JKA-P1 - Detention, Probation, Suspension and Expulsion of Students

Detention of students as a disciplinary measure is acceptable, providing the following guidelines are adhered to:

1. Students detained as a disciplinary measure at recess must be given a short break just prior to or following the recess.

2. Students on detention must be supervised.

3. Transported students must not be detained at the end of the school day, unless arrangements have been made for their transportation home.

4. Pupils in grades Kindergarten through Grade 6 must be given a midday intermission of at least forty-five minutes.  [M.R. 101/95, 5(3)(4)]

A student who has misbehaved may be placed on probation by the Principal.

The student on probation must show a conscientious effort to improve conduct or may be suspended by the Principal.

Student Suspension

To maximize a student’s opportunity to acquire the education required to function successfully in today’s complex world, it is imperative that each student attend school on a regular basis.  Any interruption in student attendance interferes with the student’s learning process.  When a problem occurs with a student, every reasonable effort should be made by the Teachers and the Principal to resolve the problem without requiring the student’s absence from school: for example, counselling, detentions, communication with the home, in-school suspension (if feasible), etc.  A process of “progressive discipline” should always be practised in recognition of the student’s rights, the student's ability to behave differently in the circumstances, legal requirements, and the student’s need for an education.  Nonetheless, when a suspension becomes necessary, the procedures outlined in Procedure JKC-P1 shall be followed. 

Alternative programming shall be arranged for students who are suspended for more than 5 days.

Schools will keep records on the nature and duration of all suspensions, both in-school and out of school.  Written plans will be developed for students who have been suspended out of school more than two times during a school year.

Suspension is a temporary stopping of a pupil’s right to attend school, by someone having authority to do so.  The following shall apply:

1. The Principal of any school may suspend a pupil who persists in conduct which is deemed to be injurious to the welfare of the school.  This suspension is not to exceed a period of five days, unless specifically approved by the Superintendent’s department.

2. The Superintendent’s department shall be notified immediately of the suspension.

3. Every case of suspension shall be covered by a report to the Superintendent within 24 hours.  The Principal shall prepare a report on the form provided and forward it to the Superintendent’s department.  (See Exhibit JKC-E1)

4. The parent or guardian shall be notified of the suspension in person or by telephone, as soon as possible, followed by written notification within 24 hours, setting out:

   1. The name of the pupil;

   2. The period of suspension;

   3. The act(s) or conduct for which the said pupil was suspended; and,

   4. The terms of readmission to school.

   5. Exhibit JKC-E1 be used to communicate with parents.

5. Exhibit JKC-E1 should be added to the student's cumulative file. 

6. The Principal will complete the PSSD School Suspensions Form (note year) in google.

7. The Board authorizes the Superintendent to suspend, for a period not exceeding six weeks, a pupil who persists in conduct which is deemed injurious to him/herself or the welfare of others or school property.  Suspensions will be reported to the Board, annually. 

8. Prior to a student’s return to class after a period of suspension, the Principal shall meet with the student to discuss expectations and to establish a climate that will enhance the prospect of successful student re-entry to the program.

Note:

A suspended student is required to continue his/her program of studies, to the extent that it is possible, while on suspension.  A student will not be allowed to participate in extracurricular activities during a suspension. [Manitoba Safe and Caring Schools Act, Provincial Code of Conduct, 2014]

Suspension by a Teacher

A Teacher in a school may suspend from the classroom, for a period of not more than two days, a pupil who engages in conduct that the Teacher considers detrimental to the classroom learning environment; and if the school has adopted a code of conduct, that contravenes that code.

A Teacher who suspends a pupil must promptly document and report the suspension to the Principal, who must keep a record of each suspension.

The Principal shall ensure that the parent/guardian is promptly informed of a suspension and the reasons for the suspension.

If at any time the Board is of the opinion that a Teacher has repeatedly suspended an individual pupil from a classroom for reasons that are not justified; or has repeatedly exercised his or her right to suspend pupils from the classroom in a manner or for reasons that are not justified; the Board may limit or place conditions on the Teacher’s right to suspend either with respect to an individual pupil or generally. 

Revised September 8. 2020

Expulsion of a Student

Authority to Expel

Under the Public Schools Act, Section 48(4), the Board may expel a student from schools in the Division on the grounds that his/her conduct is deemed injurious to the welfare of the school.  

Process

When expulsion is being considered, the following process must occur:

1. the expulsion has been recommended by the Principal and the Superintendent;

2. the student and parent/guardian (or student if aged 18 or over) have been notified in writing of

   1. the recommendation of the Principal and the Superintendent, and

   2. the right of the student and parent/guardian (or student if aged 18 or over) to make a presentation at a hearing to be conducted by the Board;

3. the Principal of the student has been notified and requested to appear at the hearing to be conducted by the School Board;

4. such a hearing has been conducted.

Re-entry to System

An expelled student may, on written appeal from the parent/guardian (or student if aged 18 or over) be considered for re-entry to a Division school at a future date.  Alternative programming for students under the age of 18 who are expelled, shall be offered and arranged.

Definition

Expulsion is here defined as an exclusion from school by Board motion for a period of longer than six weeks.  (Exclusion from school for a period under six weeks is defined as a suspension, and does not require Board motion).