At St. John’s High School, a unit of the Congregation of Christian Brothers in India (CCBI), the safety, dignity, and well-being of every child are our highest priorities. We are unwavering in our commitment to fostering a secure and supportive environment where all students can thrive and achieve holistic development.

To uphold this commitment, we strictly adhere to the CCBI’s Child Protection Policy, "Safeguarding Children and Vulnerable Adults" (September 2012). Every staff member is mandated to comply with this comprehensive policy, which underscores our dedication to creating a truly 'Child-Friendly Environment.'

Below, we've outlined the robust safety systems and practices currently in place at our school. These measures are continuously reviewed and enhanced as part of our ongoing dedication to child protection.

Key Student Safety & Security Measures at St. John’s High School
Arrival & Departure Procedures

• Supervised Arrivals: School gates open at 7:20 AM, with staff on duty to supervise early arrivals. Students gathering before classes are assembled in designated, supervised areas.
• Attendance Monitoring: Daily attendance is meticulously recorded. Parents are promptly notified via e-care of any unexcused absences.
• Campus Safety & Security
• Bag Checks: Authorized staff conduct surprise checks of student bags to ensure campus safety.
• Restricted Access: No outside vendors are permitted on school premises during school hours.
• Segregated Areas & Supervision: During breaks, strict area segregation is maintained, with staff strategically positioned for continuous supervision.
• Health & Medical Care
• On-Campus Nurse: A qualified nurse is available on campus for all medical emergencies.
• First Aid Ready: First aid protocols are clearly displayed throughout the school. All classrooms are equipped with basic first aid boxes, and medications are regularly checked.
• Student Health Focus: We provide special attention and care for students with allergies, diabetes, or other chronic health conditions.
• Seasonal Health Precautions: During disease-prone seasons, provisions have been made in the school uniform for students wear full-sleeves and long trousers to minimize exposure.

Student Monitoring & Supervision

• Buddy System: A buddy system is in place for washroom visits, ensuring no student goes alone.
• Washroom Attendants: Each washroom has a dedicated attendant for supervision and assistance.
• Trip Supervision: Maids and support staff accompany junior students on all outdoor trips.
• Sports Academy Supervision: PTIs (Physical Training Instructors) are on duty before and after school during sports academy sessions to oversee students.
• Mobile Phone Policy
• General Ban: Mobile phones are generally banned for all students.
• Senior Student Exception: Students in Classes 11 and 12 may bring phones with prior written parental consent, but these must be deposited with their class teacher upon arrival. No student is permitted to use mobile phones on campus.
• Movement & Leave Protocols
• Permission Cards: Students must carry a permission card to leave their classroom during school hours.
• Early Departure Clearance: Early departures require a four-tier clearance process: Class Teacher → Coordinator → Reception → Gate Check, ensuring a secure handover.
• Staff Conduct
• "No Meeting" Policy: Teachers adhere to a strict "No Meeting" policy during school hours to ensure continuous and uninterrupted student supervision.
• Dispersal Procedures
• Teacher Escort: Teachers personally escort students to exit points at dismissal.
• Gate Passes: Gate passes are mandatory for any change in transport mode or if an identity card is unavailable. These are issued only against a written note from parents.
• Vehicle Entry Control: No unauthorized vehicles can enter school premises without prior permission and verification.
• Identity Cards: All students are issued identity cards for identification purposes.
• Junior School Handover: In the junior school, students traveling by car are personally handed over to parents. Letters of authority are required in advance if a child is to be picked up by someone other than a parent.
• Cab Services: Parents are responsible for booking their own cabs for student transport; the school does not arrange these services.
• Staff Presence: Teachers remain on duty until all school buses have departed.
• Traffic Monitoring: Teachers are assigned duties to monitor traffic in the mornings and during breaks, ensuring student safety.
• Late Pick-ups: Students awaiting late pick-ups are supervised in a designated area.
• Parent Contact Facility: A phone facility is available for students to contact parents in case of late pick-ups.

Bus Safety:

• Advanced Safety Features: All school buses are equipped with CCTV, GPRS tracking, and speed governors.
• Alcohol Testing: The school possesses a specially purchased Alcohol Meter. Regular, recorded testing of bus staff is conducted, and a zero-tolerance policy towards alcohol consumption is strictly enforced.
• Assigned Seating & Checks: Bus riders are assigned specific seats. Attendance is taken and verified by school authorities before buses depart.
• Vehicle-Free Zone: Buses park in a "Vehicle Free Zone" during embarkation and disembarkation, ensuring children's safety from car park traffic.
• Special Permissions: Students taking a half-day or not availing bus service for the day require special permission.
• Police Verification of All School Personnel
• Comprehensive Background Checks: Police verification is undertaken for all teaching staff, administrative block members, part-time staff, and staff from Tata Edge, E-Care, Robotics, and support staff.
• Leadership Verification: Our Principal, Mrs. RajashreeVipin, has also undergone the same verification process.
• Bus Staff Verification: All conductors, drivers, and bus attendants undergo police verification.
• Contractual Staff Vetting: Contractual staff are hired only after thorough background checks and identity verification (e.g., Voter ID, Aadhaar Card). Police verification is also mandatory for such staff.
• Reputable Agency Hiring: All contractual staff are appointed through a reputed agency.
• Installation of CCTV Cameras
• Extensive Coverage: CCTV cameras are installed across the campus, and their functionality is regularly checked.
• Constant Monitoring: Camera recordings are continuously monitored by school authorities.

Strict Entry & Exit Protocols

• Security Gate Records: The entry of persons and vehicles is recorded by security guards at the school gates.
• Verified Entry: No unauthorized vehicle is granted entry without prior permission and proper verification.
• Restricted Building Access: Entry to the school building is strictly restricted and guarded.
• Efficient Communication: An efficient communication system is in place between the school reception and gate security.
• Visitor Protocols: All visitors must complete a "PERMISSION SLIP" proforma (one copy for reception, one retained at the gate) and wear a visitor's card throughout their visit, returning it upon departure.
• Mandatory ID Cards: Students are not allowed to enter the school without wearing their identity cards.
• Controlled Staff Access: Strict protocols ensure drivers, attendants, and other support staff do not have unrestricted access to the school building during school hours.
• Designated Staff Areas: Specific areas, including separate toilets and water points, are designated for drivers and bus attendants to restrict their movement within the school premises.
• Secure Infrastructure
• Gated Campus: The school is adequately gated and secured with a grilled boundary wall.
• CCTV Maintenance: CCTV cameras are regularly maintained and repaired.
• Fire Safety Audits: Regular fire safety audits are conducted.
• Building Safety Certification: The school building undergoes regular safety checks and holds relevant certifications.

Hygienic & Monitored Washroom Facilities

• Modern & Designated Washrooms: Renovated washrooms with modern amenities are provided for students on every floor. Notices clearly indicate their use by students only.
• Separate Facilities: Separate toilets are provided for teaching staff, administrative staff, female attendants, and support staff.
• Regular Checks: All washrooms are regularly checked and inspected by designated staff members.
• Periodic Rounds: Administrative staff conduct periodic rounds of washrooms, lunch areas, classrooms, and open spaces during and after school hours.
• Child Safety Sensitization & Support
• Counseling Services: Three dedicated counselors are available to guide and observe children.
• Protection Officers (POs): Specially trained Protection Officers (POs) are appointed in both Junior and Senior Wings, working under the Society Protection Officer (SPO) to address student concerns.
• Staff Orientation: Specially trained personnel provide periodic orientation and counseling to drivers, bus attendants, peons, gardeners, watchmen, and other support staff.
• Regular Staff Training: Training for support staff and drivers is conducted regularly.
• Health Checks for Bus Personnel: Medical and eye check-ups for bus personnel are conducted regularly.
• Life Skills & Awareness: A Life Skills program educates children, and students are sensitized through multimedia programs about concepts like 'good touch & bad touch.'
• Comprehensive Sexuality Education classes are also conducted regularly.

Consultative Processes with Parents & Children

• Clear Communication: Guidelines regarding school bus travel are provided to parents via notices and the Parent Teacher Link Book.
• Feedback & Suggestions: Suggestions are actively sought and incorporated through the Parent Teacher Link Book, e-care, and personal interactions.
• Annual Parent Orientation: Parents are oriented annually on the safety and security measures undertaken by the school for their wards.
• Awareness Sessions: Parents are counseled through audio/visual means to raise awareness about their children's safety.
• Student Redressal Systems: Children are familiarized with redressal systems through:
  • The Parent Teacher Link Book, which includes pages on redressal systems and advisories, reinforced by a diary quiz.
  • Constant interaction and counseling sessions with school counselors.
  • Student suggestion boxes located in the school.
  • The Child Safety and Protection Committee.
  • The Students Grievances Redressal Forum.
  • The Parent-Teacher-Student Committee.
  • The Bus Committee.

Work in Progress: Enhancing Our Safety Measures🚀

St. John's School is continuously striving to improve the safety and security of our students and staff. We are currently in the process of:

• Upgrading our CCTV camera systems.
• Employing additional support staff to care for our younger students.
• Regularly discussing safety and security matters at Parent-Teacher Meetings (PTMs), Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) meetings, and Management Committee (MC) meetings

Important Information for Parents: A Team Effort for Safety

• We understand and appreciate that your time is precious. However, ensuring your child's safety requires a team effort. While morning and afternoon drop-off/pick-up may involve some waiting due to rush, your patience ensures your child's security. We kindly request all parents to drop off and pick up their wards only from inside the school premises.
• In today's challenging society, it's vital that we do NOT permit our young ones to leave the school premises unattended. Parents are strongly advised to personally collect their children or designate a responsible adult, providing written permission to the school. Should you still wish your son to leave unattended, we require an affidavit stating you do not hold the school responsible for your son’s safety once he exits the school walls.
• Our dedicated staff now reports to school a good half-hour earlier to supervise arrivals. As they are also parents, we seek your close cooperation in ensuring your son is collected on time when school closes. Parents delayed by more than half an hour will be requested to meet with the Coordinators/Principal before their sons are handed over.
• We kindly note that parents, as guardians, need to attend PTMs personally to receive feedback about their sons and communicate concerns directly. Only parents or legal guardians will be permitted to attend PTMs, and they will be required to carry identity proofs.
• As previously advised in Circular SJSH/2017-18/2324, parents are reminded to ensure all drivers, domestic staff, tuition teachers, etc., are police verified in the interest of their children's security.
• In conclusion, we reiterate that while the school is doing its utmost to ensure your sons' security, your active participation is indispensable.

We continue to strive for the Safety and Happiness of all our children and staff.