To access this information in a different language visit the Translated documents webpage.

What is suspension?

Before a suspension occurs, the principal should provide a formal caution for a behaviour of concern. If the behaviour is serious or a safety issue, your child may be placed on a suspension without a formal caution.

What happens if my child is suspended?

Within 24 hours of deciding to suspend a student, the principal must tell the student verbally where appropriate and parents or carers in writing where possible. You and your child must be given a chance to meet with the school to respond to the suspension. The school will work with you on strategies and supports that can be put in place to help your child.

During the suspension your child will not be allowed at school. The school will provide your child with support to keep learning during the suspension and will check in with you and your child. The Wellbeing tip sheet can help you support your child’s wellbeing during suspension.

Extension of a suspension

If the suspension doesn’t provide enough time to plan supports or there is an ongoing safety risk that is not yet managed the principal can extend the suspension after speaking with the Director, Educational Leadership. Parents and carers will be notified before the end of the suspension if an extension is approved.

Can I appeal a suspension?

Yes, if you believe that the principal and Director, Educational Leadership made an unfair decision or didn’t follow the correct procedures. Refer to Appeals resource.

More information on advocating for your child is available, as well as our School Community Charter that outlines ways to communicate with schools.

What is a return to school planning meeting?

Your child will come back to school on or before the date the suspension ends. Your positive engagement with the school is very important in managing your child’s behaviour and developing solutions together. Before your child returns the school will contact you by phone to arrange a planning meeting with school staff who work closely with your child.

The meeting can be in person, on the phone or online in the format that will give the best chance of a positive discussion. The meeting will be about how you can work together to support your child when they return to school. You can bring a support person with you to the meeting. A support person may be someone who can provide you and/or your child with practical and/or emotional support

For behaviours of concern which need more strategies and supports, the school will work with you and your child to develop a plan to support them and reduce any risks. Your child may already have one in place. If a plan is already in place, it will be adjusted to help support your child. This plan will be shared with you and with other staff in the school who support your child.

What if the behaviour happens again?

If the behaviour of concern happens again, the principal and school learning support team will identify other ways to support your child’s learning. This may include asking experts from within the department to help provide support.

More information

Information on what to do if your child is suspended is also available.

Telephone interpreter service

If you wish to contact the school and need assistance with English, please call the telephone interpreter service on 131 450, tell them what language you need and ask the operator to phone the school. The operator will get an interpreter on the line to assist you with your conversation. You will not be charged for this service