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Under Ministerial Order 1125, suspension letters must follow strict legal requirements. This page helps families understand what must be included, what is missing, and how to request corrections using calm, factual language aligned with Victorian Department of Education policy.
Ministerial Order 1125 outlines mandatory components that must appear in every suspension notice. If any element is missing or unclear, parents may request clarification or an updated letter.
The letter must state the exact behaviour or incident and how it meets one of the grounds in MO1125.
Includes start date, end date, number of days, and the specific days your child is not permitted to attend.
The principal must show what information was gathered, from whom, and how findings were considered.
The letter must state which adjustments were considered or used, as required for students with disability.
Must reference Ministerial Order 1125 and the exact clause that relates to the decision.
Includes when the reintegration meeting will occur and who will attend.
If required elements are missing, unclear or inaccurate, the suspension may not meet procedural fairness or compliance requirements. These red flags indicate when clarification or correction may be appropriate.
The letter does not clearly describe the incident, investigation, or duration.
MO1125 requires a review of adjustments before a decision can be made.
If the letter is issued by an AP or teacher, it may not be lawful.
MO1125 must be referenced, including the relevant clause.
These rights are protected under Victorian legislation, the Student Engagement Policy, and the Students with Disability Policy.
You may request incident reports, BSPs, risk assessments, and adjustment records.
You can request a meeting to understand the decision and review supports.
You may request an SSG meeting immediately after receiving the letter.
If information is inaccurate or incomplete, you may request an updated letter.
This annotated example shows where key elements must appear in a valid suspension letter. Each marker highlights a compliance requirement under Ministerial Order 1125.
Incident Summary: Must be factual, specific and linked to a ground in MO1125.
Investigation Details: Shows who was spoken to and how the situation was investigated.
Adjustments Reviewed: Required for students with disability — if missing, request clarification.
Dates & Duration: The exact days your child is not permitted to attend.
Legislative Reference: Must cite Ministerial Order 1125 and the relevant clause.
Return-to-School Meeting: Must outline when the meeting will occur and who will attend.
After suspension, the school must hold a structured meeting with parents to plan a safe, supported return. This meeting is required under Ministerial Order 1125.
The school must provide a clear, factual account of what occurred — not interpretations.
Staff must show which adjustments were in place and what additional supports are required.
The Behaviour Support Plan must be updated with new strategies, triggers and responses.
A plan for the child’s return, with steps, supports and transition arrangements.
Schools must monitor progress and review adjustments over the coming weeks.
These templates help you request clarification, corrections or missing information in a calm, factual way.
Dear [Principal],
Thank you for the suspension letter. Some required information appears to be missing,
including [insert missing elements]. Could you please provide an updated letter so
I can understand the decision clearly?
Kind regards,
[Your Name]
Dear [Principal],
Could I please request copies of the documents used to inform the decision, including
the incident report, BSP, risk assessment (if applicable), and adjustment records?
Warm regards,
[Your Name]
Dear [Principal],
I would like to request a meeting to review the decision and discuss the adjustments
and planning moving forward. Could you please share some available times?
Thank you,
[Your Name]