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STAND DOWN AND SUSPENSION OF STUDENTS POLICYOnewhero Area School Policy Legislation and Regulations (National Administration Guideline 6) RATIONALE From time to time it may be necessary to stand down or suspend a student from school if; a) The student's gross misconduct or continual disobedience is a harmful or dangerous example to other students at the school; or b) Because of the student's behavior, it is likely that the student, or other students or staff at the school, will be seriously harmed. PURPOSE 1. To ensure that the learning environment is orderly and safe. 2. To ensure that all regulatory requirements are met. 3. To ensure that the rights of all students, teachers and parents are upheld. GUIDELINES 1. The school will take all reasonable steps to modify a student's behaviour before resorting to a stand-down or suspension. 2. A record of student behaviour patterns will be kept and this will include actions taken. 3. Full advice and guidance will be available to students. The school counsellor may be asked by a member of the senior management team to work with any student whose challenging behaviour is likely to result in a stand-down or suspension if not addressed. 4. The best interests of all students, parents, caregivers, whanau and teachers are considered in the final decision-making. 5. There are certain behaviours, as detailed in the subsequent policies that may result in a student being stood-down or suspended. 6. Only the principal may make the decision to stand down or suspend. 7. At times, the senior management may consider it appropriate to require the student to attend an in-school isolation rather than a stand-down, if it is reasonably thought the stand-down has little benefit if the student returns to school without behaviour modification. 8. For suspension a Board disciplinary sub-committee will be convened within 7 school days of the date of the suspension, or the tenth calendar day after the day of suspension when the suspension occurred within 7 school days of end of term. This sub-committee will consist of at least 2 board of trustee members. 9. A student is advised of their rights prior to the meeting; to be supported by a parent, guardian or any representative that the family may nominate; to submit evidence of their own behalf in written or verbal form; to have a significant adult speak for them. 10. Clear procedures are established for handling stand downs and suspensions. These procedures will follow the Ministry of Education guidelines 2009, including informing the Ministry of stand downs and suspensions in the school. 11. The board of trustees at a suspension hearing can: • lift the suspension with or without conditions • extend the suspension for a reasonable period with conditions • exclude (under 16) or expel (over 16) a student from the school 12. If a student fails to comply with any conditions imposed by the board, the principal will ask the board to hold a meeting to reconsider its initial decision. Board of Trustees Chairperson: ________________________ 21/09/10 Policy reviewed 24 August 2010. Next review date 24 August 2013. |
