A Tasmanian high school is making headlines today for their new policy of suspending students who are just five minutes late to class!
Sorell High School advised parents that students will be suspended for a day if they are more than five minutes late to class.
The new rule will also see students suspended for one day if they are out of class without a pass and do not “follow a reasonable request or instruction after one reminder”.
The Mercury reported that multiple students were suspended on Wednesday after the measures came into effect.
Education department does not support this new policy
The Education Department on Thursday night confirmed a number of Sorell School students had received one-day suspensions this week.
“The department’s Respectful Students policy does not support the sanction of suspension for late arrival to school,” a statement said.
“When responding to unacceptable behaviour schools are encouraged to use restorative practices.
“The department, through Learning Services, is currently working with staff and parents to address this particular issue.”
In a letter dated March 12 addressed to families of Grade 6 to 12 students, Principal Andy Bennett acknowledged the consequences the new measures could have and asked parents for their support.
“We understand that these consequences may impact parents and carers who may be asked to collect children from school if suspended,” he said.
“We hope our students consider this inconvenience when making choices about behaviour at school.
“We believe that all students are responsible for behaving in ways that do not interfere with the rights of other students to learn and for teachers to teach — hence this letter and my request for your support.”
Mr Bennett said “by and large” students followed the rules successfully without the need for reminders and consequences.
The letter said the school needed to “make clear the consequences of not meeting expectations.”
Public outcry
The news has certainly sparked some discussion in the media, even Sunrise discussed it on air this morning saying how ridiculous it sounded.
Parents have said the classrooms will all be empty as all the students will embrace getting a day off school!
Due to public backlash the school has been forced to backflip on their suspension plan.
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