THE Victorian government has announced changes to suspension and expulsion guidelines for the state’s schools, aimed at giving principals greater discretion in managing student behaviour.
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But one Wodonga principal says that rather than forcing an increase in the number of students expelled, the rules are likely to mean less red tape for schools.
Vern Hilditch said the guidelines were important in helping to provide the means by which principals can provide “meaningful pathways” and second chance options for students rather than kicking them out of school.
He said it had been five years since a student had been expelled from his school and it remained a decision taken as a last resort.
The guidelines will cover students found with weapons at school and those engaging in dangerous behaviour, a move Mr Hilditch said ensured schools and their principals were prepared for any eventuality.
There should be a focus on keeping students in school and addressing any behavioural problems, but when schools and principals are pushed to a last resort situation, then they should be well supported through the expulsion process.
