Expulsion Guidelines

An expulsion means that a student is removed from school for an indefinite period of time. Unlike a suspension, there is no set end date, and a return to school is determined through a formal process.

Even during this time, students continue to be supported. They will:

• Be provided with opportunities to continue their education through an alternative program
• Be offered non-academic supports, such as counselling, to help promote positive behaviour and personal growth

An expulsion may apply in different ways:

• A student may be expelled from their current school only
• In more serious cases, a student may be expelled from all schools within the school board

If a student is expelled from all schools in the board, they are not permitted to attend school or participate in regular school activities or events, such as field trips or school teams, during that time.

Expulsion may be considered in serious situations where a student’s behaviour may pose a risk to the safety or well-being of others, in accordance with the Ontario Education Act.

For students in Junior Kindergarten to Grade 3, the Principal will investigate the incident and consult with the Superintendent of Education to determine whether a suspension or expulsion should be considered.

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

Examples of behaviours that may lead to expulsion include:

• Possessing a weapon, including a firearm
• Using a weapon to cause or threaten harm
• Physical assault causing injury requiring medical attention
• Sexual assault
• Trafficking in weapons or illegal drugs
• Committing robbery
• Providing alcohol or cannabis to a minor
• Repeated bullying where safety is at risk
• Behaviour motivated by bias, prejudice or hate
• Other activities outlined in Board policy

These behaviours may be considered, whether they occur:

• At school
• During a school-related activity (e.g., field trip)
• In other situations that impact the school climate (e.g., cyberbullying)

Before making a decision, the Principal carefully considers the whole child and the full context of the situation. This includes:

• The student’s academic, behavioural and personal history
• Whether the student has an Individual Education Plan (IEP)
• Any medical or learning needs
• The student’s age
• Whether the behaviour may be connected to experiences of harassment or discrimination

Each case is approached with compassion, fairness and a commitment to student growth.

If you wish to review the situation and provide input, an expulsion hearing will be scheduled, where all relevant information will be carefully considered before a final decision is made.

• The Board’s Safe Schools Suspension and Expulsion Committee hears the matter
• Families have a right to participate in the process
• Documents for the hearing must be submitted in advance
• The student must be offered access to appropriate programming during long-term suspension or expulsion

Expulsion hearings are private proceedings under the Ontario Education Act.

Those who may attend include:

• The student
• Parents/guardians (unless the student is 18+, or 16–17 and withdrawn from parental control)
• The school Principal
• A supervisory officer
• Legal counsel (if applicable)*

*Advance notice of legal representation must be provided. If not, the hearing may be rescheduled.

Expulsion hearings are overseen by the Safe and Caring School Superintendent.

• A written request for a hearing must be submitted within 10 school days of the expulsion start date
• The hearing will take place within 15 school days of the request
• The decision is made by a committee panel of three officials

The hearing is structured to ensure fairness and that all voices are heard.

During the hearing:

• The process is explained and participants are introduced
• The Principal’s Report and supporting documents are shared
• School representatives present information
• Parents/guardians are invited to speak
• The student may share their perspective
• Both parties may offer closing remarks

The committee will then carefully review all information before making a decision.

Families will receive a Principal’s Report before the hearing, which includes:

• Academic and behavioural history
• Previous supports and interventions
• Relevant mitigating and other factors

This helps ensure families are fully informed and prepared.

After the expulsion hearing, the committee panel will decide either:

• not to expel the student and one of the following:
  • confirm the suspension and its length
  • confirm the student is still suspended, but shorten the length of the suspension and update the student's record
  • overturn the suspension and remove it from the student's record
• to expel the student only from their school or from all schools in the school board

After a student is expelled, parents will receive a written expulsion notice with information about:

• how to appeal the decision
• what happens next

In most cases, the decision is shared at the end of the hearing. A written decision is also sent to the student or parent(s)/guardian(s)

Parents/guardians may appeal an expulsion decision by submitting a request through the Child and Family Services Review Board of the Ontario government’s Child and Family Services system.

Appeals must be submitted within 30 school days of receiving the written decision.

This process is designed to uphold both accountability and compassion, ensuring that each student is treated with dignity while maintaining safe and caring school environments for all.