Flagstone State Community College ranks high for exclusions, suspensions

A total of 11 of the exclusions were related to illicit substances.

The statistics are in a document obtained by Nine News Queensland under a Right to Information application.

Of the suspensions, 29 were long suspensions, including seven involving illicit substances.

A total of 138 short suspensions were for verbal or non-verbal misconduct, 114 for physical misconduct not involving an object and 28 for physical misconduct involving an object.

An analysis by The Courier-Mail ranked the Flagstone school the eighth highest for suspensions and expulsions in the south-east region.

Park Ridge State High School excluded 29 students in 2017. There were eight long suspensions and 270 short suspensions, including 97 for property misconduct and 59 for physical misconduct not involving an object.

Logan Village State School had two expulsions for physical misconduct, 188 short suspensions and three long suspensions. The highest number of short suspensions was 86 for physical misconduct not involving an object.

An Education Department spokesperson said the figures represented the number of suspensions and expulsions, not the number of students involved.

The spokesperson said state schools had a responsible behaviour plan for students that outlined behaviour expected and the consequences when standards were not met.

“This is developed in consultation with the school community,” the spokesperson said.

“Where behaviour does not meet expectations, principals take appropriate disciplinary action, including implementing a school disciplinary absences (suspension or exclusion) where necessary.

“We support principals in taking necessary action where a student’s behaviour is unacceptable.”

The spokesperson said the department supported principals to use graduated and measured responses to behavioural issues.

“Support and training is available for staff throughout the state to assist in preventing in appropriate behaviour by clearly setting expectations for student behaviour, teaching, modelling and reinforcing appropriate behaviour.

“Students who require extra assistance are also identified to ensure they receive the support they need.”