Eight teens have been suspended and face possible expulsion from a central Alberta high school after a hazing ritual that allegedly took place at a bush party near Killam on the weekend.

"Each of those suspensions comes with a recommendation to expel the student from that school," said Diane Hutchinson, spokesperson for the Battle River School Division.

The students attend Central Sedgewick Public School in Sedgewick, about 200 kilometres southeast of Edmonton

"This is a fairly serious circumstance and we want to send the message that it's not acceptable and it won't be tolerated," she said.

Most of the eight students came forward to school staff, Hutchinson said.

A decision on the expulsions will have to be made within 10 days by a committee made up of school trustees. If the students are expelled, trustees will make recommendations on how they can continue their education.

Beaten on buttocks

The alleged hazing targeted Grade 10 students at the school. Some of the students said they were beaten on their bare buttocks with hockey sticks and other objects, Hutchinson said.

Police believe as many as 200 young people were at the party.

RCMP started an investigation after receiving a complaint from a parent on Saturday. On Wednesday, they said witnesses had been reluctant to speak to police over fears of reprisals.

The school division will share any information it has obtained with the RCMP, Hutchinson said.