(See Appendix for Entirety)
Geneva disciples by teaching, mentoring, encouraging and assisting students. A necessary component of discipleship is discipline (Heb. 12:5-11).
Successful resolution to behavioral problems requires school and parental cooperation. For the school personnel to stand in loco parentis, the school and the home must be in agreement regarding values, goals and desires for the child.
A discipleship-oriented approach considers difficult events (relationship problems, failures in the classroom, defeat in competition, etc.) as essential for spiritual growth and maturity. This approach provides a process for dealing with heart issues. This approach does not expect perfection. Children are given freedom to interact with one another, make choices and face the consequences for those that are poor.
At Geneva, discipleship-oriented discipline:
- Addresses outward behavior with the goal of transforming the heart. Since discipleship-oriented discipline is aimed at changing hearts, students need to acknowledge that their bad behavior is a consequence of a sinful heart.
- Values biblical confession and repentance.
- Seeks to restore relationships.
Discipleship-oriented discipline does not eliminate the consequences of sin. Students may still experience detention, suspension, loss of extra-curricular privileges, etc. as a consequence for their actions. Eliminating consequences is not the goal of discipleship-oriented discipline. Christian maturity is the goal.
The headmaster determines the appropriate consequences needed for instilling discipline in school. During the course of investigating actions and events concerning possible student incidents, the school may seek to question students alone or in groups. The headmaster has full discretion in the questioning of students, and in the evaluation of events may conduct an investigation without parental notification or attendance. Failure of parents or students to cooperate fully in related investigative or disciplinary proceedings by the school may result in further disciplinary action.
The school’s interest in the conduct of students away from campus is the same as it is in their conduct on campus. The school may hold students accountable for their off-campus and online conduct.
Students are expected to represent Geneva in a positive manner when they are on school grounds and/or attending school functions. Students and their parents acknowledge and understand that students are subject to discipline for conduct occurring off-campus and even when they are not or during non-school hours, including weekends, holidays and summers.