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HAVERGAL COLLEGE
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Course Calendar 2016–2017
9. Progressive Discipline
The enforcement of the Code of Conduct and the imposition of disciplinary action are the responsibility
of the Principal and her designates who consult with students, faculty, staff, parents and others
as deemed appropriate. A progressive discipline approach will be used to deal with inappropriate
incident/behaviour.
Progressive discipline is an approach that makes use of a continuum of interventions, supports
and sanctions that builds upon strategies that promote positive behaviours. This may include
reminders, review of expectations, detentions, contact with parents/guardians, loss of privileges,
written reflection, conflict mediation and resolution, referral for support services, suspension and
expulsion. Havergal College supports the use of suspension and expulsion for serious incidents.
Before considering whether to impose a suspension or expulsion, the Principal and her designates will
consider mitigating and other factors.
While, in general, the severity of punishment and the positive steps taken by the school will be
consistent with the nature and degree of the misbehaviour, each case will be dealt with individually.
No two misdemeanours are exactly alike, nor are the needs of offenders necessarily similar. Fairness
of punishment does not automatically require identical treatment. We recognize that each student
is a unique individual and that every situation that requires disciplinary action has its own set
of extenuating circumstances. All factors that may have affected the student’s behaviour will be
considered throughout the progressive discipline process. Students who behave inappropriately
will receive an age and developmentally appropriate consequence. Should a student have a psycho-
educational assessment, all progressive discipline will be consistent with recommendations articulated
in the assessment.
An Example of Progressive Discipline in Action
It comes to the attention of the school that a student is feeling bullied by another student or group
of students in the school. This feeling may be resulting from comments directed either in person or
through email/social media or from looks or behaviour directed at her when she is in the presence of
the student or group of students.
Initial actions taken by the school
This situation is initially investigated in a private, safe and impartial manner by the Assistant Head
(Junior, Middle, Senior or Boarding) who, through discussion with the students involved, gains the
perspective of the situation. During these discussions, the Assistant Head ensures that each student
has an opportunity to speak for herself. Depending on the age of the student, parents may be involved
in this initial investigation. The Assistant Head may consult with other faculty including the Head of
School (JS or US), Guidance Counsellor (Upper School), or Form Teacher/TA on potential extenuating
or related circumstances. The Assistant Head may find it necessary to speak with a student on more
than one occasion in order to form an accurate understanding of the situation.