Suspension Letters & Return-to-School Meeting Requirements
Under Ministerial Order 1125, Victorian government schools must follow specific legal steps when a suspension occurs. This section explains what must be included in the suspension letter, your rights as a parent, and what schools must do at the return-to-school meeting.
What Must Be in a Suspension Letter
• Clear reason for the suspension • The exact dates and duration • How the behaviour was investigated • Why suspension was considered necessary • Evidence that reasonable adjustments were reviewed • Legislative basis (Ministerial Order 1125)
You may request corrections if information is inaccurate.
Your Rights When You Receive the Letter
• You may request all supporting documents • You can ask for a review meeting immediately • You can challenge factual inaccuracies • You may request an urgent SSG meeting • You can ask what adjustments were trialled
Parents are legally entitled to participate in the process.
When a Suspension Letter Is Not Valid
A letter is unlawful if: • It lacks the mandatory details • Adjustments were not attempted • The principal did not make the decision • Disability impacts were not considered • No investigation occurred
These issues may form grounds for escalation.
What Must Happen at the Return-to-School Meeting
The school must give parents a clear factual explanation of what happened — not interpretations or opinions.
Schools must show what adjustments were used and what needs to change. Lack of adjustments must be addressed immediately.
Principals must update the BSP with new supports, strategies, and risk-prevention actions informed by the incident.
A reintegration plan must support a successful and safe return. It should outline step-by-step support for the first days and weeks back at school.
Schools must monitor the child’s return and ensure adjustments are working.
Documents You Can Request
- A copy of the principal’s suspension record (required under MO1125)
- The incident report and witness statements
- Behaviour Support Plan (before & after incident)
- Risk assessment (if applicable)
- Notes from SSG or problem-solving meetings
- Records of adjustments that were attempted
- Classroom or yard duty supervision logs (if relevant)