Family Handbook 2019-20

● The seriousness of the incident must be determined and appropriate disciplinary action taken. vi. To assist in determining the appropriate disciplinary action, several factors should be considered: a. impact of the offence on the complainant; b. power imbalance between victim and offender; c. gravity of offence; d. offender’s documented history with regard to similar behaviour; and e. age of the offender and victim. vii. The complainant, at any stage, may choose to withdraw the complaint. Havergal, however, may still be obliged to investigate. Please note: when students are involved in a sexual harassment complaint, it should be determined by the Principal, or Principal’s designate, as appropriate, whether or not the incident appears to constitute sexual harassment, sexual assault or sexual abuse. If there is a suspicion of sexual assault or sexual abuse, based on the information received, then any applicable procedures required by law procedures for investigation of sexual abuse or sexual assault should be followed. Appeal Process The decision may be appealed by the complainant or respondent in writing to the Principal within seven (7) school days of receipt of the decision. The Principal will receive the material and refer the matter to the Chair of the Board of Governors for review. The Chair will review the decision and make a determination in this matter. The Chair will make the final determination in the matter within 15 working days, absent exceptional circumstances necessitating a longer review period. If the complaint has been substantiated, the seriousness of the occurrence will determine the school’s disciplinary response. Responses may include, but are not limited to: a. informing the parent / guardian of a student’s behaviour and the corresponding consequences; b. temporarily removing privileges (i.e., recess, lunchroom / cafeteria, school activities); c. referring to counselling and / or guidance intervention; d. suspending the student; and / or e. involving the police, where a criminal offence may have occurred. Corrective Actions

Last Edited: August 20, 2019 Havergal College Family Handbook 2019–20

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