Student Behaviour Management Policy

Overview

The Education Training and Reform Act 2006 – Sec 4.3.1 requires that policies relating to the discipline of students are based on principles of procedural fairness and must not permit corporal punishment.

Every student has the right to a learning environment free from bullying, intimidation, discrimination, harassment and to feel safe, happy and secure at school.  They also have the right to be treated fairly, respectfully and with dignity.  Wesley College is committed to maintaining such a learning environment to promote positive student behaviour of all students, across all campuses, and to reduce and resolve conflict.

Behaviour management is necessary to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all our students, teachers and staff and to provide a conducive and positive learning environment.  This Student Behaviour Management Policy sets the framework through which Wesley College manages student behaviour and defines the procedures which govern breaches of our Student Rights and Responsibilities Charter and Wesley College Expectations and other circumstances in which sanctions may be imposed by the School in relation to the behaviour and conduct of a student.

Purpose
  • Wesley College affirms that a culture of positive behaviour and high levels of student engagement are essential as prerequisites for student learning and wellbeing.
  • The purpose of this policy and related policy implementation documents is to provide students, staff and parents and carers with clarity as to the behaviour expected of students at Wesley College and the responses and consequences when those expectations are breached.
  • The Behaviour Management policy sets out the principles and framework governing the school’s approach to the development of positive student behaviour and engagement.  The policy, together with the policy implementation documents should be read and understood by all those connected to the school.
  • The Policy should be read in conjunction with the Suspension and Expulsion policy.
Principles
  • The school believes that it has a responsibility, in partnership with parents and carers, to create a culture of positive behaviour with high levels of student engagement.
  • The school is committed to ensuring its behaviour management policy and procedures are fair and reasonable.
  • The school prohibits corporal punishment.
  • Behavioural expectations, standards and sanctions are stated clearly for the benefit of students, parents, and staff.
  • The behaviour policy and its implementation are age appropriate.
  • The school will ensure that the application of its behaviour policy is fair, consistent, and non-discriminatory.
Aims
  • To support the school and its employees, parents and students in creating a culture of positive behaviour with high levels of student engagement as essential prerequisites for learning.
  • To set out the school’s clear expectations in relation to positive student behaviour and in so doing to define what constitutes unacceptable behaviour.
  • To set out clearly the consequences when standards of behaviour are breached.
  • To comply with the requirements of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic.) to implement a behaviour management policy and procedures.
Legal and Regulatory Basis for Compliance
  • Duty of Care
  • Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Vic.)
  • Education and Training Reform Regulations (2017)
  • Ministerial Order 625 (March 2014) (applies to government schools but may be used as a reference document for non-government schools)
  • Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) Minimum Standards
  • Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic.)
  • Disability Standards for Education 2005 (Cth)
Scope
  1. The application of the policy is relevant to the College Council, Principal, school staff, students, parents and carers
  2. The Student Behaviour Management Policy is communicated to staff, students, parents  and carers and the College community:
    • via Professional Learning modules
    • on the Staff Intranet – Policies
    • in the Student Record Book and Campus Handbooks
    • on the Parent Portal
    • via the Campus Newsletter
    • via Information Evenings and College and campus communications
    • through the College/Campus Pastoral Care Program
Policy

Students are expected to uphold the Rights and Responsibility Charter, abide by the Wesley College Expectations, and the directions of teachers and staff.

Examples of written expectations that students are expected to follow are dealt with in:

  • Wesley College- Rights and Responsibilities Charter
  • Wesley College Expectations
  • Student Behaviour Code of Conduct
  • Use of College Equipment
  • Bullying and Anti-Harassment Policy
  • Community Conduct Policy
  • College Community Grievance Policy
  • Campus Homework and Study Policy
  • Cocurricular Expectations
  • Drug Education and Support Policy
  • Responsible Use Agreement for Digital Technologies
  • Outdoor Education
  • Clunes
  • Yiramalay/Wesley Studio School
  • Sport
  • Uniform and Personal Presentation
Behaviour Management and Expectations

Wesley College seeks to develop a positive learning culture by setting clear expectations of all students and encouraging positive behaviour, including online behaviour.

Strategies for developing this culture include:

  • clearly articulating expectations with respect to student behaviour
  • establishing specific teaching, learning and wellbeing programs that address respectful relationships
  • communicating expectations with the wider college community
  • acknowledging positive behaviours in a range of ways from informal verbal  acknowledgement through to structured merit awards for academics, endeavour and character
  • maintaining accurate and up-to-date records with respect to student behaviour
Wesley College - Rights and Responsibilities Charter

The Wesley College Rights and Responsibilities Charter is a shared agreement devised in partnership by students and staff to clearly outline and describe the rights and responsibilities, and associated behaviour expected by all members of the Wesley College community.  All members of the College community are expected to adhere to the expectations outlined and in doing so, the Wesley College Rights and Responsibilities Charter also establishes a code of behaviour for all members of the Wesley College community.

Values and aspirations that underpin the Rights and Responsibilities Charter :

  • Respect
  • Kindness
  • Acceptance
  • Honesty
  • Happiness

All members of the College community have the right to:

  • Feel physically and emotionally included and safe, respecting their own boundaries and those of others.
  • Enjoy mutually respectful relationships, considerate of other people’s emotions and the need for personal space.
  • Be listened to with open-mindedness and be accepting of the ideas of others.
  • Be accepted as individuals and free to express their identity and beliefs.
  • Learn in a supportive environment where each person can strive for their personal best.

All members of the Wesley College community have the responsibility to:

  • Demonstrate respect for self, others, and the environment, treating all people with kindness and dignity.
  • Act fairly and communicate honestly, upholding our individual and community values and beliefs.
  • Contribute to a positive culture where all people can feel valued and flourish.
  • Acknowledge that all people make mistakes and work towards forgiveness.
  • Cultivate an environment that embraces diversity, self-expression and acceptance of difference.* The Rights and Responsibilities Charter should be read in conjunction with the Wesley College Expectations and the Student Behaviour Management Policy and supporting framework.
Wesley College Expectations

The Wesley College Expectations outline the positive behaviours that aim to foster a safe, cooperative and positive learning environment in which the rights and responsibilities of both students and staff are expected to be upheld and respected.

It is the responsibility of all students to behave in a manner that demonstrates respect.  At Wesley College, we encourage behaviours in the school community that positively influence the learning and wellbeing of others in the promotion of a safe, inclusive, supportive and cohesive community.  Students have an obligation to not infringe the rights of others, nor bring discredit through their behaviours and actions on themselves, other students, staff or members of the College or wider community.

It is an expectation that students adhere to the following positive behaviours:

  • Treat others with respect and dignity, always behaving with kindness and courtesy to allow all to be valued for their individuality.
  • Respect the role and direction of College staff and College leadership with their right to assist on upholding appropriate behaviour and expectations.
  • Demonstrate inclusivity and celebrate diversity.
  • Be understanding and accepting of differences whether these be related to age, race, gender, or beliefs.
  • Engage in positive language and behaviours which do not cause offence, physical/emotional injury, or intimidation to another person.
  • Encourage and engage in behaviours that positively influence the learning and wellbeing of others in the promotion of a safe, inclusive, supportive, and cohesive learning community.
  • Respect the personal space and boundaries of self and others.
  • Demonstrate respect for the learning environment to ensure our learning spaces are free from unacceptable behaviour, including disruption, discrimination, harassment in any form, bullying, vilification, victimisation, and violence.
  • Maintain academic integrity in all academic tasks, assessments and examinations while striving to achieve personal excellence.
  • Be punctual to Homeroom/Tutor Group, academic lessons, assemblies, year level activities and cocurricular commitments, always demonstrating a cooperative and respectful attitude in and beyond the classroom by listening, assisting others, encouraging others, allowing others to voice opinions and ideas and seek help in an appropriate and non-threatening manner.
  • Complete tasks and adhere to deadlines with academic work.
  • Maintain a safe, healthy, and supportive school culture by refraining from involvement in any form of prohibited and illegal activities such as alcohol, drugs, smoking, vaping, gambling, theft, weapons, arson.
  • Use social and other electronic forms of media, digital platforms, mobile phones/devices appropriately and responsibly, refraining from using such mediums to vilify, intimidate, isolate, or bully another student, staff member or member of the broader College or general community.
  • Refrain from recording and/or posting images/footage of students and staff in school uniform either on or off school grounds.
  • Respect and encourage others to respect both personal and college property by refraining from littering, vandalism, graffiti, theft, damage, or destruction.
  • Wear the College uniform with pride and in alignment with College expectations both within and beyond the classroom and on all forms of personal and public transport.
  • Positively represent the College in all settings. For example, when travelling to and from school, on excursions, camps, tours, or other school events.
  • Act as an upstander to maintain the Rights and Responsibilities Charter by reporting unacceptable behaviour or concerns and participating in a complaints process as required.
  • Behave in a manner that upholds the values of Wesley College and does not bring the College’s reputation into disrepute.

To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students, staff and members of the broader College community, to create security of personal and College property and to uphold the values of the College, it is necessary from time to time to apply sanctions against a student because of their behaviour.  Such sanctions seek to raise awareness, educate and initiate behavioural change, and, when appropriate, are applied after attempts to achieve positive behavioural improvement by providing targeted behavioural or educational support or interventions.

Restorative Practice

The College supports a restorative approach to breaches of the Rights and Responsibility Charter and the Wesley College Expectations and deals with them in such a way that the rights of all individuals are involved, protected and supported.  Where it is necessary for a sanction to be imposed, it will be done in such a way as not to be biased or seen to be biased.  In addition, the circumstances surrounding the breach of expectations will be considered, as will the interests of the individual and the College/Campus community.  The age of the student, their educational needs, and their residential and social circumstances will also be considered.

Rewards

In the same way that restorative practices provide an important opportunity to raise awareness, educate and restore relationships to move forward in a positive way, reward systems are equally important in recognising, acknowledging, and reinforcing positive behaviours.

The Wesley College Reward system is outlined below:

  1. Verbal recognition for displaying positive behaviours in relation to respectful relationships, academia and/or upholding the values of the College.

A student may receive verbal recognition from a staff member face-to-face or via the telephone to a parent.

Reporting: Staff members should note this positive affirmation on the student’s profile on WiSE and ‘tag’ the student’s Homeroom Teacher/Tutor and Head of Year/Head of House.

  1. Written recognition to parent/carer from the Head of Year, Head of House, Head of School or Head of Campus acknowledging the display of positive behaviours in relation to respectful relationships, academia and/or upholding the values of the College.

Reporting: Staff members should note this positive affirmation on the student’s profile on WiSE, email the parent/carer and ‘tag’ the student’s Homeroom Teacher/Tutor and Head of Year/Head of House.

  1. Awarding of the R.O.A.R Prize.  Students can be nominated per mini school per Campus every term and the student is profiled at the Campus Assembly, newsletter and other mediums.  This award recognises good character and is awarded by students and staff who nominate a student who exemplifies the character-based criteria that aligns with R.O.A.R - Respect. Opportunity. Achievement. Resilience.  A student awarded the R.O.A.R Prize will have consistently demonstrated the values of a Wesley education through our R.O.A.R approach to learning and wellbeing.

Reporting: Staff members should utilise the ROAR student nomination form to nominate students for this award. Link available on WiSE.

The respective Head of School office should ensure that appropriate acknowledgement of this award takes place at the termly mini-school assembly.  Students will be awarded the R.O.A.R badge to be worn on the College blazer.  The Head of School office should also ensure that the award is loaded on WiSE and on the student’s profile on Synergetic under ‘Awards’.

  1. Formal recognition by way of certificate, prize, medal, trophy or shield acknowledging academic excellence, academic growth and/or community engagement via School assemblies and formal school events.

Reporting: The respective Head of School office should ensure that the award is lodged on the student’s profile on WiSE and ‘tag’ the student’s Homeroom Teacher/Tutor and Head of Year/Head of House.

The Head of School office should also ensure that the award is lodged on the student’s profile on Synergetic under ‘Awards’.

Sanctions

Where a student has not met the acceptable standards of behaviour, the College may impose sanctions on a student for breaches of the Rights and Responsibilities Charter and/or the Wesley College Expectations while in attendance at school, travelling to or from school or engaging in any school activity away from the School (including travelling to and from that activity) whilst in school uniform, representing the school in casual dress or within the vicinity of the School premises.  These sanctions take precedence over a student’s College commitments.

Procedural Fairness

In all cases, students have a right to procedural fairness in dealings that involve their interests. This includes decisions involving the sanctions imposed for breaches of the Wesley College Rights and Responsibility Charter and the Wesley College Expectations. Wesley College is committed to ensuring procedural fairness when disciplining our students.

The principles of procedural fairness include the right to:

  • know and understand the Wesley College Rights and Responsibilities Charter
  • know what the Wesley College Expectations are, and what behaviour is expected of students
  • have decisions determined by a reasonable and unbiased person
  • know the allegations that have been made, and to respond to them
  • be heard before a decision is made
  • to have a decision reviewed (but not so, as to delay an immediate sanction).
Escalation Scales

Before a sanction is imposed (other than suspension or expulsion from the College), the student involved must have had a reasonable opportunity to be heard. Any information or documentation provided by the student must have been considered in making the decision, and other forms of action to address the behaviour such as restorative practices should be considered.

The following is a five-level escalation scale that details a series of sanctions which may be imposed because of inappropriate and unacceptable breaches of the Rights and Responsibilities Charter and/or Wesley College Expectations. The sanctions outlined below apply to the Junior School, Middle School and Senior School and will be imposed according to the level of severity and repeated nature of the breach and in accordance with the age and stage of development of the child.

LEVEL 1 - Verbal Warning

Behaviour: Examples may include (but are not limited to): Disruption in class, inability to follow teacher direction, unsafe behaviour such as running in corridors, speaking over others, isolated uniform breach

Procedure: Teacher issues a verbal warning using restorative practice:

Effective Statement (affective statement) as set out below

Example: When (explain the behaviour)

I feel (worried/concerned about agreements)

I need you to (expectation)

Thanks.

Reporting: Staff member issuing the verbal warning must lodge the verbal warning on WiSE via the student’s profile page. The staff member must ‘tag’ the Homeroom Teacher (P-6) and the Tutor (7-12), Head of Year (5-9) or Head of House (10-12).

LEVEL 2 - Student Caution Notice (previously referred to as Infringement Notice)Behaviour: Examples may include (but are not limited to):

Repeated breach of uniform policy, first instance of swearing, repeated non-completion of homework, repeated disruptive behaviour, discourteous and disrespectful behaviour in and beyond the classroom.

Procedure: Staff member issues a Student Caution Notice advising the student at the time of the reason why they have been issued with the Caution Notice.  The staff member must ‘tag’ the Homeroom Teacher (P-6) or the Tutor (7-12), Head of Year (5-9) or Head of House (10-12).

Reporting: Staff member issues a Student Caution Notice on WiSE.

More than one notice per term will result in an up to 2-hour School Service. The student and the parent/carer will be notified of the impending School Service one week prior to the required service date.

Record keeping remains the responsibility of the Head of School Office.

LEVEL 3 - School Service (Up to 2 HOURS)Behaviour: Examples may include (but are not limited to):

Damage/destruction of property, dishonesty, language deemed to be offensive, repeated patterns of non-completion of work, repeated failure to follow teacher direction, discourteous and disrespectful behaviour on campus, on public transport or in a public space.

Two caution notices awarded in one term.

Procedure: Head of Year (Middle School) and Head of House (Senior School) can issue a School Service (up to 2 hours).

The student and the parent/carer will be notified of the impending School Service one week before the required service date and record keeping is managed by the Head of School Office.

Reporting: Head of Year / Head of House to ‘tag’ the Homeroom Teacher (5-6) or Tutor (7-12).
Head of School office to maintain the School Service register and lodge School Service documentation onto the student profile on WiSE.

LEVEL 4 - Suspension

A suspension is a temporary removal of a student from all classes that a student would normally attend at school for a set period.

The Head of Campus following discussion with the Head of School may suspend a student from school (internal or external) who, in the opinion of the Head of Campus has committed a serious breach or repeated breaches of the Rights and Responsibility Charter and/or Wesley College Expectations.

The Head of School will ensure that Procedural Fairness takes place prior to a decision being made except when an incident is considered a serious breach of the Wesley College Expectations.

a) Who May Decide to Suspend a Student?

Where any teacher or staff member decides that an act or the behaviour of a student may warrant suspension, the teacher or staff member must refer the matter to the Head of School.

The Head of School will investigate the matter using procedural fairness.  A report will be compiled by the Head of School for consideration by the Head of Campus who can make a reasonable and unbiased decision.

In cases where expulsion is being considered, the Principal must be informed by the Head of Campus.

In serious circumstances, a student may be summarily suspended, pending a final decision under this  policy. In this case, a meeting with the student and the student's parents/carers to review the suspension must be convened as soon as is practicable.

b) Procedural Fairness – Procedures for Suspension and Expulsion

Wesley College is committed to ensuring procedural fairness when disciplining a student. All decisions about the discipline of a student will be conducted in accordance with our Student  Behaviour Management Policy.

Procedural fairness, also known as natural justice, is generally recognised as having two elements.

The right to be heard which includes:

  • the right to know the purpose of the decision-making process and the consequences that flow from it.
  • the right to know the way in which the issues will be determined.
  • the right to be fully informed of the allegations and of any other information which will be considered in making a decision.
  • the right to have a reasonable opportunity to respond to the allegations and any other information that will be considered in making a decision.
  • the right to an appeal.

The right of a person to an impartial decision which includes:

  • the right to impartiality in the investigation and decision-making process.
  • the right to an absence of bias in the decision maker.

Where a decision is being considered to suspend a student, the Head of School with the respective Head of Year or Head of House (acting in the role as the students support person), will meet with the student to investigate the circumstances of the alleged incident.  The following information will be considered and communicated in line with procedural fairness:

  • allow the student to have a support person in their Head of Year or Head of House.
  • outline the reasons that the student is under consideration for being suspended or expelled.
  • provide the relevant expectations, policies, standards of behaviour alleged to be breached.
  • detail the relevant allegations said to warrant suspension or expulsion.
  • allow the student to provide a response, either in writing or verbally.
  • arrange a meeting with the student, and the student's parents/carers with the Head of Campus.
  • arrange for an interpreter if one is required.
  • meet with the student and the student's parents/carers and/or support person.
  • ensure that such a meeting is recorded in writing and that a decision is confirmed and conveyed.

c) Suspension and Expulsion - Consideration

The Head of School and the Head of Campus, after following the procedures set out in this policy, will decide about the facts of the allegations against the student. The Head of Campus will then decide whether to suspend a student based on the following considerations:

  • the safety of all students, staff and visitors
  • the seriousness of the student's acts
  • the response or remorse of the student, if applicable
  • the pastoral care and welfare of the student
  • the student's prospects for rehabilitation

Matters involving consideration of expulsion will be referred directly to the Principal.

d)     Suspension – Consequences

Reporting Protocols

Head of School office will document the investigatory process ensuring procedural fairness and prepare a report for the Head of Campus for consideration.

Following the investigatory process, the Head of School will notify the student and the parent/carer of the alleged incident (and if applicable) that a suspension meeting is pending following consideration by the Head of Campus.

The Head of Campus office is responsible for arranging the meeting with the student, parent/carer/Head of School.

Once a decision has been finalised to suspend the student, the Head of School will lodge the suspension letter on the student profile on WiSE ensuring that the Homeroom Teacher (P-6)  or Tutor (7-12) and the Head of Year/Head of House is included.

The Head of Campus office will record the suspension and update the Campus Suspension and Expulsion register.

A decision under this policy may result in the following consequences:

Short Suspension

A short suspension may be imposed because of reported incidences such as continued disobedience, or aggressive behaviour. The student may be suspended from attending school for a period of up to four (4) school days.  This may be internal or external.

INTERNAL (on-campus with restorative practices)

Behaviour: Examples may include (but are not limited to):

Physical violence, repeated breach of damage/destruction of property, dishonesty, language deemed to be offensive, single incident (severity to be assessed) or repeated discourteous and disrespectful behaviour in class, on school grounds, on public transport or in a public space.

Procedure: Head of School to discuss the alleged breach with the Head of Campus.

Investigatory processes enacted underpinned by procedural fairness.

Suspension meeting organised by Head of Campus office.

Head of Campus details decision and communicates decision to student and family.

Head of School oversees internal suspension on campus.

Return to School Meeting with Head of School – Restorative Reflection.

Example: W.A.R.R.M Conversation – What, Affect, Reflection, Repair, Move On.

EXTERNAL (off-campus with the possibility of probation period applied on return)

Behaviour: Examples may include (but are not limited to):

Serious breaches of Wesley College Expectations:

  • Absence from school without an acceptable excuse
  • Consuming or distributing alcohol, smoking, vaping on campus
  • Repeated offensive and disrespectful language
  • Bullying, harassment or victimisation of a student or staff member
  • Inappropriate use of the ICT Policy, social media and electronic communications
  • Theft
  • Vandalism
  • Physical Violence
  • Conduct that has adversely affected or threatened the safety of any person or is likely to result in damage to property
  • Behaviour that habitually disrupts the educational instruction of other students
  • Gambling

Procedure: Head of School to discuss the serious breach with the Head of Campus.

Investigatory processes enacted, underpinned by procedural fairness.

Suspension meeting organised by Head of Campus office.

Head of Campus details decision and communicates decision to student and family.

Head of School oversees external suspension once approved by Head of Campus.

Return to School Meeting with Head of Campus – A probationary period may be applied that will be supported by an Individual Behaviour Management Plan and regular review meetings with the relevant Head of School.

Long Suspension

A long suspension may be imposed because of reported incidences such as physical violence, possession of a weapon, possession of a suspected illegal substance or serious criminal behaviour. The student may be suspended from attending school for a period of between five (5) to twenty (20) school days.  In cases where a Long Suspension may be under consideration, the Head of Campus will discuss the matter with the Principal before imposing the long suspension.

A period of suspension, the date on which it commenced and ended, and the reasons for the suspension will be recorded on the students file on WiSE and in the Campus Suspension and Expulsion Register located in the Head of Campus Office.

The Head of School and the Head of Campus reserve the right to impose any level of sanction from Level 1 – Level 4 in the first instance depending on the severity of the breach except for Level 5 - Expulsion which remains at the discretion of the Principal of Wesley College.

e)     Individual Behaviour Management Plan

Individual Behaviour Management Plans may be implemented following a suspension. These plans will be negotiated between College staff, students and parents/carers, and will consider the student’s:

  • Age
  • developmental needs
  • behavioural context

Individual Behaviour Management Plans are designed to support the student as they transition back into the learning environment post suspension.  Desired behaviour/goals of the student will be clearly described and agreed upon by all parties. The plan will outline changes and/or support required in the learning environment to enable the student to modify their behaviour. Probationary expectations will be clearly outlined if appropriate.

The College will refer the student to additional support available and review, assess, change and modify the plan as required.  The student, staff member responsible and the parent/carer is required to sign off on the Individual Behaviour Management Plan.

f)      Alternatives to Suspension or Expulsion

Even though a student has been referred for suspension or expulsion, other consequences may be imposed.

Removal from attendance at school in conjunction with a restorative approach is sometimes required.  During suspension, the Campus may decide for the student to obtain academic instruction and to submit assignments and complete assessment tasks in isolation under staff supervision.  Wellbeing Support Services will be made available to the student whilst suspended.

A student may only return to school after they have met with the Head of Campus or the Head of School if the Head of Campus is not available.  On return to school, a student may be placed on probation for an agreed duration.  Probation requirements will be detailed in an Individual  Behaviour Management Plan that will be devised by the Head of School and the Head of Campus.  The student will be involved in a regular review process as outlined by the Head of School and Head of Campus.

LEVEL 5 - Expulsion

A student may be expelled from Wesley College. Expulsion is the permanent removal of a student from the College.  This should be considered as a last resort.

An expelled student will be un-enrolled from the College and will not be allowed to re-enrol without the permission of the Principal. A decision to expel a student may only be made after consultation and approval by the Principal.

Behaviour: Repeated serious breaches as outlined above, breach of probation and/or illegal activity that brings the College into disrepute will be referred directly to the Principal of Wesley College.  The Police may be notified immediately thereafter.

Procedure: Only the Principal of Wesley College has the authority to remove a student’s enrolment from the College.  Removal of enrolment may occur because of the above and/or:

  • Unsatisfactory attendance at school
  • A student not participating in the educational program of the College in a way that is of benefit to their educational progress
  • Failure to comply with a requirement of any applicable policy, Code of Conduct, Rights and Responsibility Charter and/or Wesley College Expectations.

a)     Notification of Decision

The decision made under this policy will be communicated in writing to the student and the student's parent/carer. The Principal will also attempt to communicate this decision verbally.  The student, and the student's parent/carer must abide by the terms and conditions of the decision.

The Principal’s Office will inform the office of the Head of Campus who will in turn notify the respective mini-school and the Admissions and Enrolments Team.

Appeals

A student may seek a review of a Suspension or Expulsion decision made under this policy. All appeals must be made in  writing, setting out the grounds of appeal.

An appeal from a decision to suspend a student must be made to the Principal.

An appeal from a decision to expel a student must be made to the College Council.

Register of Suspensions and Expulsions

Wesley College keeps a register of suspensions and expulsions at the College in electronic form. Responsibility for updating the register resides with the Head of Campus Office.

Implementation

This Policy is implemented by:

  • staff training and professional development opportunities in behaviour management.
  • communicating this policy to the College community through the Portal, Website, Campus WiSE pages and the Student  Record Book.
  • monitoring the effectiveness of the policy.
  • reviewing and evaluating the policy annually but more frequently if circumstances require this.

This Policy and other related age-appropriate behaviour management policies for Junior, Middle and    Senior Schools, and procedures including steps for managing suspensions and expulsions are communicated to staff, students, parents, carers and the College community through:

  • the Parent Portal
  • the Staff Portal
  • the Student Record Book
  • Campus WiSE pages
  • College website
  • College and campus communications
Record Keeping

The school will document all information pertaining to breaches of the Student Rights and Responsibility Charter and Wesley College Expectations using the Wesley College Record of Discussion Online Reporting Template. All documentation should be uploaded to the student’s file on WiSE.  More serious breaches of behaviour that result in a suspension or withdrawal from Wesley College should be marked confidential prior to uploading.

The Campuses will maintain a Suspension and Expulsion Register which will include the following information:

  • Student Name and Year Level
  • Date/s of issue and return to campus (if applicable)
  • Brief outline of the breach and actions undertaken
  • Staff member responsible for management
  • Uploading of any written documentation to parent/carer

The registers will be updated by the Head of Campus or other authorised person as soon as practicable after a decision is made to sanction a student with a suspension or to terminate their enrolment at the College.  All documentation and evidence collated in relation to a suspension or expulsion will be securely stored by the College under the supervision of the Head of Campus Office.  The file will be uploaded annually to the Principal’s Office.

Policy Review

The operation and effectiveness of this policy will be reviewed annually, but more frequently if circumstances require this.