At school, the merit and demerit system is more than just a way to manage behaviour — it's a tool to guide learners toward responsibility, self-discipline, and personal growth. It’s about celebrating the good, correcting the not-so-good, and helping every child realise their potential.
Merits First — Celebrating the Positive
We believe in recognising effort, kindness, responsibility, and achievement. That’s why merits are a core part of our school culture. Learners earn them by consistently displaying good behaviour, working hard, helping others, and living out the school’s values.
From certificates to praise in assembly, we love saying “Well done!” Merits may seem like small tokens, but they add up to something powerful — self-worth, motivation, and a sense of pride in doing the right thing.
Some examples of merit-worthy actions include:
- Consistently good behaviour
- Outstanding effort in class
- Helpfulness to peers or teachers
- Neatness in appearance and schoolwork
- A positive attitude and active participation
Merits are recorded and celebrated — because encouragement goes a long way.
When Things Go Wrong — Understanding Demerits
Of course, no child is perfect. When rules are broken or behaviour slips, demerits may be issued. These are not meant to punish, but rather to prompt reflection and encourage better choices next time.
Demerits might be given for:
- Arriving late
- Incomplete homework
- Disruptive behaviour
- Being disrespectful
- Breaking school rules
Demerits are tracked, and depending on the severity or frequency, consequences may follow — such as detention, conversations with teachers, or involvement of parents.
But here's the important part: demerits don’t define a child. They’re an opportunity. A moment to pause, take responsibility, and choose to do better.
Let’s Work Together — Turning Demerits into Merits
In discussions among staff and parents, one message stands out: We want more merits. We want to say well done. We want to celebrate growth.
Sometimes, that starts at home — with a few minutes each day to check in with our children.
- Is the homework done?
- Is the uniform neat?
- Are they prepared for school?
- Did they have a good day?
These small actions make a big difference. With support and consistency, many demerits can be prevented — or even reversed — as learners begin to take pride in their progress.
"Every child deserves to be seen for their potential, not just their mistakes. With the right support, demerits can become stepping stones to success."
Let’s help our children see that every day is a new opportunity to grow. With encouragement at school and support at home, they can turn things around.
Let’s turn those demerits into merits — and watch our children shine.
