Student management
In what situations may the principal stand-down or suspend a student?
In order to stand-down or suspend a student, the principal must be satisfied on reasonable grounds that the student has displayed the following:
- gross misconduct that is a harmful or dangerous influence to other students at the school; or
- continual disobedience that is a harmful or dangerous influence to other students at the school; or
- behaviour risking serious harm to the student or other students at the school if the student is not stood down or suspended.
According to the courts, the principal must consider all circumstances, and not apply a predetermined rule.
Read:
Education and Training Act 2020, section 80 – Legislation website
Education (Stand-Down, Suspension, Exclusion, and Expulsion) Rules 1999 – Legislation website
Guidelines for making a decision – Ministry of Education website
Flowchart for making a decision – Ministry of Education website
Information for parents – Ministry of Education website
Updated: August 2020
