Family Handbook 2019-20

In circumstances where a complaint has been substantiated, the onus is on the school to consider first and foremost the impact on the complainant.

The complainant will be informed in writing by the school of the outcome of investigation and corrective action that has been taken and asked to report any further incidents of harassment or reprisal. In order to prevent a re-occurrence of harassment, the respondent’s conduct will be monitored by the Principal’s designate.

School Relationship

At the conclusion of an investigation involving students, consideration should be given to encourage the students to work out their relationship with each other. The school may appoint an adult or peer mediator / facilitator to assist in helping the parties reach a resolution.

Formal Complaint

Student Harassed by a Staff Member or Volunteer i.

The student will submit a written complaint to the VP School Life & Student Wellness / designate. A signed, written complaint should include identification of the individual(s) involved and a clear description of the incident(s) of harassment including times, dates, places and names of witnesses, if any. Where the VP School Life & Student Wellness is the alleged harasser, the written complaint should be forwarded to the Principal of the school. ii. Students may obtain the assistance of a trusted adult, such as a parent / guardian, teacher, guidance counsellor, social worker, other support staff, the VP School Life & Student Wellness / designate or Principal in the preparation of a written complaint. iii. If the student is under 18 years of age, the VP School Life & Student Wellness / designate or Principal will notify the parent / guardian. iv. A signed written complaint will include: a. Identification of the individual(s) involved and a clear description of the incident(s) of harassment including times, dates, places and names of witnesses, if any. v. The Principal, or designate, as the case may be, shall confirm in writing to the complainant receipt of the complaint within five (5) working days. After receiving the complaint, the Principal, or designate, will appoint an appropriate designate to manage the complaint and carry out the complaint process. vi. Before forwarding the complaint to the individual alleged to have engaged in harassment, the Principal, or designate, as the case may be, shall first meet with the complainant.

Last Edited: August 20, 2019 Havergal College Family Handbook 2019–20

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