ANC High School Discipline Policy

Students are required to abide by the school's rules and to follow the directions of teachers and other people with authority delegated by the school. Where disciplinary action is required, penalties imposed vary according to the nature of the breach of discipline and a student's prior behaviour. Corporal punishment is not permitted under any circumstances and ANC HS does not explicitly or implicitly sanction the administering of corporal punishment by non-school persons, including parents or caregivers, to enforce discipline at the school.

All disciplinary action that may result in any sanction against the student including suspension, expulsion or exclusion provides processes based on procedural fairness.

Principles of Procedural Fairness:

1. "Procedural fairness is a basic right of all when dealing with authorities. Procedural fairness refers to what is sometimes described as the 'hearing rule' and the 'right to an unbiased decision'.

2. The 'hearing rule' includes the right of the person against whom an allegation has been made to:

a. know the allegations related to a specific matter and any other information which will be taken into account in considering the matter;

b. know the process by which the matter will be considered;

c. respond to the allegations; and

d. know how to seek a review of the decision made in response to the allegations.

The 'right to an unbiased decision' includes the right to:

Impartiality in an investigation and decision making and an absence of bias by a decision-maker.

The review mechanism adds to the fairness of the process and offers a check in case there is a perception of a conflict of interest.

1. Students are required to abide by the Code of Conduct for students and to follow the directions of teachers and other people with authority delegated by the school.

2. Where a student disregards rules, disobeys instructions or otherwise engages in conduct which causes or may cause harm, inconvenience or embarrassment to the school, staff members or other students, the student may be subject to disciplinary action.

3. The disciplinary procedures undertaken by the school will vary according to the seriousness of the alleged offence. When advised of the allegation the student and parents/guardians will be informed of the procedural steps to be followed in dealing with the matter. In relation to all matters to be investigated, students will be informed of the nature of the allegation and given an opportunity to respond to the allegations.

4. The penalties imposed will vary according to the behaviour and the prior record of the student. At the lower end of the scale, an admonition or detention may be appropriate. At the upper end of the scale, the behaviour could result in short or long term suspension.

5. Where the offending behaviour is of such a nature that it may result in suspension or expulsion, the student also will be:

a. informed of the alleged infringement

b. informed as to who will make the decision on the penalty;

c. informed of the procedures to be followed which will include an opportunity to have a parent or guardian present when responding to the allegations (& an interpreter, if required); and

d. afforded a right of review or appeal.

6. The Principal, in consultation with a teacher, will reach a preliminary decision in relation to the allegation and any penalty to be imposed and advise the student (and parent/s/guardian/s) of that view. The student (and parent/s/guardian/s) would be advised that, if they wish this preliminary decision to be reviewed, they may make application for a review to the Principal and submit any information they want to be considered during the review process. Students also have the right to appeal to the CEO. It will then be decided if the preliminary decision is final or if there should be an amendment to the preliminary decision based on the additional information provided.