Student Handbook

ST. MARK’S INSTITUTE, INC.

STUDENT HANDBOOK

School Year 2026–2027

I. GENERAL PROVISIONS

St. Mark’s Institute, Inc. is committed to providing a safe, disciplined, and nurturing learning environment. This Student Handbook sets forth the rules, policies, and procedures that all students are expected to follow.

All students are required to:

  • Respect school authorities, teachers, and fellow students
  • Follow school policies at all times
  • Participate actively in academic and school activities

Failure to comply with these rules shall result in appropriate disciplinary action.

II. STUDENT RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Rights:

Students have the right to:

  • Receive quality education
  • Learn in a safe and respectful environment
  • Be protected from abuse, bullying, and discrimination

Responsibilities:

Students are expected to:

  • Attend classes regularly and punctually
  • Complete academic requirements
  • Respect school property and community members
  • Follow all school rules and regulations

III. ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

Students must:

  • Arrive on time daily
  • Attend all scheduled classes

Absences:

  • Must be supported by a written excuse signed by parents/guardians
  • Must be presented on the first day of return

Tardiness:

  • Three (3) instances of tardiness shall result in a warning
  • Repeated tardiness shall require a parent conference

Admission Slip:

Students who are late or absent must secure an admission slip before entering class.

IV. CLASSROOM RULES AND CONDUCT

Students shall:

  • Show respect to teachers and classmates
  • Listen attentively and participate actively
  • Submit assignments on time
  • Always follow teacher instructions

Prohibited Behavior:

  • Disruption of class
  • Cheating and dishonesty
  • Use of inappropriate language
  • Bringing prohibited items

V. STUDENT DISCIPLINE POLICY

Discipline shall be applied fairly and consistently.

Minor Offenses:

Examples:

  • Tardiness
  • Incomplete requirements
  • Minor classroom disruption

Sanctions:

  1. Verbal Warning
  2. Written Warning
  3. Parent Conference

Major Offenses:

Examples:

  • Bullying
  • Fighting
  • Cheating
  • Disrespect to authority

Sanctions:

  • Immediate referral to office
  • Written report within 24 hours
  • Parent conference
  • Possible suspension (1–5 days depending on severity)

VI. ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

Aligned with Republic Act 10627

Definition:

Bullying includes:

  • Physical harm
  • Verbal abuse
  • Social exclusion
  • Cyberbullying

Reporting Procedure:

  1. Report to:
  1. Class Adviser
  2. Teacher
  3. School Head
  1. Provide details and evidence (if available)
  2. Report within 48 hours when possible

School Action:

  • Investigation within three (3) school days
  • Parents of involved students will be notified
  • Appropriate disciplinary action shall be taken

Confidentiality:

All reports shall be treated with strict confidentiality.

VII. CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

Aligned with DepEd Order No. 40, s. 2012

Policy:

The school adopts a zero-tolerance policy for abuse, violence, and exploitation.

If a Student Feels Unsafe:

Students must:

  • Inform a teacher, adviser, or school official immediately

School Response:

  • Immediate protection of the student
  • Report to Child Protection Committee
  • Investigation within 2–3 school days

VIII. ICT AND DIGITAL CONDUCT POLICY

Students must use technology responsibly.

Rules:

  • No cellphone use during class unless allowed by teacher
  • No recording or taking photos without permission

Violations:

  • 1st Offense: Confiscation (returned after class/day)
  • 2nd Offense: Confiscation (returned to parent)
  • Repeated offenses: Disciplinary action

Cyber Misconduct:

  • Online bullying or misuse shall be investigated under Anti-Bullying Policy

IX. HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICY

Students must:

  • Report illness immediately to the teacher
  • Proceed to the school clinic when necessary

Emergency Procedures:

During emergencies, students must:

  • Follow teacher instructions
  • Evacuate calmly
  • Proceed to designated safe areas

X. DISASTER RISK REDUCTION AND MANAGEMENT (DRRM)

The school conducts regular emergency drills.

Students must:

  • Participate seriously in all drills
  • Follow evacuation routes
  • Remain calm and orderly

XI. UNIFORM AND GROOMING

Students must:

  • Wear the prescribed school uniform
  • Maintain proper grooming and hygiene

Improper attire may result in disciplinary action.

XII. USE OF SCHOOL FACILITIES

Students are responsible for:

  • Maintaining cleanliness
  • Proper use of school equipment

Damages to property shall result in:

  • Repair or replacement cost
  • Possible disciplinary action

XIII. AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

The school recognizes:

  • Academic excellence
  • Good conduct
  • Leadership and participation

Awards shall be based on established criteria.

XIV. DATA PRIVACY POLICY

Aligned with RA 10173

Student information shall be:

  • Kept confidential
  • Used only for official purposes

Prohibited:

  • Sharing personal data without consent
  • Posting student information online without permission

XV. PARENT COMMUNICATION

Parents and guardians are expected to:

  • Monitor student performance
  • Attending conferences and meetings

Communication shall be done through:

  • Student diary
  • Official school channels

XVI. FINAL PROVISIONS

All students and parents must:

  • Read and understand this handbook
  • Comply with all policies

This handbook shall:

  • Be reviewed annually
  • Be updated as necessary
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