POLICIES & PROCEDURES:
Suspensions & Expulsions 

• 1.1 In the normal operation of a school, instances may arise in which a student commits a serious infraction of school or CISVA policy. This serious infraction may lead to the student’s being suspended or expelled from the school. When dealing with such matters, schools are required to act for the protection of all members of the school community.
  
  
• 1.1.1 An expulsion is usually preceded by a suspension, during which the student is denied the privilege of attending school and all school-related activities. Suspension from school is considered to be a serious penalty for behaviour which, if continued, would ultimately result in an expulsion.
  
  
• 1.1.2 The Principal is required to investigate fully every serious infraction to the best of his/her ability and is required to maintain documentation that accurately records the incident and the investigation. This documentation would be used to support the school’s decision to suspend and/or expel.
  
  
• 1.1.3 A suspension is decided upon by the Principal or Vice-Principal only after thorough investigation. The length of the suspension must fit the severity of the infraction. No student shall be suspended for a period exceeding one school day without prior consultation between the Principal or Vice-Principal and the Pastor/Archbishop’s Representative and/or the Chairperson of the Education Committee. A written notification of suspension must be given to the parents or guardians. The letter must contain the school’s expectations of the student if re-admission to the school is granted.
  
  
• 1.1.4 If the Principal has determined that the incident is serious enough to warrant expulsion, the Principal must immediately consult the Pastor/Archbishop’s Representative and the Education Committee Chairperson. During this consultation period, the student will be suspended. After the consultation, the Principal will make his/her decision about the expulsion and inform the student’s parents or guardians, either in person or by telephone.
  
  
• 1.1.5 Appropriate arrangements must be made for the student to leave the school. A written notification must be given to the parents or guardians within twenty-four hours of the expulsion.
  
  
• 1.1.6 Parents may appeal a suspension or expulsion decision. (See Complaints Policy – Mar 1/2005)