Havergal College Course Calendar, 2020-21 Academic Year

Formal Complaint Student Harassed by a Staff Member or Volunteer i.

The student will submit a written complaint to the VP, or Principal’s designate, who will notify the Principal that a complaint has been lodged. 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, and a statement of the outcome(s) being sought. Where the VP 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, guidance counsellor, social worker, other support staff, in the preparation of a written complaint. iii. If the student is under 18 years of age, the VP or Principal’s designate 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 VP shall confirm in writing to the complainant receipt of the complaint within seven (7) working days. After receiving the complaint, the Principal, Principal’s designate or VP 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 VP shall first meet with the complainant. vii. The VP will forward a copy of the complaint, to the respondent within seven (7) working days of receipt of the complaint. viii. The VP will discuss the complaint separately with 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 VP, or Principal’s 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 witness(es); e. come to a conclusion about whether a specific incident did or did not occur based on a balance of probabilities; and f. recommend to the Principal appropriate action to resolve the situation.

Reviewed December 2019