1. Suspension decision

• A student has been suspended by the school.

2. Notify all parties

• Parents, school board and Ministry of Education have been notified. The board, parents and student have been given full written report by principal and Ministry information on suspensions. This information must reach the board, student and parent(s) at least 48 hours before the suspension meeting.

3. Arrange a board meeting

• The board must arrange a meeting and take all reasonable steps to give reasonable notice to the student’s parent(s), including the:
  • time and place of the meeting
  • right of the student and parent(s) to attend
  • right to bring representatives
  • right to speak at the meeting (section 85).

4. Check timing requirements

• Determine whether the board meeting is held:
  • before the close of the 7th school day after the suspension, or
  • within 7 school days before the end of term.

If the meeting is not held within the required timeframe:

5. Suspension ends automatically

• The suspension ceases to have effect (section 81(5)(a) and 81(5)(b)).
• The student must return to school.

6. Consider information

• The board considers:
  • the principal’s written report
  • any other material presented.
• The board follows the relevant decision‑making rules.

7. Make a decision

• The board:
  • uses all relevant facts
  • considers all available options
  • makes and records a formal decision.

8. Choose 1 outcome

The board must decide on 1 of the following:

• lift the suspension unconditionally, student returns to school or
• lift the suspension with conditions, student returns to school or
• extend the suspension with conditions, or
• exclude the student (if the student is under 16), or
• expel the student (if the student is 16 or over)
  • if excluding or expelling, follow flowchart 6.

9. Notify and record

• The board:
  • writes to the parent(s) (letter 3)
  • informs the Ministry via ENROL
  • communicates the decision and reasons.

10. Support the student’s return to school

• The principal must take all reasonable steps to ensure the student receives:
  • an appropriate educational programme
  • support to accelerate educational achievement
  • steps to minimise disruption from the absence.
• The board monitors the student’s progress.

11. If conditions are not met

• If conditions are not met, the board:
  • may meet to reconsider the earlier decision. Go to flowchart 5.