The Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) says it issued 1,888 suspensions board wide in 2023-2024, to 1,101 students. Of those, 971 were high schoolers, and 917 elementary students. There were 13 expulsions.
The board does not break down the figures by County, so it is not known how many there were at Haliburton Highlands Secondary School, or the five elementary schools.
TLDSB releases the numbers at a board meeting each year, and did so at their Nov. 26 gathering. Staff also provided an overview of mental health services, and supervised alternative learning (SAL) data.
Schools adhere to the provincial code of conduct and school boards’ code of conduct, as well as the board’s code of conduct procedure.
“When inappropriate student behaviour occurs, school administration investigates the incident and determines the most appropriate way to respond. In some circumstances, short-term suspension is a useful tool. With serious infractions and incidents, long-term suspension or expulsion may be the response that is required,” staff said.
They added their ethos is one of correction and support. The program for suspended and expelled students includes an action plan designed to help with both academic and non-academic goals.
TLDSB’s SAL program provides opportunities for students to re-engage in their education after periods of absence, and allows them to access both academic and non-academic support. Forty-six students were admitted to SAL, and 127 to REAL SAL.
When it comes to mental health services, staff said there were 1,208 referrals made to mental health counsellors, with the top reasons being anxiety, family dynamics and self-regulation. Some 235 students who’d missed school 15 or more days in a row were referred to reengagement counsellors. And 63 students presented with suicide ideation.
The board prioritized mental health and well-being in its 2022-2027 strategic plan. The board employs 13 regulated counsellors, with a focus on mental health promotion, prevention and early intervention. They also refer to community-based agencies.
