Safe Schools policy focuses on safe and nurturing schools
Provisions of Bill 212 take effect Feb. 1, 2008
As a parent, your child's safety and well-being is important to you. At the Peel District School Board, we understand and share that priority. We’re committed to providing safe and healthy environments that support learning and working for all. To help students achieve to the best of their ability, we must work together to ensure that students feel safe, nurtured, welcomed, respected and included.
In June 2007, the provincial government passed Bill 212, the Education Amendment Act, (Progressive Discipline and School Safety). Its provisions take effect on Feb. 1, 2008. The board has updated its Safe Schools policy (#48) to reflect this new legislation.
Our Safe Schools policy is based on the provincial Education Act and the Ontario Code of Conduct. It sets clear standards of behaviour for students, staff, parents, volunteers and all other individuals involved in public education. The following are highlights of the changes being made to the board's Safe Schools policy as a result of this new legislation:
- Bullying has been added to the list of behaviours for which students can be suspended.
- A progressive discipline approach will be taken when determining consequences for inappropriate behaviour.
- When determining consequences for inappropriate student behaviour, Bill 212 requires principals to consider mitigating and other factors.
- Only principals may suspend students between one and 20 school days.
- Principals no longer have the authority to expel students. Principals may recommend that a student be expelled, but only the school board is able to issue an expulsion.
- Suspensions and expulsions may result from activities that do not take place at school or while a student is engaged in a school-related activity. Students may be suspended or expelled for engaging in activities that may have a negative impact on the school climate, such as inappropriate online behaviour, including cyber-bullying.
- School boards are required to provide alternative programs for suspended and expelled students. Students who are suspended for six or more school days and students who are expelled will be offered the board's Fresh Start programs.
For a copy of the board's Safe Schools policy, visit www.peelschools.org or contact the school office. If you have questions about the policy or its implementation, please contact the principal at your child's school.
