Discipline System
Trinity’s discipline policy and procedures are designed to be consistent across Preparatory, Junior, Middle and Senior Schools. While there are variations in different sections of the School community as a result of the different social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs of students at different stages of development, the principles and structures remain uniform. In this way, students will come to find disciplinary procedures predictable and familiar. The discipline policy and procedures are part of the broader Pastoral Policy. It involves the ways we support students at the School both proactively or reactively, like the teaching of values and positive social behaviours, and the imposition of consequences for breaches of School rules.
Although the School demands high standards of behaviour, its expectations are fundamentally reasonable. Our aim is to ensure that each and every individual within the School is given an equal opportunity to flourish and to develop his talents and skills. The discipline system is based on the principles of self-discipline and self-respect which, when responsibly exercised, promote a genuine concern for others and contribute to the development of a responsible and co-operative community. This system is built on Christian values, reflected in the rights and responsibilities outlined overleaf.
Investigation Process
Staff will make decisions regarding matters of student misconduct in a manner that affords procedural fairness. In all cases, staff will act without bias and ensure that investigations occur without undue delay, providing early and effective provision of pastoral support and disciplinary action where necessary. Students may appeal a discipline decision through the Deputy Head of School, Head of School, the Deputy Headmaster or the Headmaster. The Headmaster is the final avenue for appeal. Before a final decision is made for breaches of discipline that may result in a student being suspended or expelled from the School, the student, with the support of a parent, will be able to give an explanation of the alleged incident at a formal Disciplinary Meeting.
Stand down
From time to time there may be a need to stand a student down from attending School. This may be for the safety of the individual student, for the safety of other students or staff, it may be to allow time to develop a Risk Assessment for an individual student, or group of students, or to conduct or protect the integrity of an investigation. A stand down will be recorded as an Approved Absence.
Standing down is not a disciplinary sanction and is not recorded as a Suspension.
As a general principle, decisions concerning child protection, child safety and child welfare are collaborative and will involve Trinity Grammar School members of the School Executive, School Psychologists, Case Managers, and external health professionals. The recommendation to stand a student down, and responsibility for contacting parents, advising the student, and consulting the Deputy Headmaster – Summer Hill and Headmaster, sits with the Head of School.
DISCIPLINE LEVELS
Students, parents and staff all have rights that members of the Trinity community must respect.
There are five levels of discipline. Each level provides different and/or additional consequences for the student, involvement of members of staff and communication with parents. There are minor variations in some of the details of these from campus to campus. However, the meaning of these levels remains consistent. The levels are colour coded to provide students, parents and staff with a clear indicator of the School’s concern, from the lowest level (white) to the most serious (black).
LEVEL 1 (WHITE)
All students automatically commence on this level, and most remain on it throughout their time at Trinity. Students on Level 1, may be involved in a small number of relatively minor disciplinary issues from time to time. The classroom teacher and/or other members of staff usually manage these. Typical consequences may include Record Book Comments and Demerits.
LEVEL 2 (GREEN)
Placement on Level 2 indicates that the student has continued to exhibit instances of rulebreaking behaviour, despite the imposition of Level 1 consequences. Consequences increase in severity at this level. Typical examples are Detentions. Students are also monitored closely and counselled by Housemasters or Heads of School. At the Junior and Preparatory Schools, the Deputy Head and Head of School may be involved.
LEVEL 3 (AMBER)
Like traffic lights, this colour warns of the need for caution. Placement on this level reflects continued participation in Level 1 and 2 behaviours or involvement in more serious incidents, including bullying. Individual behaviour plans and student contracts may be required. Senior members of staff usually become directly involved in communication with students and parents at this level.
LEVEL 4 (RED)
The Red level requires students, parents and staff to stop, review and plan thoroughly before moving on. Placement at Level 4 indicates either continued failure to modify behaviour or involvement in incidents deemed to be serious misconduct. At this stage the Heads of School are likely to be directly involved. Consequences may include Suspension, Probation and student behaviour contracts. Parent interviews are required.
LEVEL 5 (BLACK)
This is the most serious level of discipline and the student’s continued enrolment at the School is reviewed. Like other levels, this may involve repeated serious misconduct and/or serious incidences of bullying (physical and psychological), drug use, theft or extreme insubordination. The Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster – Summer Hill and Head of School are involved in reviewing the student’s enrolment and determining the consequences at this level.
Pre-K-12 Support Mechanisms
Students who experience ongoing behavioural difficulties will be offered support to assist them in changing their behaviour, usually through School Psychologists within the TESS Counselling and Psychological Support Services. Psychologists may also seek interviews with parents and guardians to assist in the process.
The School expressly prohibits the use of corporal punishment and does not explicitly or implicitly sanction the administering of corporal punishment by non-school persons, including parents, to enforce discipline.
Last Updated on 01/12/2023
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