Important Information for Families of Elementary Students
Ontario Regulation 440/20 (Suspension of Elementary School Pupils), under the Ontario Education Act, limits the suspension of students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3 for many suspension-related behaviours. In these grades, schools use a progressive approach to discipline that includes early and ongoing interventions to promote positive behaviour supports and interventions whenever appropriate.
However, mandatory suspension may still apply in certain serious situations, including some incidents of bullying where a student’s continuing presence creates an unacceptable risk to another person’s safety, or where the bullying is motivated by bias, prejudice or hate.
Activities That Can Lead to Suspension
The following information applies to elementary students in Grades 4 to 8.
For students in Junior Kindergarten (JK) to Grade 3, different Ministry guidelines apply. While suspension is generally not imposed for students in JK to Grade 3, the Principal may be required to consider a suspension if a student has engaged in specific behaviours outlined in Board policy and Ministry regulations.
For students in Grades 4 to 8, 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 8, the Principal may suspend the student and begin an investigation to determine whether expulsion is appropriate.
Academic Support
An elementary student suspension may be either a short-term suspension (1–5 school days) or a long-term suspension (6–20 school days), depending on the situation and after careful consideration by the principal.
In some cases, particularly for longer suspensions, students may be required to participate in an academic program in an alternative learning environment to continue their education during this time.
These programs are offered at four designated elementary school sites across the Board. The specific location for your child will be determined based on your home address and will be discussed with you during an intake meeting to ensure a smooth and supportive transition.
Student Action Plan (SAP)
To support the success of the learning program, a Student Action Plan (SAP) will be developed for your child. This plan is designed to guide their learning, well-being and positive return to school.
In developing the SAP, the school Principal carefully considers your child’s individual needs, the length of the suspension and the nature and severity of the behaviour that led to the suspension, including any mitigating and other relevant factors.
This thoughtful approach helps ensure that appropriate supports are in place to promote growth, accountability and a successful transition back to school.
What Elementary Families Can Expect
The school is committed to supporting both the student and family with care, clarity and understanding throughout the process.
Each situation is approached thoughtfully, with a focus on student well-being and a successful path forward.
Families can expect:
- Clear communication from the school about the incident and next steps
- Consideration of the student’s age, individual needs and circumstances
- Discussion of supports, accommodations and safety planning, where appropriate
- A welcoming re-entry plan to help the student return successfully, when applicable
Will There Be a Permanent Record That my Child Attended This Program?
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.