5   Suspension

Definition
Suspension is defined as a sanction requiring the student to absent herself from the school for a specified limited period of school days.

Grounds for Suspension
The decision to suspend a student requires serious grounds such as that:

• The student’s behaviour has had a seriously detrimental effect on the education of other students
• The student’s continued presence in the school at this time constitutes a threat to safety
• The student is responsible for serious damage to property.

A single incident or first offence of serious misconduct may be grounds for suspension. Examples of such behaviour would include:

• a serious threat of violence against a member of the school community
• actual violence or assault against a member of the school community
• gross defiance
• drug or alcohol offences.

This list is not exhaustive.
Such incidences of serious misconduct may also incur the sanction of permanent exclusion (see Permanent Exclusion below), following a period of suspension.

Rationale for Suspension
Suspensions can provide a respite for staff and the student, give the student time to reflect on the link between her action and its consequences and give staff time to plan ways of helping the student to change unacceptable behaviour to meet the school’s expectations in the future.
Suspension is most effective when it highlights the parents’/guardians’ responsibilities for taking an active role in partnership with the school in working with their daughter to help her improve her behaviour as required.

The Period of Suspension
The Principal may suspend a student for up to three school days or for up to five school days having informed the Chairperson of the Board of Management. A longer term of suspension will require approval from the Board of Management.
Where a student is suspended for a period of 6 or more continuous days or for a cumulative total of 20 days in one school year, the Principal is required to inform the Education Welfare Officer who may contact the family.