Update on suspension and expulsion powers

Our school is committed to providing a safe, respectful and inclusive environment for all students and staff. You may be aware of recent changes announced to suspension and expulsion powers that will be available to Victorian principals from day one of Term 3, (Monday 21 July 2025).  

We know that students’ behaviour outside of school, particularly online, can sometimes impact the safety of students and staff at school.  

In exceptional circumstances, principals of Victorian government schools will be able suspend or expel students for behaviour that occurs outside of school grounds and/or hours including online, if it poses a significant danger to the safety and wellbeing of students or staff.  

These powers apply only to serious incidents where there is a clear and close connection to the school and the behaviour of a student outside of school unreasonably impacts the safety and wellbeing of students or staff at school, and their ability to learn or work. Please note:  

• They do not apply to behaviours unrelated to the school or school community.  
• They only apply to behaviour which occurs from Monday 21 July 2025 onwards. 

Suspension and expulsion will remain measures of last resort – our primary approach continues to focus on proactive and positive behaviour support, including working with you to teach students the behaviours we expect of them, in school and in life.  

Thank you for your continued support as we work in partnership to educate and support our young people. 

Michael Portaro

Principal