Exclusions

  1. COVID-19: Sept 2021 back to school updates

    Does my child have to wear a mask at school? Yes, students in grades 1-12 must wear non-medical or cloth masks indoors (unless exempted*), including in hallways and during classes and on school vehicles. Students can remove masks indoors to consume food or drink only, with a minimum distance of two metres maintained between cohorts. Students do not need to wear masks outdoors. *Speak or write to the school principal to request an exemption, e.g. for medical reasons or as set out in the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP).  

    Does my child have to go to school during COVID-19? Yes, school remains mandatory for young people 6-17 years of age. Various schooling options and considerations are covered in this Steps to Justice post.

    Special Education: the laws have not changed and students continue to have a right to accommodation.                   

    Discipline Proceedings: On April 14, 2020, the Ontario government passed Bill 189, Coronavirus (COVID-19) Support and Protection Act. Impact on school discipline proceedings is that they are now placed on hold and hearings do not have to comply with existing timelines until the Emergency Measures come to an end. Example: there will be no expulsion hearings at this time, they are all placed on hold, and after schools reopen, hearings must be held within the usual timeline of 20 days.

  2. When can a school exclude me?

    The principal can exclude you from a school if he or she believes that you have a serious contagious disease, or that your presence at the school would be detrimental to the physical or mental well-being of other students. This is a “refuse to admit”. You can appeal this decision to the school board.

    If you are excluded by a principal from a school, you can still attend another school within the board.