School Rules and Regulations

The following rules and regulations have been crafted to help students develop self-discipline and to 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 near to Security Guardhouse.

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 due to illness must submit the original medical certificate (MC) issued by a registered medical practitioner to their Form Teacher on the day they return to school. Parents/guardians are required to inform the school of the student’s absence via telephone by 7.30 a.m. on the day of absence.

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), a letter from the parent/guardian should be produced. Such a letter should be neatly written or typed and enclosed in an envelope. Students should not submit more than five letters from parent/guardian per semester.

4. 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 may be absent due to any of the above reasons should seek permission from the school at least two weeks in advance.

5. Absence without a valid M.C. or a parent’s/guardian’s letter may be regarded as a truancy case.

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

7. 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.

8. There will be no make-up paper for students who miss Coordinated WA2, the Preliminary Examination, or the Summative Review. Students who are absent without a valid MC for the Summative Review 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 Library.

Movement between lessons

1. 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 and Grooming

Uniform

1 . 1. Students are to wear the prescribed school uniform and modification to the uniform is 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 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. 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.

Hairstyle

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. Male students must be neat in appearance, clean shaven and no facial hair is allowed.

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. Students must not wear accessories deemed inappropriate by the school. This includes items such as earrings (for boys), chokers, and neck or wrist chains.

2. Tinted or coloured contact lenses are not allowed.

3. 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

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

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 approach at the start of every lesson so that effective learning can take place in the classrooms.

Stand, bow and greet	Greet your teachers at the start of the lesson. Show respect and readiness.
Tidy up	Ensure your attire is appropriate and neat with top tucked in. Ensure the classroom is clean (e.g. pick up litter, clean whiteboard for next lesson), and tables and chairs are neatly arranged.
Attendance	Be present and punctual for school and all lessons.
Ready	Have the necessary materials for lessons and fully charged iPads.
Technology check	Deposit mobile devices in students’ lockers upon arrival in school. iPads shall be kept in bags when unused for lessons or screen-down when not in use during lessons.

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

E. Use of Digital Devices

1. The school operates as 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.

Frequency

Action to be taken

Demerit points

1^st and 2^nd time

Mobile devices/personal learning devices to be confiscated until 5 p.m. on the day of confiscation.

3

3 times and more

Mobile devices/personal learning devices to be confiscated for 1 week.

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

F. 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 who wish to borrow PE equipment must exchange their student pass for the item. The pass will be returned upon the return of the equipment.

8. 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.

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).

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 the National School Games or in internationalisation trips.

Conduct Grade (Lowest of A, B and C)	School Attendance (A)	CCA Attendance (B)	MDS (C)
Excellent	Minimum 95%	Minimum 95%	80 and above
Very Good	Minimum 95%	Minimum 90%	75 - 79
Good	Minimum 85%	Minimum 75%	65 - 74
Fair	75 - 84%	50 - 74%	55 -64
Poor	Less than 75%	Less than 50%	54 and below

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 benchmark of 75 points, which is equivalent to 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:

COMMENDABLE ACTIONS	POINTS
BENEVOLENCE
Displaying a consistently high level of courtesy or respect towards others	1
Going out of the way to help a schoolmate, staff or member of public	1
JUSTICE
Reporting or stopping offensive behaviour	1
Displaying acts of bravery or public spiritedness	1
WISDOM
Demonstrating a consistently high level of responsibility towards self and others	1
Putting in consistent effort to improve behaviour or performance	1
TOGETHERNESS
Achieving good performance as a class in level or school activities	1
Inspiring others to display good behaviour or performance	1

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 on the next page:

OFFENCES	DESCRIPTIONS	POINTS	OTHER ACTIONS
ATTENDANCE
Late-coming	Late arrival at school without a valid reason	School attendance/ Conduct grade will be affected	· Parents informed · Warning · Detention · Suspension · Caning · Barred from taking examination · Not allowed to represent the school in National School Games and/or internationalisation trips.
Truancy	Absence from school on a school day without valid reasons
Skipping CCA	Complete absence from CCA without valid reasons
Skipping classes	Absence from lessons without a valid reason despite being present in school	3
Leaving school grounds without permission	Leaving the school grounds after reporting for school but before the end of the school session without approval	5
MISUSE OF DIGITAL DEVICES
OFFENCES	DESCRIPTIONS	POINTS	OTHER ACTIONS
Inappropriate use of mobile devices/ personal learning devices	· Use of mobile devices in school campus without teacher’s permission · Use of personal learning devices for non-educational purposes in school	3	· 1^st and 2^nd time: · Mobile devices/ personal learning devices to be confiscated until 5 p.m. on the day of confiscation. · ≥ 3 times · Mobile devices/ personal learning devices to be confiscated for 1 week. · Parents informed
Abuse of technology / Non-compliance with PDLP Acceptable Use Policy (AUP)	· Inappropriate or unlawful use of mobile devices e.g. computer, personal learning device, mobile devices etc. that breaches the AUP · Making, or circulating offensive comments or content in a digital medium such as social media	5	· Parents informed · Suspension · Caning · Confiscation of item · Notify relevant authorities
MISCONDUCT
OFFENCES	DESCRIPTIONS	POINTS	OTHER ACTIONS
Improper attire & grooming	Not complying with school rules on attire, hairdo, jewellery and other grooming requirements	1	· Parents informed · Warning · Detention · Suspension · Caning · Not allowed to represent the school in National School Games and/or internationalisation trips.
Late or non-submission of work	Not submitting class work, homework, project work or other assignments on time without a valid reason	1
Littering	Littering on school premises or in public places	2
Disruptive behaviour	Act or conduct that interferes with the smooth running of lessons or school events	3
Mischief	Causing trouble or disturbance on school premises or in public spaces	3
Abetment of a serious offence	Failing to report, or failing to provide truthful information regarding the commission of a serious offence to school authorities.	3
Cheating in tests / exams	Violation of examination regulations (e.g., possession of notes, copying, allowing others to copy, tampering with marks).	10	· Parents informed · Warning · Detention · Zero mark awarded
Forgery	Forging of signatures, medical certificates, consent forms, etc with the intention to deceive	10	· Parents informed · Detention · Confiscation of item · Suspension · Caning · Notify relevant authorities · Not allowed to represent the school in National School Games and/or internationalisation trips.
Scams and Frauds	Engaging in any act of deception, scam, or fraudulent behaviour intended to cheat, mislead, or obtain benefits dishonestly.
Gambling	Use of money for games, betting or other gambling-related activities.
Theft	Stealing school property or the property of others.
Defiance and rudeness	Acts of rudeness or disrespect towards others.
DAMAGE/INFRINGEMENT OF PROPERTY
OFFENCES	DESCRIPTIONS	POINTS	OTHER ACTIONS
Cybersecurity violations	Unauthorised access to, misuse of, or tampering with digital accounts, systems, networks or data.	10	· Parents informed · Detention · Confiscation of item · Suspension · Caning · Notify relevant authorities
Trespassing and unauthorised access	Entering restricted areas or accessing facilities without authorisation.	10
Arson	Planting of explosives or setting of property on fire, whether attempted or actual	10	· Parents informed · Restitution · Service to school · Suspension · Caning · Notify relevant authorities · Not allowed to represent the school in National School Games and/or internationalisation trips.
Vandalism	Wilful and malicious destruction of school or personal property, writing of graffiti	10
OTHER SERIOUS OFFENCES
OFFENCES	DESCRIPTIONS	POINTS	OTHER ACTIONS
Bullying (cyber, physical, social, verbal)	A repeated pattern of behaviour where a student or group intentionally targets others to cause distress.	10	· Parents informed · Detention · Suspension · Caning · Notify relevant authorities · Not allowed to represent the school in National School Games and/or internationalisation trips.
Substance abuse · Alcohol · Inhalant · Smoking · Vaping · Drug use	Use/possession/distribution/sale of alcohol, drugs, inhalants Use/ possession/ distribution/ sale of cigarettes or other tobacco-related products (e.g. e-cigarettes etc)	10	· Parents informed · Smoking cessation counselling · Suspension · Caning · Notify relevant authorities · Not allowed to represent the school in National School Games and/or internationalisation trips.
Assault	Violent attack against person(s), regardless of injury	10	· Parents informed · Suspension · Caning · Notify relevant authorities · Not allowed to represent the school in National School Games and/or internationalisation trips.
Fighting	Physical confrontation between individuals or groups, involving attempts to harm, intimidate, or gain dominance over others, whether with bodily force or with the use of objects as weapons.
Gangsterism	Gang assault threat/ harassment/extortion, whether actual or attempted
Possession of weapons	Possession of weapon or weapon-like item which can be used or intended to be used to cause harm to others
Sexual Misconduct · Pornography · Sexual harassment · Sexual exploitation · Sexual abuse/assault · Other forms of sexual misconduct	Consumption/possession/ distribution/sale of pornographic materials Illegal/inappropriate acts of a sexual nature
Other serious offences that do not fall in above categories	The nature of these offences would be so serious that they may cause harm to person(s) or smear the reputation of person(s) or institution(s) etc.