Riverside College Application

By proceeding with the application process, the Parent/Guardian (hereinafter referred to as "the Parent") acknowledges and has agreed to these Terms and Conditions, which are binding upon them. The Parent affirms that the information provided is accurate and consents to the College’s policies, including future updates to these terms.

1. Enrolment Requirements

1.1. Documentation: The Parent must submit the following documentation as part of the application process:

• Recent head and shoulders photo

• Learner's birth certificate

• Immunization card (for Grade R and Grade 1 learners)

• Previous academic reports (for Grade 2 learners and above)

• Transfer certificate (if applicable)

• Occupational therapy or medical reports (if applicable)

1.2. Right of Admission: The College reserves the right of admission based on its assessment of the learner's academic and emotional readiness, availability of space, and the correct age for the grade level applied. The College reserves the right to request a parent to remove a child from Riverside College if it is considered in the best interest of the child, College, Parent, or family.

1.3. Medical and Health Information: All medical information, including known allergies, chronic illnesses, physical or learning difficulties, and current therapies, must be disclosed to the College at the time of application.

1.4. Immunization Requirement: The Parent confirms that the learner has been immunized against the following diseases:

• Tuberculosis (B.C.G)

• Diphtheria

• Whooping cough

• Tetanus

• Measles

• German measles

• Mumps

• Poliomyelitis

A copy of the learner’s immunization card or medical documentation must be provided as evidence of the immunization status. Failure to provide this documentation may delay or prevent enrolment.

1.5. Religious Education: The Parent acknowledges and agrees that the learner will participate in religious and spiritual education as part of the curriculum, in accordance with the Education Affairs Act (House of Assembly, 1988, Act no. 70 of 1988). The Parent affirms their consent by proceeding with the enrolment process.

2. Fees and Payment Terms

2.1. Payment of Fees: All tuition fees are payable in advance, on or before the 1st day of each month. Additional costs for consumables, co-curricular activities, and other ad-hoc services will be billed monthly.

2.2. Refund and Cancellation:

• The Registration Fee is non-refundable once a learner takes up a place at the College.

• If the learner does not take up the place, a cancellation fee of 45% of the total Registration Fee will apply.

• Written notice of cancellation must be submitted by 30th September to be eligible for a refund of the remaining balance of the Registration Fee. If not, the balance will be refunded at the end of the following academic year.

2.3. Fee Increase: Fees will be reviewed and adjusted annually, typically at the start of the academic year (January).

2.4. Late Payment: In the event of overdue payments, the College may suspend services, including withholding academic reports and access to facilities, until all arrears are settled. The Parent will be liable for all legal costs associated with collection, including sheriff's fees.

2.5. Credit Bureau Reporting: The College may report any overdue payments to credit bureaus, which may affect the Parent’s credit rating.

2.6. Notice for Withdrawal: One full term's written notice is required for withdrawal. Failure to provide such notice will result in the Parent being liable for the payment of the following term's fees.

2.7. Non-Refundable Fees: All fees, including the Registration Fee, are non-refundable, except where specified in these Terms.

2.8. Breach of Terms: In the event of a breach of these terms or non-payment of fees, the College is entitled to institute proceedings against the signatories, who will be responsible for all legal costs, including sheriff’s costs incurred by the College to recover such fees.

2.9. Right of Admission: The College reserves the right to suspend or terminate services with immediate effect in the event of non-payment of tuition fees or due to learner or parent misconduct.

3. Learner Conduct and College Rules

3.1. Code of Conduct: The Parent agrees to ensure that the learner adheres to the College’s Code of Conduct, as outlined in the College’s Information Directory. Violations may result in disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion.

3.2. Suspension or Expulsion: The College reserves the right to suspend or expel a learner for serious breaches of conduct or if the learner’s behaviour or academic performance does not meet the College's standards.

3.3. Misrepresentation of Information: If the College discovers that the information provided in the application was false, it reserves the right to terminate the enrolment immediately, with no refund of fees.

4. Parent/Guardian Responsibilities

4.1. Payment Responsibility: The Parent confirms they are responsible for payment of all school fees, even in the event of a change in marital status or a divorce agreement.

4.2. Authority to Enrol: The Parent affirms they have the legal right to sign this agreement and enrol the learner.

4.3. Notification of Changes: The Parent agrees to notify the College in writing of any significant changes in personal or medical information regarding the learner.

4.4. Indemnity for Activities: The Parent consents to the learner's participation in all school activities, including but not limited to academic lessons, sports, educational tours, and excursions. The Parent indemnifies the College and its staff from any liability for injury or loss incurred during these activities, unless due to gross negligence.

5. Media and Privacy

5.1. Consent for Media Use: The Parent grants the College permission to use the learner’s name, photograph, and/or work for promotional purposes, including but not limited to newsletters, websites, and social media.

5.2. Social Media Policy: The Parent agrees to communicate directly with the College about any concerns or issues, rather than using social media platforms. Posting sensitive or confidential information related to the College on public platforms may result in the learner's expulsion from the College.

6. Insurance and Liability

6.1. Insurance: The College strongly recommends that the Parent ensure the learner is covered by adequate personal and property insurance. The College will not accept responsibility for loss, theft, or damage to personal items, including electronic devices.

6.2. Indemnity: The Parent agrees to indemnify and hold harmless the College, its trustees, employees, and agents from any liability for injury, damage, or loss suffered by the learner during any College activity, including but not limited to on-site activities, extra-mural activities, and excursions.

6.3. Valuables: Cellular phones, electronic devices, smart watches, and any valuables are not permitted on the premises. Cellphone safes are available for safekeeping of these items. Riverside College cannot be held responsible for damage or theft of any personal belongings, permissible items or not.

7. Dispute Resolution and Arbitration

7.1. Arbitration Clause: In the event of any dispute arising out of or relating to this agreement, the Parent agrees that the dispute will be resolved through binding arbitration, rather than litigation, in accordance with the rules of the applicable arbitration authority.

7.2. Selection of Arbitrator: The College shall have the right to select the arbitrator. The Parent agrees to accept the College's choice of arbitrator and abide by the final, binding decision made by the selected arbitrator.

7.3. Waiver of Court Action: By enrolling the learner, the Parent waives their right to take legal action in court and agrees that any dispute will be resolved exclusively through arbitration, which will be final and binding.

8. Right to Amend Terms and Conditions

8.1. Amendments: The College reserves the right to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time. All such changes will be communicated to the Parent, and the Parent’s continued use of the College’s services after such amendments will constitute acceptance of the updated Terms.

9. Governing Law and Jurisdiction

9.1. Applicable Law: These Terms and Conditions are governed by the laws of South Africa. Any legal proceedings arising out of this agreement will be subject to the arbitration authority in that jurisdiction.