Family Handbook 2019-20

vii. The Principal, or designate, will forward a copy of the complaint to the respondent within seven (7) working days of receipt of the complaint. viii. The Principal, or designate will discuss the complaint separately within the two parties and, on their recommendation, may consult with others who are in a position to provide relevant information. In conducting an investigation, the Principal o, designate will ensure that the following steps are taken: a. appropriate steps to ensure the safety of the complainant; b. interview the complainant(s) and / or the third party reporting the complaint; c. inform the respondent(s) of the allegations and provide an opportunity for a response; d. interview witnesses; e. come to a conclusion about whether a specific incident did or did not occur based on a balance of probabilities; and f. take appropriate action to resolve the situation. ix. A third party investigator may be retained by Havergal to conduct an investigation in appropriate circumstances. x. If considered appropriate by the VP School Life & Student Wellness / Principal’s designate and / or the parties, the VP School Life & Student Wellness / Principal’s designate will prepare a written summary of any agreement reached between the parties, including timelines, responsibilities and monitoring. xi. The investigation should be completed as soon as possible, ideally within fifteen (15) working days of receipt of the complaint. If circumstances of the complaint will require longer than 15 working days for completion of the investigation, then both parties are to be notified of the reasons for the delay and the expected time for completion of the process. xii. Findings of the investigation and conclusions will be forwarded to both parties. xiii. The complainant, at any stage, may choose to withdraw the complaint. The school, however, may still be obliged to investigate.

Appeal Process The decision of the VP School Life & Student Wellness / Principal’s designate may be appealed by the complainant or the respondent in writing to the Principal within seven (7) days school days of receipt of the decision. The Principal will receive the material and refer the matter to the Chair of the Board of Governors for review. The Chair will review the decision of the VP School Life & Student Wellness / Principal’s designate and make a determination in this matter. The Chair will

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

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