The staff of Cedar works hard to design interesting and relevant programmes so that learning is meaningful and ignites the passion for learning in our pupils. Pupils can only benefit fully from these programmes by being present, punctual and participating actively in all school programmes. Parents are to note the start and end dates of each term in the academic year. If they wish to take the pupil out of school before the end of term, they must seek approval from the Principal before they make their plans. A pupil’s attendance and punctuality are recorded in her academic report as the number of school days present, excused absence, unexcused absence and late coming. Examples of excused absence include medical leave (only medical certificates from a western doctor is accepted, not a Chinese physician), urgent medical or dental appointment, external examinations, court proceedings, death in family and other leave of absence approved by the Principal.
Parents are to call the school office (Tel: 62884909) by 8.00 am on the same day of absence to notify the school of the child’s absence. Failure to notify or substantiate absence upon return to school may be treated as truancy and appropriate consequences will be meted out. Truancy is thus defined as:
- Unreported absence
- Unsubstantiated absence
- Missed classes or scheduled activities whilst in school (includes remedial and enrichment lessons, CCA, reflection centre or detention)
(a) Late coming
A pupil should be with her class at the courtyard or classroom by 0720 for the morning assembly. The school’s main gate will be closed at 0720 and pupils found outside the gate will be issued a late-coming slip that needs to be signed by the teacher for the first period, or Form Teacher, by recess time. Should a pupil arrive after the morning attendance is taken, she is to report to the General Office and obtain a late-coming slip before being admitted to class. Again, this slip is to be signed by the teacher teaching the period and handed to the Form Teacher by recess. If this is not done, the pupil is considered absent and valid documents need to be submitted. All excuse absence documents must be submitted to the Form Teacher immediately, once the pupil returns to school. If late-coming exceeds 3 times, the pupil will need to report to the Reflection Centre immediately after school. She will need to obtain her parent’s signature in the Pupils’ Handbook under the “Time reaches home” column as part of the acknowledgement process.
(b) Leaving School
All pupils are expected to remain in the school premises until they are officially dismissed. However, there are occasions when the pupil needs to leave school earlier than usual:
- Pupil is unwell. She needs to go to the sick bay and the staff from the General Office will determine whether to send her home. They will assist the pupil by informing members of the family to pick up the pupil to bring her home from school.
- Pupil has urgent personal matters to attend to and needs to leave early for any other reason during curriculum time - she must seek approval from the General Office. Only the Principal, Vice-Principal or HOD can authorize such leave. The school reserves the right to grant leave on a case-by-case basis.
- Pupil is representing the school in a game, competition or official function. She may leave class only at the time stated in the early departure form that is prepared by the teacher-in-charge of the activity.
(c) Flag Raising Ceremony
The daily practice of singing the National Anthem, School Song and reciting the pledge are ways we seek to inculcate and demonstrate our value of “Love for School and Nation”. It is a solemn start to the school day reminding us of the ideals we stand for and values we should live by. All pupils are to attend this ceremony with respect and pride. Form teachers will mark the class attendance after the flag raising ceremony. Pupils are to observe the following:
- To line up in 2 straight lines according to their class index numbers as shown in the attendance register.
- Pupils who are Singapore Citizens must sing the National Anthem and take the pledge
- Pupils will take the pledge with the right fist placed over the heart.
- To pay attention when announcements are being made.
- To proceed to class in an orderly and quiet manner after the ceremony.
(d) Assembly
Fortnightly, there will be assembly in the Multi-purpose Hall (MPH). The school commits a large amount of resources in designing special programmes to make these sessions meaningful, enriching and engaging for the pupils. As gracious young ladies, all pupils should enter the MPH with an attitude of openness to learning and participation in the activities organized. Pupils should:
- Proceed to the hall quickly in a quiet and orderly manner.
- Sit according to their numbers in the attendance register.
- Observe silence.
- Pay attention and do not talk to one another. Respect the speaker or presenters by being a good audience.
- Leave the hall quietly class by class after the assembly.
