Policy 606 - Suspension and Exclusion of Students

Sections 26 and 85 (2) of the School Act give the Board, the principal of a school and the Superintendent authority to suspend a student from attendance at a school in certain circumstances. Section 85(3) of the School Act the Board is granted the authority to refuse to offer an educational program to a student 16 years or older under some conditions.

The Board authorizes the principal of any District school to suspend a student whose conduct has been judged by the principal to be in serious conflict with a safe and positive learning environment or when the school’s progressive interventions have failed to correct inappropriate behaviour. It is recognized that in exceptional circumstances, a suspension may be imposed based upon a single incident.

The principal may delegate the responsibility to suspend a student to a vice-principal.

The Board may refuse to offer an educational program to a student 16 years or older if that student has refused to comply with the code of conduct, other rules and policies of the Board or school or has failed to apply himself or herself to his or her studies.

The Superintendent is empowered by the Board to develop and implement administrative procedures related to suspension and exclusion of students from school. The Superintendent is also authorized to act on behalf of the Board in matters related to the suspension or exclusion of students from school.

Administrative Procedures

Guidelines for Suspensions by a Principal

A student is subject to the disciplinary authority of a principal throughout the school day, while at the school, on the way to and from school, and at school-sponsored activities both at the school or elsewhere.

A principal or principal’s delegate is authorized to suspend a student whose behaviour contravenes the Board’s or the school’s student code of conduct or school rules or whose behaviour may have a harmful effect on the character or person of other students.

A principal or the principal’s designate may suspend a student for a period not to exceed 5 days without prior consultation with the Superintendent.

When such suspension occurs, the principal or principal’s delegate, in accordance with due process, shall:

Ensure that due process is followed and that discipline is appropriate to the violation.
Report the circumstances as soon as possible, preferably in person or by telephone, to the parent or guardian. Telephone or personal contact must be confirmed by letter. In instances where direct parent or guardian contact is impossible, a registered letter shall be sent. Copies of all letters will be kept on file in the school.
Consult with appropriate resource personnel as necessary, and discuss the matter with the parent with a view to finding a resolution to the difficulty.

Provide for the continuance of an educational program for any student under the age of 16 years while under suspension.
Advise the student and parent of the expectations that the school has for the student upon re-admission to the school.
Re-admit the student at or prior to the expiration of the period of suspension, or arrange admission to another school, if the principal considers such action appropriate.

Procedures for Excluding a Student from Attendance at any District School

The Superintendent may exclude a student from attendance at any District school under the provisions of Section 85 [3] of the School Act provided that:

The student is at least 16 years of age.
The parent is informed as soon as possible of the circumstances leading to the exclusion and of the avenues for appeal of the decision to exclude.
An attempt is made to contact the parent by telephone or by personal interview and telephone or personal contact is later confirmed by letter, or if contact is not possible, by registered letter

Avenues of Appeal

Appeal procedures for suspensions or exclusions of students are cited in Board Bylaw - Appeals of Employee Decisions Regarding Students.