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LegalIssuesinEducation
CampusA:
GroupMembers:
JaneHendersonBoone
MichaelButler
JoanneCoombs
MichaelGalway
JaimeHearn
AndrewJohnson
JodyMatheson
GregReardon
MatthewWoodland

Introduction
Eversinceschoolshaveexistedtheyhavebeenheavilyinfluencedbythelaw.Theselawsspanover
hundredsofyears,andhaveeitherbeenmodifiedovertimeorchangedbecauseoftheattitudesand
beliefsofsocietyasawhole.Itissurprisinghowmanyaspectsofschoolingaredeeplyaffectedbythe
law,particularlytherelationshipbetweenteachersandstudents.Theseaspectsinclude:
1)TeachingConditions:certifications,dutiesandpowers,employmentconditions,groundsfor
dismissal,laborlaws,andcollectivebargaining.
2)PhysicalSafetyofStudents:negligence,liability,andchildabuseissues.
3)Schoolattendance:compulsoryattendance.
4)MaintainingOrder:discipline,classroommanagement,suspension/expulsion.
5)StudentRights/DemocraticPractice:freedomofspeech,beliefs,participationingovernanceby
teachersandstudents.
6)TeachingPractices:subjectstobetaught,curriculum,lengthofschoolyear,treatmentofexceptional
children,copyrightsoneducationalmaterials
Withsomanyaspectsofschoolingaffectedbythelaw,teachersmustensurethattheyareproactive
inminimizingthepossibilityofbreachinganylawsthatstemfromtheaspectsoutlinedabove.The
bottomlineisthatwemustknowthelawsowecanstayoutoftroublewhilestillbeingabletoprovidea
highlycreativeandproductivelearningenvironmentforstudents.Teachersmusthavetheabilityto
anticipatepossibledangersandtakestepstoavoidthem,andregulateschoollifeinsuchawaythat
learningistakingplacewhiletherightsofallarebeingrespected.
Todayssocietyismorelitigiousthanever,wherepeoplenolongerhesitatetopresschargeswhen
theyfeeltheyhavebeenwrongedinonewayoranother.Lawsuitshavebecomeverycommonin
schools,wherecaseshavebeenmadeagainstteachers,schools,andschoolboards.Manyofthesecases
havebeensuccessfulfortheplaintiffswheremillionsofdollarshavebeenawardedtothem.Caseshave
beenmadeandwonbecauseofvariousformsofnegligenceonthepartofteachers.IntheDesHawley
SecondarySchoolcasestudy,thenewprincipalhasgreatconcernsregardingthecarelessnessofteachers
onthejobbecausetwelvestudentswereinjuredinasingleyearduetonegligentacts.Theseincidents
occurredduringfieldtrips,schoolsports,chemistrylabaccidents,andavehicleaccidentinvolvinga
teachersvehiclewhiletransportingstudents.Theaspectofschoolingthatisbeingneglectedfrom
thesesituationsismainlyabreachintheregardforthephysicalsafetyofstudents.Teachersneedtobe
concernedaboutthesafetyoftheirstudentsbecausetheycanbesuedandprosecutediftheir
responsibilitiesareneglected.Ifprosecuted,itishighlypossiblethatateacherwouldlosehis/herjob.In
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regardingthephysicalsafetyofstudents,teachersshouldaskthemselvestwoquestions:
a)HowcanIprotectmyselffrombeingsued?
b)HowcanIavoidpotentiallydangerousandinappropriatebehavior?
Byansweringthesequestionsalone,teacherscangreatlydecreasetheirchancesofbeingfoundliableif
broughttocourtfornegligence.

Negligence
ElementsofCauseandAction
1).DutyAschoolboardanditsemployeesareunderadutytoexercisereasonablecaretoprotect
studentsfromreasonablyforeseeablerisksofinjury.
2).BreachofDuty(Negligence)Negligenceistheomissiontodosomethingwhichareasonable
man,guideduponthoseconsiderationswhichordinarilyregulatetheconductofhumanaffairs,woulddo,
ordoingsomethingwhichaprudentandreasonablemanwouldnotdo.Thedefendantsmighthavebeen
liablefornegligence,if,unintentionally,theyomittedtodothatwhichareasonablepersonwouldhave
done,ordidthatwhichapersontakingreasonableprecautionswouldnothavedone.(Blythvs.
BirminghamWaterWorksCo.,1856).
3).Causationthistermreferstothedeterminationastowhetherthereisasufficientcausallink
betweenthedefendantsnegligenceandtheplaintiffsinjury.Thisactuallyinvolves2separateissues:
causationinfactandproximatecause.Thefirstisbasedonthequestion,wouldtheinjuryhaveoccurred
butforthedefendantsnegligence?Thesecondhoweverismorecomplex.Evenifthereisacausal
linkbetweenthedefendantsconductandtheplaintiffsinjury,isthelinksobizarreastomakeit
unfairtoholdthedefendantliablefortheinjury?
4).DamagesasaresultoftheinjuryIfthestudentsufferedactuallydamages,themedicalbillsand
enduredpainwillbegivenadollaramount.Thedollaramountofthosedamagesistoberecoveredfrom
theboard.
Itisimportanttonotethataschoolboardisvicariouslyliableforallactsofnegligenceperformedbyits
employeesandvolunteersactingwithinthescopeoftheiremploymentorwithinthescopeoftheir
authority.Liability"flows"fromtheteachertotheprincipletotheboard.
ReasonablyPrudentParent
Thestandardofcaretobeexercisedbyschoolauthoritiesinprovidingforthesupervisionand
protectionofstudentsforwhomtheyareresponsibleisthatofthecarefulorprudentparent.Itisnot,
however,astandardwhichcanbeappliedinthesamemannerandtothesameextentineverycase.It
willdependuponthenumberofstudentsbeingsupervisedatanygiventime,thenatureoftheexerciseor
activityinprogress,andtheage.Aswell,thenatureandconditionoftheequipmentinuseatthetime,
thecompetencyandcapacityofthestudentsinvolved,andahostofothermatterswhichmaybewidely
variedbutwhich,inagivencase,mayaffecttheapplicationoftheprudentparentstandard.(Myersvs.
PeelCountyBoardofEducation,1981).
TransportationandFieldTrips
Aboardwillbevicariouslyliableforanynegligenceoccurringwithrespecttotransportationfacilities
ownedandoperatedbyit.Whentransportationisprovidedbyacompany,notaffiliatedwiththeboard,
theboardretainsasubstantialdegreeofcontrolovertheBusCompanyandoverthedisciplineofthe
pupilswhiletheyareonthebus.Inacaselikethistheboardsdutytothepupilcontinuesuntilthechild
arriveshome.
Itisverycommonwhenstudentsgoonschooltripsforeitherclassorsportstheymustgeta
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permissionslipsignedinordertogo.Suchconsentformsarenotlegallybindingtheyarejust
warningsandthereisnoconsenttowaiveanynegligentact(Barnes,1990).Thebottomlineisthatthey
donotdowellwhenusedincourt.Inadditiontotheseforms,manylesswealthyschoolshavenovanfor
itsteamstotravelin,soparentsandteachersarerecruitedtousetheirpersonalvehiclestodriveteam
memberstogames.Ifoneofthevehiclesgotintoanaccidentwhowouldbeliable?Theparentdriving
thevehicle,thecoachorteacher,theschool,ortheschoolboard?Thiswouldbeaverycomplicated
situationindeed!Teachersandcoachesmustplanextensivelyinordertoreducetheriskinsuchan
activity.
InsideandOutsideofschoolHours(OntarioRegulation)
Everyboardshalldeterminetheperiodoftimeduringeachschooldaywhenitsschoolbuildingsand
playgroundsshallbeopentopupils.Theperiodbeginning15minutesbeforeclassesbeginfortheday
andending15minutesafterclassesendfortheday.Thereisalsothequestionofresponsibilityof
activitiesbeforeoraftertheschoolday.Normally,theboardislegallyresponsibleforthesafetyofits
studentsonlyduringschoolhoursorduringauthorizedoutofschoolactivities.Iftheboardhasallowed
studentstoarriveearlyorleavelatetheymaybeheldlegallyresponsiblefortheirsafety.

AvoidingNegligenceinPhysicalEducation
Theexpectedstandardofcareinphysicaleducationisstraightforward.First,theexercisemustbe
suitabletothestudentsageandcondition(mentalandphysical).Thereisabigdifferenceingettingall
ofyourstudentstoplayfootballorallofyourstudentstojumprope.Secondly,thestudentmustbe
progressivelytrainedtodotheexerciseproperlyandtoavoiddanger.Inotherwords,youcantgivea
studentanexerciseandexpectthemtobeabletodoitrightaway.Thirdly,theequipmentmustbe
adequateandsuitablyarranged.Iftheequipmentisoldandfallingapart,youareatriskofaninjury
occurring.Finally,theperformanceoftheexercisemustbeproperlysupervised,havingregardtoits
inherentlydangerousnature.Youcanthavehalfofyourclassdoingonepotentiallydangeroussport
suchasfloorhockeyandtheotherhalfoftheclassplayingfootballandexpecttobeabletoproperly
supervisethemall.
Thefactthatateacherallowshis/herstudentstoparticipateinapotentiallydangerousactivityisnot,in
itself,negligence.However,onehastomakesurethatthestandardofcaretakenmustbeappropriateto
theactivity.Thereisalsotheassumptionofriskinsports.Apersonwhoparticipatesinagameorsport
assumestheinherentrisksofparticipationasstatedunderContributorynegligencestudents
themselveshavedutytoactwithreasonablecarefortheirownsafety(seeAppendixB).
Thismakestheassumptionthattheplayerisofageandexperiencetobeawareoftheinherentrisks.For
example,ahighschoolstudentwhowantstoplayrugbyshouldknowalreadythatitisaveryroughsport
andinjuriesoccurquitefrequentlywhereasagrade7studentmaynotrealizetheextenttothepossibility
ofinjury
Ifastudentisinjuredatschoolorduringaschoolactivityfirstaidmustbeadministeredifneeded.The
schoolstaffcanbefoundliableiffirstaidisnotadministered,orifitisadministeredincompetently,even
iftheyarefoundnotnegligentwithrespecttotheactualoccurrenceoftheaccident.Wherenecessary,
propermedicalattentionmustbeobtained.Beforetheadministrationofanymedicalorfirstaid
procedure,theconsentofthestudentmustbeacquired.Ifthestudentdoesnothavethecapacityto
consentthentheconsentofaparentorguardianmustbeobtained,thisisusuallydealtwithatthe
beginningoftheschoolyear.Thestudentshavetobringhomeamedicalconsentformfortheirparents
orguardiantosignwhichgivesconsenttoanymedicalorfirstaidprocedureneededwhiletheirchildis
inschool.
Afteranincidenthasoccurred,parentsmustbeinformedbytheschoolaboutanyactualorsuspected
injurytotheirchildassoonaspossible.Regardlessofhowanaccidentoccurredorwhomaybeatfault,
anyconcernedparentwouldappreciatethesympatheticcommunicationofclearinformationtoparents
bytheappropriateschoolofboardofficial.Ifthiscommunicationdoesnotoccurthechancesthatthe
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parentsorguardianswillbehostilewhentheyeventuallyfindoutwhathappenedwillbeincreased.
Administratorsandboardmembersshouldbeawareofthefactthat,anystatementsbyboard
representativescanbeusedbyaplaintiffinthecaseofalawsuitagainsttheboard.
Theissueofeducationalmalpracticeisdistinguishablefromnegligence.Inthis,theplaintiffwillallege
thatheorshehassuffereddamagesbecausetheschoolboarddidnotfulfilitsdutytoeducatethe
plaintiff.Thisalsoaddressestheconceptofvicariousliability,whichoccurswhentheplaintiffslawyer
willissueastatementofclaimagainsteveryonewhoispotentiallyliablebecauseonecannotalways
predicthowajudgeorjurywillfindorassignliability.Duringeducationalmalpracticelawsuitsanyone
canbesued,fromtheteachertotheBoardofEducation.Todate,educationmalpracticeclaimshave
beenunsuccessfulinCanadaandUnitedStatesappellatecourts.

AvoidingNegligenceOverall
Inusingforeseeability,oneidentifiespossibledangersandsetsouttoremedythem.Fromthispoint,we
shouldestablishandmaintainariskmanagementplan.Suchaplanwillpreventinjury,preventlawsuits
frombeginning,preventlawsuitsfromsucceeding,andwillminimizethedamagesagainstateacherif
he/sheisfoundnegligent(Fridman,1990).Ariskmanagementplancanbemadeupfromavarietyof
initiatives.Suchas:checkingequipmentregularly,ensuringthatcertificationsarekeptuptodate,
maintainingorderanddisciplineduringactivities,andsettingupanemergencyactionplansothat
emergencysituationscanbedealtwithinaquickandefficientmanner(Barnes,1990).Ifthesesimple
measuresareseenasroutinepractices,thiswouldsignificantlydecreasethechanceofinjuryaswellas
thechancesofbeingfoundnegligent(SeeAppendixB).
Conclusion
Thiswasjustabriefoverviewofwhatlegalissuesteachersmustlookoutfor,withthefocusuponthe
physicalsafetyofstudentstohelpmeettheneedsofDesHawleySecondarySchool.Thisknowledge
wouldhelpteachersbemoreprofessionalbecauseitmakesusthinkaboutwhatactivitiesweplanfor
studentsaswellastheplacetheactivitieswillbeconducted.Puttingthisknowledgetopracticewill
reducetheriskofinjurytostudentsaswellasthechancesofbeingliableforanyinjurythatmayoccurto
astudentwhileunderourcare.Itisrecommendedthatallteachersshoulddoacourseorreceiveavery
goodbriefingontheseissuesbecause,inthelongrun,itwillhelpthem,theschool,theschoolboardand
mostofallthestudents.

AppendixA:
CaseStudies
Case1:GlobeandMailArticles
TheCanadianCharterofRightsandFreedoms(s.8)statesthateveryonehastherighttobesecure
againstunreasonablesearchorseizure.In1986,theOntarioCourtofAppealstatedthataprincipalis
allowedtosearchastudenttocarryouttheirdutytomaintainorderanddisciplineintheschool.This
rulingcameinresponsetoacasewhereaprinciplesearchedastudentafterreceivingareportthatthe
studentwascarryingdrugs.Thestudentwasinvitedtohisofficewherehecommencedhissearch.Some
tinfoilcontainingmarijuanawasfoundinthestudentspantcuff.Itwasalsostatedthatthesearchcan
notbearbitrarytheremustbereasonablegroundstoconductthesearch.Thisisalsotrueforknapsacks
andpurses.Whenitisevidentthatanoffencehasbeencommitted,thenthepoliceshouldbecontacted
immediately.
OnNovember28,1998,theSupremeCourtofCanadareleasedadecisiononacaseonappealfromthe
CourtofAppealforNovaScotia.Thiscaseinvolvedaviceprinciplessearchofastudentsuspectedof
drugdealing.Therewasapoliceofficerdressedinplainclothespresentduringthesearch.Whenabag
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ofmarijuanawasfoundinthestudentssock,thepoliceofficerproceededtoarrestthestudent.Inthis
case,thetrialjudgeruledthattheviceprincipleactedasanagentofthepoliceandthesearchviolatedthe
studentsrights.Theevidenceturnedupduringthesearchwasexcludedattrial.TheCourtofAppeal
sentthemattertotheSupremeCourt.
TheSupremeCourtofCanada(MajorJ.dissenting)foundthattherewasnoviolationofthestudents
rights.Thecourtsaid:
1.Astudentsexpectationofprivacyisdiminishedatschoolbecausethestudentknowsthatteachers
andschoolauthoritiesareresponsibleforprovidingasafeschoolenvironmentandmaintainingorderand
disciplineintheschool.Studentsknowthatthisresponsibilitymayrequiresearchesofstudentsandtheir
personaleffects,andtheseizureofprohibiteditems.
2.Torequireasearchwarrantwouldbeimpracticalandunworkableinaschoolenvironment.Teachers
andprincipalsmustbeabletoreactquickly.Theymusthavethepowertosearchstudents.
3.Asearchmaybemadeiftherearereasonablegroundstobelievethataschoolrulehasbeenorisbeing
violatedandthatevidencewillbefoundinthelocationoronthepersonofthestudentsearched.Allthe
circumstancessurroundingasearchmustbetakenintoaccountindeterminingifthesearchwas
reasonable.Reasonablegroundsforasearchcanbebasedoninformationfromacrediblestudent,
informationfrommorethenonestudent,theteachersownobservations,oranycombinationofthese,
alltakeninthecontextofthecircumstancesexistingattheschool.
4.Thepermissibleextentofthesearchdependsonthegravityofthesuspectedinfraction.
5.Thesearchitselfmustbecarriedoutinasensitiveandminimallyintrusivemanner.
6.Onthefactsofthiscase,theviceprincipalwasnotactingasanagentofthepolice.Theofficerwasat
alltimescompletelypassive(untiltheevidencewashandedovertohimandanarrestwasmade).
TeachersandschoolauthoritieshavetheauthoritytomaintainorderanddisciplineundertheNovaScotia
EducationAct.
However,whenastudentslockerordeskisbeingsearched,theissueonwhoownstheproperty
arises.Iftheschoolownstheproperty,thenitdoesnotneedpermissiontosearchit.However,ifthe
studentownsorrentstheproperty(andhasnotbeeninformedthatitissubjecttobesearched),then
asearchshouldonlybecarriedoutonreasonablegroundsaspartofmaintainingdiscipline.
Teacherswereoverwhelminglyinfavorofthe1998ruling.AllanMacLean,headoftheNovaScotia
TeachersUnion,saidthatwiththeincreasingproblemsinschooltoday,teachersneedtheauthorityto
protectstudentsthroughsearches.Oneprincipalsaidthathehasseizedatleastadozenknivesfrom
studentlockersin1997.TheNovember28articlealsostatedthattherulingclearedupsome
misconceptionsteachershadabouttheirauthoritytocheckthepouchesinschoolbags.Constable
Emmorey,aconstableintheTorontoarea,saysthatitisoddthatprincipalshavemorescopetoconduct
searchesthanofficersdo,butneverthelessheisgladthatsomeonehasthatpower.
Somestudentswerelesspleasedabouttheruling.TheNovember28,1998GlobeandMailarticlesays
thatstudentsareafraidteacherswillabusethepowergiventothemandwillrandomlysearchstudents.
However,otherstudentsfeelthatanythingthatwillensureasaferlearningenvironmentforthemisa
goodthing.Somestudentsstillfeelthattheirrightsareinfringedeverytimeastaffmembersearches
themortheirlockerinschool.Onestudent,AndrewCorbin,saysthateventhoughschoolsintheUnited
Statesarefraughtwithgunsanddrugs,itishardlythecaseinCanada.Anotherstudent,Samantha
Gutstadt,saidthatoneofherfriendshadmarijuanafoundinhislockerduringasearch.Thestudentlater
hadtroublegettingintoanyareahighschoolsbecauseoftheincident.Shesaysthatifthisstudents
lockerhadnotbeensearched,thenhewouldnothavebeenforcedtodropoutofschool.
Case2:Fraservs.CampbellRiverSchoolDistrict(1989)
Thiscasestudydealswiththeroleofateacherinasupervisorysituation.Inthiscase,aphysical
educationteachertookFraserandhisclassoutsidetoplayrugbyinthesnow.Afterawhilethegame
brokeupandthestudentsmadesnowsculpturesandplayedinthesnow.Fraserbegantoruntowardsthe
schoolandmadearunningdivedownahill.Hetuckedhisbodyandthepressureofthesnowonhis
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headbrokehisneck.Theactionwasfiledagainsttheteacherfornegligentsupervision.
Thejudgeinthiscasethrewoutthecharges.Hestatedthatthephysicaleducationteacherhadnoreason
nottotaketheboysoutsidetoplayinthesnow.HealsostatedthattheteacherdidnotencourageFraser
totakethedive,nordidhecondoneit.TheteacherhadnoreasontoanticipateFraserwouldtakethe
diveinthesnow.TheteacherwaspowerlesstostopthediveevenhadheforeseenthatindoingsoFraser
mighthurthimself.
Thisrulinghasgreatimplicationsinourownsupervisionasteachers.Studentsactveryunpredictableat
times,andevenifyoucanpredictthoseactionsandyouallowthem,youcannotalwayspredictthe
consequencesofthoseactions.Iftheteacherhadpredictedthatthestudentwouldrunanddiveinthe
snow,thereisnowayhecouldhavepredictedthestudentwouldbreakhisneck.Thereisalimitto
foreseeabilityandnegligenceinanysupervisorysituation.Ifyoucannotpredictastudentsactionsor
consequencesofthoseactions,thenyoucannotbeheldlegallyresponsiblefortheconsequences.
Case3:Myersvs.PeelCountyBoardofEducation
InthecourtcaseofMyersvs.PeelCountyBoardofEducation,15yearoldMyersreceivedinstruction
ontheringsandwastaughtpropermethodandfunctionofspottinginGrade10.Ingrade11gymnastics
courseMyerswastaughtlevelsIandIIroutinesontherings.OnDecember6,1972,Myersandagroup
ofotherstudentsreceivedpermissiontogoanexerciseroomnotvisiblefromthegymnasiumtopractice
theirgymnastics,whiletherestoftheclassremainedinthegymnasium.ThePhysicalEducationteacher
remainedinthegymnasiumsupervisingtherestoftheclasswhileMyersandthegroupofstudentswent
totheexerciseroom.AfterpracticingtheMyersdismountedfromtheringsandhisspottermovedaway.
Myersdidnottellhisspotterthathewasmountingtheringsagain.Aftermountingtheringsagain,
Myersattemptedastraddledismount(amaneuverhehadneverattemptedbefore),landingonhisneck
andsufferingspinalinjuriesleavinghimaquadriplegic.Thesafetymatsthatwerebeingusedweretwo
compressedslabmatsabouttwoandonehalfinchesthickwereusedundertheringsatthetimeofthe
accident,however,muchthinkercrashmatswereavailable.
ActionwastakenactionthePeelCountryBoardofEducationandthePhysicalEducationinstructorin
theOntarioSupremeCourt,chargingthemwithnegligence.Thefindingofthecourtfoundthatthe
defendantswere80percentnegligentwhiletheplaintiffwas20percentnegligent.Theplaintiffwas
awarded$2656.30inspecialdamages,$64000.00ingeneraldamages,andonehalfofhiscourtcosts.
Thedecisionwasbaseduponthefactthatthedefendantwasliableforfailuretoprovideproper
equipmentandpropersupervision.Theevidenceshowedthatthecrashmatsfortheseinexperienced
studentswasanecessaryprecaution.Also,itwasproventhattherewasanabsenceofsupervision.It
wasnotedthepresenceoftheteachermighthavepreventedthisaccident,andthecourtalsoagreedthatif
adequatemattinghadbeenprovidedandusedtheaccidentwouldhavebeenavoided.
Thecourtusedthesixfactorsoutliningthedutyofcaretocometotheirdecision.Thecourtruledthata
standardofcarewasnotmetbytheinstructor,becauseoftheparticularactivitywaspotentially
dangerousandinjurywasforeseeable.Also,theslabmatsthatwereusedweredangerousifastudent
happenedtofallfromtherings,ratherthestudentshouldhavebeentousethecrashmats.
Case4:Eatonvs.LasutaandtheBoardofSchoolTrusteesofSchollDistrict
InthecaseEatonvs.LasutaandBoardofSchoolTrusteesofSchollDistrictNo.41(Burnaby),an
accidentoccurredoutsideintheplaygroundduringaphysicaleducationclass.Theplaintiffwasa12
yearoldgirlnamedEaton.Sheweighed105lbs.,andwasdescribedastall,lanky,awkward,andnot
athletic.ThedefendantwasLasuta,PhysicalEducationteacherof13yearsandhomeroomteacherto
Eatonfor2years.
Duringthelastperiodoftheday,Lasutadecidedtousetheperiodaspracticeforupcomingschoolsports
daytotakeplaceaboutoneweeklater.Eatonwasassignedtoagroupof8studentstopracticefora
noveltypiggybackracedesignedforgirlswhowerenotathleticallyinclined.Eatonwasaskedto
volunteerandshedid,butshewasnotcoerced.Shewasinstructedtoselectalighter,smallergirlto
carry.EatonselectedLillianChen,whowas7595lbs.,andthenlinedupwithtwoothercouples.
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Lasutainstructedallofthestudentstorunthegrasshockeyfield,butthedistancewasnotstated.Lasuta
signalthestartoftherace,nearthebeginningoftheraceEatonstumbledfellandbrokeherleg.The
plaintiffwashospitalizedforthreemonths,intractionfortoofthosemonths,andwasoutofschoolfor
themonthofNovember1973.Theleghealedfine,butlefttwounsightlyscarsonhershinwherethe
bonehadbeenpinned.Thecasewasdismissedwithcosts.Theimplicationofthiscasewasthatchildren
sometimesgethurtduringsupervisedactivitydoesnotautomaticallymeanthatsupervisionhasbeen
inadequate.
Case5:McKayvs.BoardofGovanSchool
ThelastcourtcaseisMcKayvs.theBoardofGovanSchoolUnitNo.29ofSaskatchewan.Thiscase
resultedfromanaccidentwherebyIanMcKaywasinjuredafterhefellbetweenparallelbarswhile
practicingforagymnasticdisplayathisschool.AsaresultMcKaywasaparaplegic,paralyzedfromthe
neckdown.TheactionsagainsttheteacherweredismissedbecauseofclausesintheSchoolActof
Saskatchewan.Itwasstatedthattheprincipalofaschoolapprovesorsponsorsanactivity,thereforethe
teacherresponsibleforthepupils,butisnotpersonallyliablefordamagessufferedduringsuch
activities.However,thejurydeterminedthattherewasalackofcompetentinstruction,insufficientcare
andattentioninspotting,insufficientdemonstrationontheapparatus,progressivestepsontheparallel
barswererushed,theinstructorwasinsufficientlyqualifiedandtherewereinsufficientsafetyprecautions
taken.Italsowasconcludedthattherewasnocontributorynegligenceontheplaintiffspart.
Thetrialcourtawarded$183900.00indamagestoMcKay.Thedecisionwasappealedbytheboardin
theSaskatchewanCourtofAppeal,whichsetasidethejudgementanddirectedanewtrial.Thereason
fortheappealwasbecausethetrialjudgehadmisdirectedthejuryregardingthestandardofcareowed
byateachertohisstudentsandbecausetherewasmisdirectiontothejuryregardingtheamountof
damages.McKay,however,appealedtotheSupremeCourtofCanada.TheSupremeCourtofCanada
decidedthatthetrialJudgehadappropriatelydirectedthejuryregardingthestandardofcareand
damages,andtheawardeddamageswererestored.Theimplicationsofthiscasewerethatforactivities,
whichposeinherentrisks,thereshouldbesufficientprogressiveinstruction,demonstrationand
supervision.Also,instructionshouldbequalifiedintheactivitiesoverwhichtheytakecharge,andthe
administrationofaschooltakesonresponsibilityforactivities,whichitapproves.

Case6:Moddejongevs.HuronCountyBoardofEducation
Twogirlsdrownedwhileonaschoolfieldtrip.Thesupervisingteacheraswellasoneofthegirlsthat
drownedwasunabletoswim.Nolifesavingequipmentwasavailable.Theteacherpermittedthe
childrentoswiminanareathatwasclosetoadangerousdropoffpoint.Whenthechildrendriftedinto
thedangerousarea,theteacherdidnothing.Thecourtheldthatthedutyowedbyateacherorsupervisor
towardchildreninhisorherchargeistotakesuchcareofthemasaprudentfatherwouldofhis
children.Sincetheteacherwasactingwithinthescopeofhisemploymentboththeboardandtheteacher
werefoundliable.

AppendixB:
AnEducatorsGuidetoViolenceinSchools
NegligenceAction
1.)defendantowedadutyofcaretotheplaintiff
2.)defendantbreachedthestandardofcareowedtotheplaintiff
3.)defendantsbreachwastheproximatecauseoftheplaintiffsinjury
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4.)plaintiffsufferedactualdamageorloss

1.)DutyofCare
statute(specificdetailteachers,principals,schoolboards)
commonlawreferstotheschoolauthoritieshavingaspecialdutyofcaretowardstudentsintheircharge
StandardofCare
expectedofpersonnel
teacheractionsareexpectedtoconformtowhatacarefulparentwoulddo
thisdependsonmanythings
numberofstudentsbeingsupervisedatonce
ageofstudents
natureoftheexerciseoractivity
degreeofskilltrainingstudentshavereceivedfortheactivity
natureofthecondition
competencyorcapacityofstudentsinvolved
manymore
2.)Breach
whenateacher,principal,otherdoesnotappreciatethenatureorextentofdutyandthereforeneglectsa
duty(notdoingwhatshouldbedoneordoingwhatshouldnotbedone)
causationproveconnectionbetweendefendantsactionandtheplaintiffsinjury
forseeabilitycasuallinkbetweenschoolsnegligenceandstudentsinjury
3.)LiabilityofSchoolBoards
Vicariousliability
liabilityforactsofemployeescarriedoutinthecourseoftheiremployment(mosttimesbecauseof
impropersupervisionofstudents)
Duties
devisesafesupervisionsystem(throughprincipal)
exercisereasonablecareinhiringemployees(competent,qualified,wellinformedofresponsibilities)
Occupiersliability
occupierofpremisesoweadutyofcaretowardspersonscomingontothepremises
Duties
warn3rdparties(warstaffstudentsaboutviolentstudentmayinterferewithrightsofthatstudentsome
exceptions)
schoolsowesdutyofcaretostudents,employees,andpersononpremisestheyhaveageneraldutyto
preventforeseeableharmfromviolent/potentiallyviolentstudents
providesafeworkenvironment(employeesrighttorefuseunsafework)
Tipsforsafeworkplaceinschools
preventativemeasures!
LiabilitiesOutsideSchoolHours
Beforeearlyarrivalsnotresponsibilityof(principals,teachers)
Afteronlywhenparticipatingincurricular/extracurricularevent
LiabilityforStudentConductOffSchoolProperty
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onschooltripsorgoingto/fromschool
4.)Damages
proofplaintiffhassuffereddamage/loss(physicalinjury,lossofincome,pain/suffering,lossof
employment/life,nervousshock,emotionaldistress,etc.)
ContributoryNegligence
studentsthemselveshavedutytoactwithreasonablecarefortheirownsafety
Insurance
oneoftheprimarypurposesforholdingschoolboardsvicariouslyliableforactionsofteachersprincipal
istoallocatelossesreasonably
ChecklistIsonesconductnegligent?(pg.47)
1)dutyofcare
DoIowethisstudentadutyofcareinthiscontext?
Isthisactivityduringschoolhoursandonschoolproperty?
Isthisaschoolsponsoredactivitybutoffschoolproperty?
DidIassumeresponsibilityforthisstudentwhenitwasnotrequiredofme?
DidIreasonablyleadparentstobelievethatIwouldprovidecarefortheirchildrenbefore,duringand
afterschool?
DidImakeitcleartoparentsthelimitofmyscopeofdutytotheirchildrenduringnonschoolhours?
2)standardofcare
AmIactingasaprudentandreasonableparentinthecircumstances?
WhatfactorsshouldIconsiderwhendeterminingthestandardofcareIshouldadoptinthiscontext?
(i.e.studentage,physicalenvironment,natureofactivity,etc.)
Whattypesofmishapsandinjuryarereasonablyforeseeableinthiscontext?
Whatpreciselywouldtheprudentparentdointhiscontext?
WhatshouldIdotopreventtheforeseeablemishapsandinjury?
3)breachofdutyofcare
DidIbreachmydutyofcare?
IsthereanythingIcoulddotopreventharmtostudentsortomitigatemypotentialliability?(i.e.askfor
helpwhenIrealizeIamnotprovidingthesafetynecessarytostudentsduringanactivity)
4)causation/damages
Wasaninjurysustained?
Wasthisinjuryorthistypeofinjuryforeseeable?
Asaquestionoffact,wasbreachofmydutyofcarethedirectcauseoftheinjury?
Wastheinjuryareasonableconsequenceofthebreachofmydutyofcare?
Ifso,wasbreachofmydutyofcaretheproximatecauseoftheinjuryorwasitquiteremotefrom
theinjuryalongachainofevents?
Didthestudentoranyotherpersoncontributetothisinjury?
Didthestudentvoluntarilyassumesomeorallofthephysicalriskinherentinthisactivity?
5)injuriesinflictedbystudents
Doesthestudenthaveadangerouspropensity?
DoIknowthatthisstudentasadangerouspropensity?
CanIreasonablyforeseeadangerousoccurrence?
Whatstepsarenormallytakeninschoolcommunitieswhendealingwithpotentiallydangerous
children?
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WhatstepscouldItaketopreventthepossibilityofinjurybythisstudent?

Measurestotakeforreducingviolence:
Firstexercisegoodjudgementandcommonsenseinactingasareasonable/prudentparent.Also:
reviewpreviousincidentsofviolencethathaveoccurred
considerhowtheincidentwasreportedandhandled
determinethepoliciesandproceduresthatshouldbeundertakentoeliminateviolence
monitoranddiscussteachingconductwithotherteachers
followschoolguidelines,continuallyreevaluatetheguidelines
lookatwhatotherschoolsaredoingtoreduceviolence
sharetheresponsibilityofreducingviolencewiththecommunity
***Itcostslargeamountsofmoneytomakeandimplementpoliciesaddressingviolenceinschoolsbutit
isveryimportantandshouldbedonedespitethemoneyissue.

AppendixC:
TheSchoolsAct
InDecemberof1997anewSchoolsActforNewfoundlandcameintoeffect.Withregardstoteachers
themostpertinentaspectsoftheActdealwithstudentsrightsandresponsibilitiesandthe
suspension/expulsionprovisionsoftheact.Studentsrightsandresponsibilitieswouldfallunderthe
valueofattendance,studentconduct,studentrecord,liabilityfordamage,suspension,expulsionandthe
appealprocess.Thissectionofthepaperwilldetailabriefoverviewoftheaforementionedtopicsand
theirrelevancetoteachersandstudentsalike.
AllpersonsbetweentheagesoffiveandtwentyasofDecember31ofthatschoolyearareentitledtoan
educationprogram(TheBulletin,January/February2000).Forpersonswhoaresixyearsofageorolder
onDec31andsixteenyearsofageorunderonSept1oftheschoolyear,schooliscompulsory.For
thesestudents,unlesstheyareexcusedfromclassunderAct(5.15,16),theirparentshavetoensurethat
theyareenrolledandtheyattendschool.Thereisalsoajointeffortbetweenteachers,principals,andthe
SchoolDistrictDirectortomakeeveryefforttoensurethatregularattendanceisadheredto.Aswell,
principalshavetheonusofreportinganybreachofthisacttotheDirector.Studentscanonlybeexcused
fromregularattendanceofclassesunderSection5.Examplesofexcusedabsenceswouldincludeillness,
suspension/expulsion,homeinstruction,orotherexperiences,whichprovesignificanteducational,
socialvalue,however,homeinstructionmustbeapprovedbytheschoolboard(TheBulletin,
January/February2000).
Section11oftheSchoolsActpertainstostudentconduct.Itstatesthateverystudentisexpectedtoabide
bytherulesoftheschoolandschooldiscipline.Theyarealsoexpectedtocomplywithlearning
activitieswithintheprescribedcurriculum.Aswell,theactenablesprincipalsandteacherstomaintain
andsuperviseorderanddisciplineamongstthestudents(TheBulletin,January/February2000).Teachers
mustmaintainastudentrecordforeachstudentwhichcanbereviewedbytheparentsofthestudentor
thestudent(age19orolder).Aswell,parentsandstudents(age19orolder)areentitledtoexplanations
andinterpretationsoftherecordiftheyfeeltherecordisambiguous.Therecordsarenotadmissiblein
courtproceedingshowever,theycanbeusedbyaprincipalortheboardintheeventofactingon
disciplinarymeasureswithregardstoastudentsconduct.Section12(9)oftheSchoolsActisa
safeguardforteachersagainstliabilitychargesthatcouldstemfromwhattheyplaceinastudents
record.Essentially,noactioncanbetakenagainstateacherwithrespecttowhathe/shecontributestoa
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studentrecordaslongashe/sheactedingoodfaithwithinthescopeofhis/herduties.(TheBulletin,
January/February2000)
Section21oftheSchoolsactdealswithliabilityofdamage.Theactisverycutanddryonthisissue.
Studentsandtheirparentsaretobeheldliableforanydamagecausedbyastudenttothepropertyofthe
board.Italsogoesasfarastoincludeboardemployees.Ifpropertyoftheboardoritsemployeesare
lost,damaged,ordestroyedbyanintentionalornegligentactthenthestudentandhis/herparentsare
collectivelyliable.(TheBulletin,January/February2000)
Section36oftheSchoolsActdealswithsuspensionofstudents.Teachers,principals,andtheSchool
BoardDirectorallplayandactiveroleinsuspensionofstudents.AccordingtotheLegalHandbookfor
Educators,astudentmaybesuspendedbecauseof:
persistenttruancy
persistentoppositiontoauthority
habitualneglectforduty
thewillfuldestructionofschoolproperty
theuseofprofaneorimproperlanguage,or
conductinjurioustothemoraltoneoftheschoolortothephysicalormentalwellbeingofothers
intheschool.
Undertheact,teachershavetheauthoritytosuspendastudentforaclassperiod,however,theteacher
shouldreportthesuspensiontotheprincipalnolaterthantheendoftheschoolday.Aprincipalcan
suspendastudentforoneormoreclassesorcourses,schoolprograms,ridingontheschoolbus,or
participatinginaschoolevent(TheBulletin,January/February2000).Onceastudentissuspendedfor
anything(otherthanoneormoreclasses)thentheparentsandtheSchoolBoardDirectormustbe
notifiedviaawrittenreportdetailingthecircumstancessurroundingthesuspension.Withinthreedaysof
receivingthereport,thedirectormustdecidewhethertoupholdalterorcancelthesuspension.Theact
statesthatsuspensionsshouldlastnolongerthanthirtyschooldaysintotalinaschoolyear.Itisthe
discretionoftheDirectortoapproveanextensioniftheprincipalcandemonstratethatthepresenceof
thisparticularstudentintheschoolposesasafetyissue(itcanbeeitherstudentsorstafforboth)or
seriouslydisruptstheclassroom.Priortoreinstatingastudent,theDirectormayseekmedicalor
professionaladvisethatprovesthestudentisnolongerathreattothestudentsorschoolboard
employees.(TheBulletin,January/February2000)
Section37,38,and39relatetoexpulsionofstudents.OnlytheSchoolBoardDirectorcanorderthata
studentbeexpelledfromschool.TheLegalHandbookforEducators(19??)statesthatastudent(s)can
beexpelledfromschoolwhenthepupilsconductissorefractorythatthepupilspresenceis
injurioustootherpupilsorpersons.Inacasewhereastudentispersistentlydisobedientoractsin
suchawaythathe/shewilllikelycauseinjurytootherstudentsorstaffthentheprincipalshallwarnthe
studentandnotifyhis/herparentsandtheDirectorinwriting.Ifthisbehaviorcontinuesoveraperiodof
timeanditisdeterminedthatthestudenthasnotmadeasatisfactoryattemptatchangingthisbehavior
thentheprincipalcanreporttotheDirectorinwritingagainandrequestthatthestudentbeexpelled.The
parentsofthestudentorthestudent(age19orolder)maymeetwiththeDirectorbeforehe/shemakes
theirdecision.AfterthismeetingtheDirectormustrenderhis/herverdict.Astudentwhohasbeen
expelledcaneitherbereadmittedbytheBoardorhe/shemaybereadmittedatthebeginningofthenext
schoolyear.Section39oftheSchoolsActallowsforareviewofanyexpulsion.Ifareviewisrequested
thenapanelofthreeSchoolBoardmemberswouldholdanexpulsionhearingwherebytheyare
authorizedtorenderafinalbindingorder.(TheBulletin,January/February2000)Atthehearingthe
studentmusthaveafullopportunitytorespondtotheallegations,haverepresentation,callwitnesses,and
crossexaminetheboardswitnesses.Itisimperativethatthemembersoftheboardareactingastribunals
andtheyareunbiased(LegalHandbookforEducators).Thiswillensurethatthestudentwhoisunder
reviewwillreceiveafairandequalhearing.
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AccordingtotheLegalHandbookforEducators,theuseofcorrectiveforcetodisciplineachildiseither
prohibitedorseverelyrestrictedbymostschoolboards.Section43oftheCriminalCodeofCanada,
however,providesadefensefortheteacherifphysicalforceisusedbywayofcorrectionandnotdeemed
excessivebutreasonableunderthecircumstances.Anyteacheroperatinginlocoparentis(inplace
oftheparent)isjustifiedinusingforcebywayofcorrectionifitisabsolutelyrequired.Ifthisforceis
deemedexcessive,thensection26ofthecriminalcodeofCanadaimposescriminalresponsibilityonthe
teacher.
Anydecisionwhichaffectsastudentbeitmademyateacher,principal,orDirectorcanbeappealedby
theparent(s)orthestudent(age19orolder).Theappealprocessmovesupthroughtheschool
administration.BythisImeanthatateachersdecisionmaybeappealedtotheprincipal,andprincipals
decisionmaybeappealedtotheboard.(TheBulletin,January/February2000)Anappeal,ifany,mustbe
madewithin7daysofthecommencementofthesuspension.(LegalHandbookforEducators,19??)
Afterhearingthestudentsappeal,theBoardcaneitherremove,confirmormodify(increaseordecrease)
thesuspension.Theymayalsorecommendthattherecordofthesuspensionbeexpungedinsome
instances.
Inconclusion,anycurrentorprospectiveteachersshouldhaveaprofoundunderstandingofTheSchools
ActandtheLegalHandbookforEducators.Thesepublicationsarereadilyavailableandprovidea
sourceofguidanceforteachers,administrators,schoolboards,andstudentswithrespecttotheirrights
andresponsibilitiesasitpertainstoeducation.Unfortunately,legalissuesarebecomingafrequenttopic
amongschoolboardsoverthepastcoupleofdecadesandthistrendisnotgoingtochange.Through
knowingthepoliciesandprocedurescontainedintheabovementioneddocuments,experiencedandnew
teacherscanupholdschoolboardregulationsandprotectthemselvesfromlegalramificationsatthesame
time.

TheEducationAct
Chapter8oftheLegalHandbookofTeachersbeginswiththedefinitionofaschoolyearandthe
schoolcalendar.Itexplainsatypicalschooldaywithintheschoolyear.Notingthatthesedayscanbe
instructionaldaysandprofessionaldays.Instructionaldaysareusuallyexaminationperiodsandmustnot
exceed10daysayear.Professionaldaysaredesignatedforteachers,andmustnotexceed4daysayear.
Thelengthofaschooldayisnotlessthan5hours,excludingrecesswhichisdesignatedbythe
principal,andlunchwhichmustnotbelessthen40consecutiveminutes.This5hourinstructional
rulecanbereducedinspecialcases(i.e.specialeducationprogramsmayhavelessinstructionaltime
thenregularclasses).Schoolcannotbeginpriorto8:00a.m,andcannotcontinueanylaterthan5:00
p.m.Schoolmustopenatleast15minutesbeforeclassesbeginandclosenoearlierthan15minutes
beforeclassesendfortheday.Thereare194requireddaysintheschoolyear.Theschoolyearcanbegin
noearlierthanSept.1st,andmustendnolatterthanJune30th.Again,thereareexceptionstothisrule,
andtheschoolcalendarcanbemodified,butthisneedsapprovalfromtheminister.Theschoolcalendar
ispublishedeachyearforparentsandstudents.Schoolholidaysareasfollows:CanadaDay,Labour
Day,Thanksgiving,Christmas,MarchBreak,GoodFriday,EasterMonday,andVictoriaDay.
RemembranceDayisnotaholiday,keepinmindthisisforOntarioschoolboard,andRemembrance
DayServicesmustbeheldinschools.TheEducationActprovidesthatstudentscanbeabsentfrom
schoolsforotherreasons,(i.e.studentshavearighttomissschoolforreligiousholidays).
TheEducationActalsooutlinesthefactthatparentsandguardianscanvisitschoolsatanytime,ascana
memberoftheassembly,oramemberoftheclergy.Ifthereisatrespasseronschoolpropertyaprincipal
(subjecttoanappealtotheschoolboard)hasthedutytorefusepersonswhocouldbedetrimentalto
otherstudents.UndertheTrespasstoPropertyAct,aschoolboardhastherightsanddutiesofan
occupierwithrespecttotheschoolsite(schoolproperty).Thus,underthisActtheoffenceoftrespassing
iswhen
i)enteringpremiseswhenentryisprohibited(withorwithoutnotice)
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ii)engaginginanactivityonpremiseswhichisprohibited(i.e.,skateboarding)
iii)failingtoleaveafterbeingasked
Ifsomeonerefusestoleave,he/shecanbearrestedbyapoliceofficerwithoutawarrant.
TheEducationActalsostatesthatstudentrecordsareconfidential.Theyareusedbysupervisory
officers,theprincipal,teachersandtheschoolfortheimprovementofinstructiontopupils.Otherswho
areallowedtoseestudentrecordsare
i)thepupil
ii)parentorguardian(bothcustodialandnoncustodial),wherethepupilisaminor
iii)localmedicalofficerofhealth
iv)aministryappointedperson
Aparent/guardiancangetinformationremovedfromarecordiftheinformationisthoughttobe
inaccuratelyreportedornotconductivetotheimprovementofthestudent.Awrittenrequestmustbe
submittedtotheprincipal.Iftheprincipalrefusestheappeal,themattercanbesenttoasupervisory
officer,whereahearingisusuallyheld.Thatdecisionisfinal.
UndertheEducationActprincipalsandteachersarerequiredtoreportsuspectedchildabuseas
prescribedbytheChildandFamilyServicesAct.Itmustbereportedwhenachildisinneedof
protection.Thedutytoreportthisisrequiredbylawtoallcitizens.Whereateacherbelievesthey
havereasonablegroundstosuspectabuse,theteachermustmakeareporttotheChildrensAid
Society.Failuretodosoisaprovincialoffense.
Anycasewhereachildsuffersfromabusemeansthatthechildisinneedofprotection.Itcanbecases
whereachildhassufferedphysicalharmfromthepersoninchargeofthemorfromlackofcare,orthe
childhasbeensexuallymolestedorexploited.Tosufferabusecanalsooccurwhenachildhasrequired
medicaltreatmentwhichwasnotprovided,hassufferedemotionalharmwithouttheparents/guardians
treatingit,oranytimeachildsuffersfromamentalordevelopmentalconditionthatisnotbeingtreated.
However,ifchildabuseisreportedanddeemedfalse,noactionformakingareportshallbeinstituted
againstapersonunlessmaliciousintentwaspresentorabusewasclaimedwithoutreasonablegrounds.
TheYoungOffendersActappliestopersonsbetweentheagesof1217.Achildissomeonewhois
undertheageof12,andisconsequentlynotsubjecttotheAct.Section3oftheActprovides10sections
thatunderlietheprinciplesoftheAct.Theyoutlinetherightsandresponsibilitiesofthepublic,aswell
astherightsandresponsibilitiesofyoungpersons.Ayoungpersonisprotectedunderthisactinthat
his/hernamecannotbepublishedunlessauthorizedbyajudge.Namesofyoungwitnessestoacrime
cannotbepublishedeither.However,therearecasesinwhichschoolofficialsorotherprofessionals
involvedwiththatyoungpersoncanlearntheirname(i.e.,aprincipalcanbeawarewhenastudentin
his/herschoolhastoattendcourt,etc.).AswelltheYoungOffendersActoutlinestheprocedureandrules
foradmittingachildsstatementincourt.Inorderforayoungpersonsoralorwrittenstatementto
beadmissibleincourt,certainconditionsmustbemet.Forexamplethestatementmustbevoluntary,and
theyouthmustbeawareoftheirrights.Thereareexceptionstothisrule.
IfayoungpersonisfoundguiltythereisanumberofdispositionsavailabletoallowtheYouthCourt
Judgetotakeintoconsiderationthespecialcircumstancesoftheyoungperson.Section20oftheAct
outlinesthespecialcircumstancesandneedoftheyoungoffender,aswellastherightsofthevictimand
theneedtoprotectsociety.

TheCharterofRightsandFreedomsanditsImpactonSchools:
TheCharterofRightsandFreedomsoutlinesCanadiansrightswhendealingwiththeGovernment.
Schoolsandteachersareconsideredagentsofthestateforbetterorworstandareexpectedtoabideby
theCharter.Thismeansthatschoolsandteacherscanbesuedfordiscriminationifpolicyviolatesthe
Charter.Thereare5sectionsoftheCharterwhichareofparticularrelevancetoeducators.
Section2guaranteesourrighttofreedomofreligion,belief,assemblyandassociation.Theserights
arerestrictedinschools.Studentsarenotfreetosayastheybelieveinschools,associatewithwhom
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evertheywish,dresscodeslimittheirfreedomofexpression,andschoolpaperscanbecensored.
Section7through11,outlineourlegalandnaturaljusticerights.Theserightsaresomewhatsuspended
becauseteacherscanimposepunishmentwithoutdirectexplanationofthetransgressionandwithout
providingachanceforthestudenttospeakinhis/herowndefense.Studentscanbecompelledtogive
evidenceagainstthemselves(indirectviolationofs.11c),andstudentsarenotalwayspresumedinnocent
untilprovenguilty.Section15guaranteesourequalityrights,andseveralschoolpracticesviolatethis
section.Namelytheagelimitsthatareimposedontheschoolsystem.Forexampleinmostprovinces
theminimumageofattendanceis6whilethemaximumagetoattendanceis21.Aswell,studentswith
mentalandphysicaldisabilitiescanbesegregatedwithintheschoolbyplacingtheminseparate
classrooms.However,Section23providesprotectionforminoritylanguagesandSection29protects
denominationalrightswithintheschoolsystem.
FortunatelyforCanadawehavewhatisknownasrestrictedfreedomsandrights.Thisisprovidedfor
undersection1.S.1readsTheCanadianCharterofRightsandfreedomsguaranteestherightsand
freedomssetoutinitsubjecttosuchreasonablelimitsprescribedbylawascanbedemonstrablyjustified
inafreeanddemocraticsociety.Wheretherehavebeencasesbroughtbeforethecourtsconcerning
charterviolationsinCanadianschools,thecourtshavesidedwiththegovernmentcitingthatthe
restrictionsplacedonstudentswerereasonablelimitsandthejustificationfortheirexistencehadbeen
shown.However,evenifaSchoolActwerestruckdownasbeingunconstitutionalbyacourt,the
CanadianLegalsystemisgovernedbytheprincipleofparliamentarysupremacy.Inthatthegovernment
coulduses.33,theNotwithstandingClause,tokeeptheSchoolActinoperation.TheimpacttheCharter
atthispointhasbeentomaketeachersandstudentsawareoftheirrights.SeveralprovincesSchools
Actstartsoffwitheitherstudentsorparentsandstudentsrights.

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