Secondary Student Suspension

For students in Grades 9 to 12, a suspension may be used when a serious incident has occurred and the Principal determines that a formal response is required.

In Ontario, secondary school suspensions can last from 1 to 20 school days. Principals must consider mitigating factors before suspending.

Suspensions over 5 days require mandatory programs, with 11-20 days including non-academic components.

In more serious situations, student behaviour may also be considered for expulsion.

The Principal may consider a suspension when a student engages in behaviours that impact the safety, well-being or dignity of others.

Examples may include:

• Inappropriate or unsafe behaviour
• Bullying, including cyberbullying
• Possession of alcohol, cannabis, or prohibited substances
• Damage to property
• Swearing at a teacher or authority figure
• Other behaviours outlined in Board policy and Ministry guidelines

Each situation is reviewed carefully. The Principal considers:

• The student’s individual circumstances
• The impact on others
• Mitigating and other relevant factors

Some behaviours may require the Principal to consider expulsion, particularly when safety is at risk or when behaviour is repeated or severe.

For students in Grades 4 to 12, the Principal will immediately suspend the student and begin an investigation to determine whether expulsion is appropriate.

Families are notified as quickly as possible when an incident occurs, ensuring they are informed in a timely and respectful manner.

• The Principal conducts a thorough and careful investigation of the incident to understand what occurred and to gather all relevant information.
• Before confirming next steps, the Principal considers mitigating and other relevant factors, including the student’s individual circumstances and the impact of the behaviour.
• During the suspension, the student will be provided with schoolwork or connected to a program of study, particularly in cases of long-term suspensions, to help ensure continuity in learning and support their successful return to school.

A secondary student suspension may be:

• Short-term (1–5 school days)
• Long-term (6–20 school days)

For students on a long-term suspension of 6-10 school days, the board offers academic support at an off-site facility. For students on a long-term suspension of 11-20 school days, the board offers academic and non-academic support at an off-site facility.

The program supports:

• Academic continuity
• Personal growth and reflection
• Preparation for a successful return to school

Participation expectations will be discussed during the intake process.

To support your child’s success, a Student Action Plan (SAP) will be developed to guide their learning, well-being and positive return to school.

Before your child begins the program, and if the family accepts this opportunity, a meeting will be held at their home school. At this meeting, the Principal will develop the SAP, tailored to your child’s individual needs and outlining the program’s objectives. This ensures that appropriate supports and expectations are clearly established from the outset.

In addition to this meeting, an intake meeting will be held at the program site, if the family accepts this opportunity. Parents/guardians are expected to attend, and the meeting provides an opportunity to review the program, discuss goals and ensure a smooth and supportive transition for your child.

The Principal carefully considers:

• Your child’s individual needs
• The length of the suspension
• The nature and severity of the behaviour
• Any mitigating and other relevant factors

Students with an identified exceptionality will be provided with appropriate supports, consistent with their Individual Education Plan (IEP). Accommodations will be discussed and incorporated during the development of the Student Action Plan (SAP) to ensure your child is fully supported.

The school is committed to working in partnership with families to ensure that each student is treated with fairness and compassion and to promote a safe and supportive learning environment.

Families can expect:

• Clear and timely communication from the school
• A fair and compassionate review of the situation
• Consideration of the student’s voice and individual circumstances
• Access to supports, where appropriate
• A structured re-entry meeting and plan to support a successful return to school

In more serious situations, additional steps may be required. In these cases, families may be informed that the incident is being considered for expulsion.

Additional processes, expectations and available supports will be discussed to ensure families feel informed and supported every step of the way.

Your child remains on the enrolment register of their school during the suspension.

Documentation, including suspension letters, is added to the student’s Ontario Student Record (OSR) and may be shredded following a retention of two years, or longer for serious incidents.