | Roll is Marked / 1st Period Starts | 2nd Period Starts |
| 8:40 am | 2nd Period Starts | |
| 9:20 am | 3rd Period Starts | Chapel Session |
| 10:00 am | Break | Break |
| 10:20 am | 4th Period Starts | |
| 10:30 am | 3rd Period Begins | |
| 11:00 am | 5th Period Starts | |
| 11:10 am | Form Room Period | |
| 11:30 am | Lunch | Co-Curricular Activities |
| 12:45 pm | 6th Period Starts | |
| 1:25 pm | 7th Period Starts | |
| 2:05 pm | 8th Period Starts | |
| 1:00 pm | Prayer & Dismissal | |
| 2:45 pm | Prayer & Dismissal |
Circulars
Information is frequently provided through circulars and notifications, which are posted on the school’s Learning Management System, Schoology®, and/or sent home via your child or ward. You should regularly check with your child to ensure that these circulars have been delivered to you, and once received, please keep them safely for future reference. Some circulars include a reply slip that must be completed, signed, detached, and returned to the school; kindly remember to do this promptly. All parents are required to provide the school with a valid email address to facilitate smooth communication.
Communicating With Parents
To ensure a close and mutually beneficial relationship between parents, teachers, and students, open two-way communication between home and school must be maintained. We want parents to be fully informed about what is happening at school and to support and complement the efforts of the administration and staff on behalf of their children. Parents are also welcome to offer suggestions and raise any concerns they may have. Those who wish to meet with the Principal may contact the School Secretary to schedule an appointment. The Vice Principal has a limited teaching load and is often available for discussions with parents.
Parent/Teacher Conferences
At least once per term, a day is set aside for parents, teachers, and students to meet and discuss the child’s progress. This meeting is vitally important, and we strongly encourage parents to prepare for it.
Specific Conduct Rules
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Valuables and Money
Students should not bring large sums of money or valuables, including cell phones, to school unless absolutely necessary. If it is necessary, these items must be left in the safekeeping of either the Form Teacher or the School Secretary. The school does not accept responsibility for any losses if this rule is not followed. -
Orderly Conduct
Students are expected to conduct themselves quietly and in an orderly manner at all times. Running or shouting along corridors or in classrooms is strictly prohibited. -
End-of-Day Dismissal
After school, students must vacate their classrooms in an orderly manner by 3:15 p.m., unless they are serving detention or have permission from a teacher to remain for a group activity. -
Punctuality
Students arriving at school after 8:00 a.m. may be refused admission or face disciplinary action unless accompanied by a parent/guardian or presenting a satisfactory written excuse signed by a parent/guardian. -
Devotional Exercises
Attendance at all school devotional exercises, including morning devotions and chapel sessions, is mandatory. -
Leaving the School Compound
Students are not permitted to leave the school compound during lunchtime. Those who live nearby and wish to go home for lunch must present a written request from their parent/guardian seeking permission. -
Leaving School During the Day
Any student wishing to leave school due to illness or an emergency must first consult their Form Teacher. If permission is granted, the student must sign the leave register before departing. -
Absence from School
Students who are absent must submit a written excuse to their Form Teacher on the first day they return to school. All excuses must be submitted on full sheets of paper signed by the Parent/ Guardian
Restricted Areas and Conduct Regulations
1. Out-of-Bounds Areas
The following areas on the school compound are strictly off-limits to all students unless authorized:
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The Principal’s Office
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The Vice Principal’s Office
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The Business Manager’s Office
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The Staff Room
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All Laboratories (Science, Food & Nutrition, IT, Woodwork, Technical Drawing, Art, Language) unless supervised by a teacher
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The Cafeteria during class time
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Corridors during class time (without a Teacher’s Permit)
2. Telephone Use
Students are not permitted to make or receive phone calls without prior permission from the administration.
3. Entertainment Devices
Entertainment devices must not be brought to school. The school is not liable for any loss, theft, or damage of such items. Devices found in use during school hours will be confiscated and returned only upon payment of a fine ranging from $25 to $50.
4. Cell Phones and Camera Phones
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Camera phones are strictly prohibited on campus.
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Regular cell phones must remain switched off during school hours.
Confiscated devices will be returned only after payment of the following fines: -
$25 for regular phones
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$50 for camera phones
5. Prohibited Toys and Items
Toys or objects that are potentially dangerous or intimidating—such as toy guns, scratch bombs, artificial animals, or pets—must not be brought to school. These items will be confiscated, and the offending student will face disciplinary action.
Homework, Assessment, and Reporting
Homework is an essential part of the teaching and learning process and is assigned regularly in almost every subject. Parents are encouraged to check daily to ensure that homework is properly recorded and assignments are completed on time.
Home and School Association (Parent-Teacher Association)
A vibrant Home and School Association (PTA) is currently active, and new parents are strongly encouraged to participate and support its initiatives. Meetings are typically held at 4:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month, and both students and parents will receive prior notices regarding the date and time of each meeting.