School and your rights

Education

You have the right to a free education between age 5-19 years

You have the right to feel safe at school.

You can't be sent home or kept out of school unless you are stood down or suspended by the prinicipal.

You can only be stood down/suspended if you:

Do something very serious which is a bad example to the other students OR you get into trouble alot, set a bad example to other studetns OR do something that is dangerous to yourself or other students

Discipline

Discipline should be reasonable; it cant be cruel or degrading

You can not be hit or verbally abused by school staff

A whole class can't be punished if only some students have misbehaved

Remember

If you are questioned about a serious discipline matter you may feel uncertain, uncomfortable or confused-You have the right not to say anything and can't be forced to make a statement

If you are being questioned you should immediately ask for someone to support you- it could be a family member, teacher, guidence councellor or any other person you trust.