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The Huron Expositor • October 24, 2007 Page 9
News
New Ministry `Safe Schools' legislation mean changes
to Catholic board's policy on suspension, expulsion
Stew Slater
Repercussions of the passage last June of "Safe
Schools" legislation continue to be felt by Ontario
school boards.
At a regular meeting of the Huron -Perth
Catholic District School Board on
Monday, Oct. 22, trustees learned f
this means alterations will be
necessary to school codes of con-
duct, expulsions and suspensions
policy, and the provision of alter-
native programming for students
who are suspended or expelled.
According to education superin-
tendent Dan Parr, the Education
Ministry has given boards until
February, 2008 to come into com-
pliance with Bill 212. But what it
actually means to be in compli-
ance has only gradually become
clear.
Even while the legislation
made its way toward final assent
last spring, the need for changes
in suspension and expulsion policy was evident.
That's because early reports about the bill stat-
ed principals would be directed to consider miti-
gating circumstances when faced with a situa-
tion of potential suspension or expulsion.
Administrators were advised to react on a case-
by-case basis instead of using hard-and-fast rules
about discipline.
Then it was learned that teachers will not have
the authority to suspend, and school administra-
tors will only be allowed to make recommenda-
tions to the board about expulsion. Trustees will
make the final decision.
In the summer, the Ministry
stated all boards must make
available alternative program-
ming for those students who are
suspended or expelled.
All these factors necessitate
changes to the Huron -Perth
board's suspension/expulsion
policy, noted Parr.
He added there will also
need to be slight changes to the
board's code of conduct, to bring
it into compliance with the
specifics of Bill 212.
And most recently, the
Ministry informed boards that
they must adopt the principle of
"progressive discipline."
This forces boards to show
that, before resorting to suspension
or expulsion, administrators have attempt-
ed other types of measures to deal with
troublesome students.
"Boards will be required to demonstrate
that suspension and expulsion are not
turned to lightly," Parr
`Boards will be
required to
demonstrate
that
suspension and
expulsion are
not turned to
lightly,' --
Superintendent
Dan Parr
explained, adding a board policy will have to be
developed to guide such a process.
He suggested very few boards in Ontario cur-
rently have a "progressive discipline" policy.
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while supplies last
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Apple Pie - 8" - 2 99
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Hamburg or
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Mozzarella - 11b. - $599
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anadian and
ported Cheese
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Kindergarten Registration 2008-2009
November 5 - 30 at Your Community Public School
Times and Locations Seaforth & Area Schools
All sessions begin at 9:00 am
Monday, November 5
Brussels PS Call 519.887-9361
Friday, November 9
Huron Centennial PS Call 519-233-3330
'Tuesday, November 13
Seaforth PS Call 519-527-0790
Wednesday, November 14
Blyth PS Call 519-523-9201
Wednesday, November 21
Grey Central : S Call 519-887. ' 1
Avon° -11
Ma• I[hp I( 1
Junior Kirrdergarte �a
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G1�;ldrer
3 is old
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Geoff Williams
Director of Education
The Avon Maitland
District School Board
and its community public
elementary schools are
proud to offer a quality
leaming opportunity for our
young citizens entering
school in fall 2008.
During the month of
November we celebrate
the registration, with
special activities at
many schools, such as
crafts, story time, music
and refreshments.
Parents can learn
more about their child's
development, learn
about local programs
and services, and get
tips on how to prepare
their child for school.
For further information
call your school or
1-800-592-5437.
Senior Kindergarten
CMadre„ 4
►tewrs Old
wre DecWe 4, Zoo?,
for sehior
kihdefsArteh 2.00g.
www:yourschools.ca
Jenny Versteeg
Chair