What are a school board’s obligations to keep students safe on a school trip?
- 19.07.2026
My son has been told that he cannot attend the school leavers’ ball or the prize giving because of a disciplinary matter earlier in the year, even though he has completed all his classes. Can a school impose that kind of penalty?
Schools can set rules and consequences for behaviour through the board's policies, and attendance at social events such as balls is often treated as a privilege, so a school may be able to exclude a student, particularly if there was a clear and known policy. However, the process must be fair and proportionate, the student should have an opportunity to respond and any decision must not be discriminatory. Formal academic recognition, such as qualification certificates and course results, cannot be withheld as a disciplinary measure. Ask the school for the written policy, the reasons and the decision-maker. If the process was unfair, complain to the board and the Ministry. A meeting with the principal, with a support person, can sometimes resolve the matter.
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