Every Josephian wearing the uniform of St. Joseph's College represents the school and the students. His actions directly affect school reputation. For this reason, Prefects are needed as a group of students who remind others about the importance of proper behaviour and discipline. This Punishment Policy is supported by the school authority to assist the Prefects' Board in achieving their goal — maintaining discipline.

Our focus is not on strict punishment. All forms of "punishment" imposed by Prefects should be reasonable, constructive and meaningful. We hope to ensure students know that they have violated school regulations and that they know what the correct behaviour should be.

Punishment Scheme

Only the Head Prefect and Senior Prefects can give punishment to students who have violated school regulations. The procedure of imposing punishment is explained in the flowchart below:

A student has violated a school regulation --> The Head Prefect or Senior Prefect asks him to confess his offence --> The student either admits or denies* his offence --> If the student admits his offence, he must state clearly what the correct behavior should be. Punishment is given according to the seriousness of the offence. --> The Head/Senior Prefect should take appropriate follow-up actions.

*If the student denies his offence owing to any reason, the Head/Senior Prefect should explain the correct school rules to him. Afterwards, if the student insists that he hasn't offended any school rule, he must see the Discipline Master together with the Prefect involved for a fair judgement.

Punishment Methods

Two forms of punishment have been passed by the school. The Head/Senior Prefects can give punishment to students if necessary. Punishment should only be used if offenders show no sense of regret or have a bad attitude. Chances will be given to students who've committed minor or first-time offences. If the Prefect wishes to put the student into detention after school, he should seek the approval of the Discipline Master. The two types of punishment are explained below:

1. Written Confession
The student will be asked to write a confession about his offence. The language used is decided by the Prefect. The confession should be handed to the Head Prefect on the next school day. The following information should be covered:

• The offence committed (including date, time, location, persons involved) and how it can be corrected
• The way the Prefect handled the situation*
• A promise that he will not commit the same offence again
• A self-designed punishment for himself upon recommitting

*Fabrication of the process of punishment may result in stricter punishment dealt with by teachers. However, if Prefects handled the situation incorrectly, the student may wish point it out in the essay and explain it to the Head Prefect.

2. Detention
The Guidelines of School Discipline will be posted on a "discipline board". The board will have updates and relevant information about disciplinary affairs. It will be used as a reference for all students, and those who violate school rules can be asked to stand in front of the board during recess, lunchtime or after school for at least 10 minutes. They would be questioned on the rules afterwards and if they fail to provide correct answers, they may be asked to continue standing. The purpose is to make sure students know the school rules, and realize the importance of abiding regulations.

Other  Information

• The Prefects Board
• Statement of Prefects' Authority
• Rights of Prefects
• Guidelines for School Discipline