What is suspension?

Suspension refers to the process of removing a student from school following a breach, or serious breach, of school discipline.

What is a breach of school discipline?

Any act committed by a student that breaches the school’s code of conduct.

What is a serious breach of school discipline?

Any breach specified as serious in a school’s code of conduct. This may include threatening the safety of others, doing significant damage to property or disrupting the education of other students.

Why would a school choose to suspend a student?

Suspension provides the opportunity for the student, parent/carer and school staff to reflect on the incident and enable a considered, positive resolution and re-entry plan.

How long does suspension last?

A student can be suspended for up to a maximum of ten days, depending on the individual circumstances of the case.

What process does the school need to follow to suspend a student?

1. The principal will inform the student and their parents/carers of the:
   
   • allegations made against the student
   • proposal to suspend the student
   • duration of the proposed suspension
2. The parents/carers will be given the opportunity to discuss with the principal why the suspension should not proceed
3. If the principal decides to continue with the suspension after considering all the relevant evidence, then they will provide a letter to the parents/carers and student confirming:
   
   • the reason for the suspension from school
   • the duration of the suspension and the date the student may return to school
   • the name of a school staff member that parents/carers or the student can contact
   • information regarding any particular conditions attached to the suspension

    4.    The school will notify their local district education office of the suspension

What happens to the student’s learning program during the suspension period?

If a student is suspended for three days or more, or has accumulated five days suspension within the year they will be provided with education instruction during the period of suspension.

Students will be given the opportunity to complete assignments or assessments either during the suspension period, or once it has been completed.

The student may be given permission to return to school to submit an assignment, or to complete an assessment task in an isolated environment under staff supervision.

What happens after the suspension period?

The school will consult with the student and parents/carers to establish an individual behaviour management plan (if necessary) prior to the students re-entry.

If the student continues to breach school discipline then a recommendation for exclusion may be made.

If a student reaches twenty days suspension in a school year, the district education office will become involved as a further support for both the school and the parent/carer.

Is it possible for a suspension decision to be reviewed?

A parent may request a review of the decision to suspend their child.  This request must be made to the local district education office and will be managed according to the Disputes and Complaints Policy and Procedures policy. 

A review does not prevent the suspension being imposed or continuing to have effect during this period.

Further Information needed?   

Please see the Behaviour Management in Schools policy for full details of suspension processes and procedures.