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HAVERGAL COLLEGE
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Course Calendar 2017–18
Initial actions taken by the school:
This situation is initially investigated in a private, safe and
impartial manner by the Assistant Head (Junior, Middle
or Senior) or Head of 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 Junior School or VP School Life, Operations
& Student Wellness, 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.
Possible outcomes from the initial investigation:
The investigation may reveal that the behaviour does not
reflect the definition of bullying described above. In this
situation, raising the awareness in the other students
of how their comments and/or behaviour is making the
other student feel is an important outcome followed
by actions each person can take to restore a healthy
relationship.
On the other hand, it may be clear that the behaviour
does meet the definition of bullying. The next question
addressed by the Assistant Head is “Did the student
who violated the Havergal College Code of Conduct fully
understand the impact of their comments/behaviour?”
Discipline for a deliberate or intentional breach of the
Havergal College Code of Conduct begins further along
the progressive discipline continuum. The Assistant
Head, together with the Head of Junior School or VP
School Life, Operations & Student Wellness, may choose
to immediately suspend a student for a short period of
time as a consequence of the impact of her comment/
behaviour toward another member of our community.
A time for support
The role of the Assistant Head in resolving the situation is
to ensure all students receive the support they require in
order to feel safe and valued, heal relationships and find a
means to positively engage in the school. Follow-up with
everyone involved is essential.
Documentation
At each step in the process, the Assistant Head
documents what has been learned and actions taken. This
documentation is retained in the ‘Student Communication
File’, a secure and access-restricted location.
Further infraction
A repeat of a related or similar incident is addressed in an
escalated manner. A student previously warned may be
suspended from school for a short period of time whereas
a student who has already been suspended may be
suspended for a longer period of time or be expelled from
the school.
10. Appealing a Decision of Sanction(s)
A students and/or parent may wish to appeal the
sanction(s) related to an alleged breach of the Havergal
College Code of Conduct. The appeal may be heard by
either the VP School Life, Operations & Student Wellness
and/or Principal. The Principal is the final arbitrator in all
disciplinary situations.
Any intention to appeal must first be received in writing by
either the VP School Life, Operations & Student Wellness
and/or the Principal within five school days of the
sanctions decision. Where the sanction is suspension, the
immediacy of suspension following an incident/behaviour
requires the suspension to be served by the student while
waiting for the appeal to be heard.
The VP School Life, Operations & Student Wellness
and/or Principal will demonstrate consideration of
the circumstances, mitigating factors, impact and any
statement or submission by the student. The VP School
Life, Operations & Student Wellness and/or Principal
will assess the evidence as provided by the parties and
determine whether on a balance of probabilities, it is
more probable than not that the student did commit the
infraction. The VP School Life, Operations & Student
Wellness and/or Principal will decide to:
i.
uphold the original sanction(s) as decided by the
VP School Life, Operations & Student Wellness
or Head of Junior School;
ii. uphold the decision confirming a breach of the
Havergal College Code of Conduct, but reduce
the severity of the sanction(s); or
iii. quash the sanction(s) and order that all records
of the alleged incident/behaviour be expunged.
11. Review
The Havergal College Code of Conduct will be reviewed
for possible revisions every three years. Havergal College
will continue to solicit input from the Board of Directors,
parents, staff and students in the review process.