For what reasons can a student be stood-down?
The principal has to be satisfied that:
- the student�s bad behaviour is a harmful or dangerous example to other students at the school, or the student�s continual disobedience is a harmful or dangerous example to other students at the school; or
- because of the student�s behaviour, it is likely that the student, or other students at the school, will be seriously harmed if the student is not stood-down.
Can a student be stood-down just for breaking a school rule?
The principal cannot automatically stand-down a student because he or she has broken a school rule, or has behaved badly. The principal has to consider the circumstances of each situation and be satisfied that the situation warrants standing-down the student.
How will I know if my child has been stood-down?
The principal (or a senior staff member) will contact you, probably by phone, to tell you of the decision. You will then receive a letter from the principal formally telling you that your child has been stood-down. Please note that the number of days for the stand-down are counted from the day after the incident, i.e. the stand-down always starts from the next day.
If the principal recommends that I take my child to another school, or just tells me to take my child home for a period of time, or my child comes home with a leaving (or clearance) form to be signed, is this a stand-down?
No. None of these situations are legal stand-downs. You do not have to remove your child from the school in these circumstances.
If my child has been stood-down, what happens next?
- Your child will be able to return to school on the date given in the principal�s letter.
- You and/or your child may ask to meet the principal (or the principal may ask to meet you) to discuss the stand-down. You can also take a support person with you.
- Your child may be required to go to the school for guidance and counselling during the stand-down period.
- Your child may be able to go to school, during the stand-down period, for specific activities or classes, if you ask the principal and the principal considers your request is reasonable.
- There is no need for your child to change schools because of the stand-down.
- You may ask the school or the Ministry of Education for a copy of the Education (Stand-down, Suspension, Exclusion and Expulsion) Rules 1999. The rules are on the Ministry�s website and contain detailed information about stand-downs and suspensions.
