Suspension and Expulsion Guidelines

Purpose

This policy outlines the procedures and principles for student suspension and expulsion at Avondale School. It is designed to support a safe and respectful learning environment and to uphold the school’s commitment to restorative justice and Christian values of compassion, accountability, and reconciliation.

Scope

This policy applies to all students enrolled at Avondale School from Kindergarten to Year 12.

Definitions

A suspension is a temporary removal of a student from all classes that a student would normally attend at school for a set period of time. The student may be required to stay at home during this period, or to complete an in-school suspension. This is typically one to three days, however, can be more than 3 days if the behaviour or impact on others warrants this level of action.

Expulsion is cancelling the enrollment of a student or requesting their withdrawal, resulting in the permanent removal of a student from Avondale School.

Guiding Principles

  • Every student is valued as a unique individual made in the image of God.
  • All students have the right to learn in a safe, inclusive, and respectful environment.
  • Suspension or expulsion is considered a last resort after other interventions have been exhausted.
  • The school is committed to procedural fairness and natural justice.
  • Parents/guardians are key partners in the disciplinary process.

Grounds for Suspension or Expulsion

Serious behavioural breaches may warrant suspension or expulsion, including but not limited to:

  • Physical violence or threats of violence
  • Possession or use of illegal substances
  • Harassment, bullying, or intimidation (including cyberbullying)
  • Repeated disobedience or disruptive behaviour
  • Theft, vandalism, or damage to property
  • Possession of weapons or dangerous items
  • Gross disrespect toward staff or students
  • Breaches of the school’s Code of Conduct or enrolment agreement
  • Ongoing disruptive or disrespectful behaviour.

Suspension Procedures

  1. Initial Investigation: The Assistant Head of School or designated staff member conducts a thorough investigation of the incident.
  2. Notification: Parents/guardians are informed as soon as possible if a suspension is being considered.
  3. Decision: The Secondary Campus Discipline Committee/Primary Campus Leadership Team may impose a suspension for a determined period of time.
  4. Type of suspension: The suspension imposed may be at school (student at school but completing school work in a designated area or at home. The Head of School reserves the right to decide on the most appropriate suspension, given consideration to the offense, student involved and the impact to others.
  5. Written Notice: A formal letter outlining the reasons, duration, and expectations for return is sent to the family.
  6. Support Plan: A re-entry meeting is held before the student returns to school to ensure support and successful reintegration. A behaviour card will likely be a condition of return.

Expulsion Procedures

  1. Serious Incident Review: Incidents warranting expulsion are reviewed by the Principal in consultation with the Secondary Campus Discipline Committee/Primary Campus Leadership Team.
  2. Parental Involvement: Parents/guardians are invited to a meet/phone to discuss the situation.
  3. Decision: The Heads of School, in consultation with the Principal make the final decision on expulsion, ensuring due process and documentation.
  4. Written Notification: The Heads of School inform parents of the decision. A formal letter is issued stating the reasons for the expulsion, effective date, and appeal options.

Re-Enrolment Following Expulsion

In cases where a student has been expelled or their enrolment withdrawn following serious disciplinary action, re-enrolment will not be considered for a minimum period of 12 months. Any application for re-enrolment after this period will be subject to a thorough review process and is not guaranteed. The school reserves the right to deny re-enrolment where it is deemed not to be in the best interest of the student or the school community.

Appeals Process

Parents/guardians may appeal a suspension or expulsion decision in writing to the Principal within 10 working days of the decision. The appeal process follows the school’s Student Discipline - Right to Appeal Guidelines.

Student Support

  • During suspension, access to learning materials will be provided.
  • Counselling or behaviour support may be offered as part of the reintegration plan.
  • The school will liaise with external agencies where appropriate to support student wellbeing.

Confidentiality

All suspension and expulsion matters will be treated with strict confidentiality. Information will be shared only with those directly involved.


EVALUATION: This policy was last updated in April 2025 and will be reviewed as part of a three-year school policy review cycle in 2028.