Approach to Student Discipline

At The York School, our approach to student behaviour is deeply rooted in our values of community, challenge, and curiosity. We believe in fostering an environment where students can learn and grow, understanding that mistakes are a natural part of development. Trust in our students, combined with a commitment to learning and growth, form the foundation of our approach to student discipline.

When breaches of the school Code of Conduct occur, we focus on understanding their impact on all members of our community. Our progressive disciplinary approach emphasizes a continuum of responses designed to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone, prioritize learning, and facilitate restorative practices wherever possible. While this document outlines the framework for disciplinary responses, it does not preclude the school from determining appropriate sanctions on a case-by-case basis.

The York School will not disclose a student’s disciplinary record to outside persons or agencies without the consent of the student’s parent, except where legally required to do so. A further exception will occur should such disclosure be requested in the context of a student's application to post-secondary institutions, in which case the School will disclose an expulsion or any single suspension of more than two days’ length received while in the Senior School. 

Progressive Discipline Approach - Determining Disciplinary Responses

Students at The York School are responsible for meeting the expectations of our community standards, as outlined in our Code of Conduct. Minor infractions such as cell phone usage, lates, and uniform violations, along with minor disruptive behaviours, are often addressed through supportive conversations with our faculty or staff.

For more significant breaches or when a pattern of behaviour emerges, the school engages in a formalized and equitable process to ensure consequences are fair, supportive, and constructive. When an incident occurs or is reported to the school, the School will conduct an investigation led by school leaders in collaboration with relevant parties, such as the student’s advisor/homeroom teacher, and the student support team, to provide a holistic understanding of the situation and the student’s developmental needs. This process will be used to determine the appropriate disciplinary response.

Depending on the nature of the incident, investigations may include temporary exclusion from school activities and or the search and/or seizure of student belongings. Our goal, in every instance, is to promote learning, growth, and accountability while safeguarding the well-being of our community.

Disciplinary Consequences

Minor Infractions: Minor infractions such as repeated lateness, cell phone use, skipping classes, or repeated uniform violations may result in a student being given a detention.

Concern (5 weeks): For minor incidents or repeated violations such as cell phone or uniform violations, repeated lateness or unexcused absences, or disruptive behaviours, where the student demonstrates remorse and there are no significant mitigating factors. Consequences will include:

  • a formal letter outlining the behavioural concerns or breach of the code of conduct will be issued to the student and their parents

  • the student will then be placed under close observation by their teachers to support improved behaviour

  • the student may be required to engage in a restorative practice determined by the School aligned with the nature of the disciplinary concern 

  • this process will include a written reflection to encourage accountability and personal growth.

This status will lapse at the end of the five-week period provided a student has demonstrated appropriate behaviour during the five-week period. If, during the period of concern a student commits a further infraction, a student may be, at a minimum, placed on intervention with appropriate disciplinary action.

Intervention (10 weeks): For more serious incidents such as non-compliance with school expectations (e.g., after being placed on conduct concern), theft, vandalism, bullying, harassment, hate speech, or repeated instances of academic malpractice—or in cases where repeated behaviours require greater intervention, a structured approach is taken. 

  • This process is also applied when mitigating circumstances, such as mental health concerns or learning differences, indicate a need for ongoing support. 

  • In these situations, parents/guardians are contacted, and a formal meeting is held with the school, parents, and the student to develop a behaviour plan. 

  • A formal letter is issued, and additional sanctions may be applied, such as temporary restrictions on participation in co-curricular programs or school events or a suspension. 

  • The student will also engage in a restorative practice determined by the school, appropriate to the disciplinary concern, and will complete a written reflection to promote understanding and accountability.

At the end of the 10-week status, a student may apply in writing to have their status reviewed by reflecting on the learning and growth they have demonstrated and their renewed commitment to adhering to The York School’s Code of Conduct. In order to do so they must have the written support of their advisor and have demonstrated appropriate behaviour during this period. 

If, during the period of intervention, a student commits a further infraction, a student may be, at a minimum, placed on probation with appropriate disciplinary action.

Probation (15 weeks): For severe infractions such as drug or alcohol use, theft, vandalism, bullying, harassment, hate speech, repeated academic malpractice, or ongoing patterns of unacceptable behaviour following previous interventions, a decisive response is required. 

  • Students on probation face the risk of denial of re-registration if such behaviours persist. In these cases, parents/guardians are contacted, and a formal meeting is held with the administration, parents, and the student to address the incident. 

  • A formal letter is issued, and additional sanctions may include temporary restrictions on participation in co-curricular programs or school events, a formal suspension of up to 20 days, or the possibility of non-re-enrollment or expulsion. 

  • As part of the process, the student will participate in a restorative practice directed by the school, tailored to the specific disciplinary concern, and complete a written reflection to promote accountability and growth.

At the end of the 15 week status, a student may apply in writing to have their status reviewed by reflecting on the learning and growth they have demonstrated and their renewed commitment to adhering to the York School’s code of conduct. In order to do so they must have the written support of their advisor and have demonstrated appropriate behaviour during this period. 

If, during this period of probation, a student commits a further infraction, the student may then be denied re-registration or may face expulsion. 

Expulsion

Expulsion at The York School is considered a last resort and is applied only in cases of severe misconduct, such as harassment, racism, or ongoing behavioural issues, where all other disciplinary measures have been exhausted or when the safety and well-being of the school community are at risk.

Severe Misconduct or Criminal Behavior

  • Violence or Physical Harm: Engaging in physical violence or threatening the safety of others, including fighting, assault, or carrying weapons.

  • Drug and Alcohol Offenses: Possessing, using, or distributing illegal drugs, alcohol, or other controlled substances on school property.

  • Sexual Misconduct: Involvement in sexual harassment, assault, or any form of sexual misconduct.

  • Serious Vandalism or Theft: Causing significant damage to school property, personal belongings, or theft of valuable items.

Significant Harassment or Racism

  • Severe Harassment: Engaging in significant or repeated verbal, physical, or psychological harassment that targets an individual or group based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or other protected characteristics.

  • Racism or Hate Speech: Using racial slurs, hate speech, or engaging in discriminatory actions that create a hostile or unsafe environment for others.

Repeated Violations Despite Interventions

  • Persistent Defiance: Ongoing refusal to follow school rules or behavioural expectations, even after multiple interventions (e.g., behaviour contracts, counselling, parental meetings).

  • Failure to Improve on Probation: Students on conduct probation who continue to violate the school’s code of conduct without showing any sign of improvement.

Endangering the School Community

  • Endangering Others: Actions that put other students, staff, or the wider community at risk, including involvement in dangerous activities (e.g., bringing harmful substances, inciting violence, or engaging in reckless behaviour).

Legal Violations

  • Illegal Activities: Participation in illegal activities either on or off campus that harm the school's reputation or affect the safety and well-being of students and staff.

Expulsion is a serious decision made after careful consideration of the impact on the school community and the severity of the actions.

In cases of expulsion, we suspend first, pending an investigation. Parents will then be presented with the school’s findings and decision and will have the opportunity to respond prior to a final decision being reached.

Appeal Process

Should a parent disagree with the categorization or disciplinary actions taken, they can appeal the decision in writing to the Head of School.