New Safe Schools Legislation now in effect in Ontario As of February 1, 2010, new legislation has come into effect in Ontario in regards to Safe Schools. Bill 157 is now in effect and requires all school
board staff to intervene when they see students who are acting in a way that goes against the Code of Conduct that exists in each school. In addition, when the actions of students are such that the behaviour may lead to an suspension or expulsion from school, an employee must report this to the principal, who must then investigate the incident. For your information, the behaviours that may lead to a suspension from school are outlined in legislation, and they are:
· Activities leading to possible suspension must be reported to the principal: · Uttering a threat to inflict serious bodily harm on another person. · Possessing alcohol or illegal drugs. · Being under the influence of alcohol. · Swearing at a teacher or at another person in a position of authority. · Committing an act of vandalism that causes extensive damage to school property at the pupil’s school or to property located on the premises of the pupil’s school. · Bullying. · Any other activity that is an activity for which a principal may suspend a pupil under a policy of the board.
* These activities include incidents that occur while at school, at a school-related activity or in circumstances where the activity will have a negative impact on the school climate.
At WPS, we will continue to work to reduce any and all incidents of inappropriate behaviour. We continue to look for parental support and assistance in dealing with this problem. In addition, we will be looking to review the school’s policy for dealing with inappropriate behaviour, through a progressive discipline approach that will require input from staff, students and parents. We expect to make this a project that will involve both Brant Central and Walkerton Public school communities, as we move towards amalgamation of the 2 schools. We expect to have surveys for public input some time in the spring and these will be available through the school websites, as well as paper copies. If you have any questions about these changes to provincial Safe Schools rules, please contact Mr. Robinson at the school.
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