Styria makes support mandatory for suspended pupils

All pupils suspended from classes in Styria will have to attend a support programme from the start of the new school year, ORF reports. The programme is intended to help them address their misconduct and return successfully to everyday school life.

Children and their parents will receive a written instruction to participate when a suspension is imposed for misconduct. Parents or guardians must actively support the pupil’s reintegration. They face fines of between 150 and 800 euros for violations or missed appointments.

In Graz, suspended pupils receive support at a dedicated centre. In other regions, the programme is usually held at the school. It can last for up to four weeks, with a maximum of 20 hours per week.

Professionals in school psychology, education and school social work support the pupils. For the first time this school year, four teachers will be deployed across Styria to help students catch up on missed lessons during their suspension. Additional staff can be assigned if needed.

The programme has been offered voluntarily in Styria for the past two years. According to Styria’s education director, Elisabeth Meixner, 155 of the 231 suspended pupils took part voluntarily last school year. Participation will become mandatory for all suspended pupils when the new school year begins.