St Joseph's School
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St Joseph's School may need to 
stand–down, suspend, or exclude a student. This is part of the board responsibility to maintain a safe and effective learning environment.
We approach any stand-down, suspension, or exclusion in a fair and flexible manner. We consider all the circumstances and options available to us before making a decision. Our board and principal consider learning support or other behavioural needs as part of their decision-making. Every situation is different and requires a different approach. Our principal and board seek advice when needed.
In the proceedings, we ensure everyone:
In any case of stand-down, suspension, or exclusion, we follow Ministry of Education guidelines. This includes giving parents/caregivers relevant information. See Stand-downs, suspensions, exclusions and expulsions 
.
We do not use informal imposed absences for disciplinary reasons. The only way the school removes a student from the school is through stand-downs, suspensions, or exclusions.
Key roles in a stand-down, suspension, or exclusion
The principal is responsible for standing down or suspending a student. They must have reasonable grounds that gross misconduct or continued disobedience is:
The principal has a duty to students who have been stood down or suspended. The principal must take reasonable actions to make sure the student has guidance and counselling, provide an educational programme to help the student returning to school, and minimise educational disadvantages from the absence.
As soon as practicable, the board provides the student and their parents/caregivers with the following in writing:
The student and parents/caregivers must receive the material at least two days before the meeting.
The student may:
Parents/Caregivers may also attend the board meeting. They may also be directed by the Ministry to enrol their child at a distance school if their child cannot return to the school or attend a new school.
Stand-down
The principal tells the Ministry and parents/caregivers of the student the reason for the stand-down and the stand-down period.
A stand-down can be for more than one specified period. The period(s) cannot exceed five days in a term or 10 days within a school year. The principal can lift the stand-down early or shorten it for any reason. If the principal decides that there were not reasonable grounds, they must withdraw the stand-down on ENROL. The principal must inform anyone who was informed about the stand-down that they've withdrawn or shortened it.
After a student is stood down, the principal, student, and/or their parents/caregivers may request a stand-down meeting. If the parent/caregiver requests the meeting, the principal arranges the meeting as soon as practical. The purpose of this meeting is to discuss the stand-down and share information about it. We may also use the meeting to decide next steps for the student.
Suspension
After suspending a student, the principal informs the board, Ministry, and parents/caregivers of the reason for the suspension. The principal also provides the board with a written report that includes all relevant information.
The board convenes a meeting to consider circumstances relevant to the suspension. A quorum of the board is required for a suspension meeting, or the board may delegate the power to make suspension decisions to a committee of at least two board members. The board must carefully consider every available statutory option available to them. The statutory options available to the board are:
The board:
If the suspension is lifted, the student must return to school on the next school day.
If the meeting is not held or a decision is not reached, suspensions automatically end after seven school days or 10 calendar days if the student is suspended within seven days before the end of the term.
Exclusion
If a student is excluded, the principal tries to find a suitable and convenient school for the student to attend. If a school cannot be found after 10 school days, the principal informs the Ministry about the steps they've taken to find one. The Ministry may:
The Ministry must take steps to consult with the student, parents/caregivers, the board, and other relevant people/organisations before the student returns to the school.
Until the student enrols at another school, they remain on our register.
We may refuse to enrol a student who has been excluded from another school unless the Ministry directs otherwise. Our school complies with any direction from the Ministry to enrol an excluded student from another school.
The principal assures the board that the school complies with the correct procedure and reporting requirements relating to stand-down, suspension, and exclusion. See Review Schedule and Board Assurances.
(information for parents and caregivers) (see parent/guardian information sheets)Release history: Term 2 2024, Term 3 2023, Term 4 2022, Term 3 2022, Term 4 2021, Term 4 2019
