Behaviour at School

Aims, Rights, Responsibilities

The key to effective student behaviour management is high quality, positive relationships between teachers and students characterised by trust, mutual respect and tolerance.

Oberthur Primary School is strongly committed to enabling students to fulfil their potential by providing an environment which:

• a. Fosters self-worth.
• b. Encourages the pursuit of high personal standards.
• c. Supports academic excellence.
• d. Maintains cultural harmony.

All members of the school community: students, staff and parents, have the right to:

• a. Be treated with courtesy and respect.
• b. Work in a safe, clean, caring and supportive environment.
• c. Work in an environment free from disruption.
• d. Achieve their full potential.
• e. Have their property respected.
• f. Be proud of their achievements.

All members of the school community have the responsibility to:

• a. Show respect and courtesy to others.
• b. Keep our environment safe and clean.
• c. Ensure there is not disruption to the learning environment of others.
• d. Respect students, staff and school property.
• e. Develop their potential and to assist others to do the same.

Code of Behaviour

Our school code of behaviour is based on mutual respect; the right of all to pursue personal excellence; and to be responsible for your own actions. Based on this, our guidelines are:

• a. Courtesy and consideration will be extended to all by all members of the school community.
• b. All students and teachers have the right to work in a positive learning environment without disruption from others.
• c. All personal and school property will be respected by others.
• d. Sound health and safety practices will be observed throughout the school.
• e. Students will comply with the required standards of dress and behaviour.
• f. The school has the right to discipline students when required.

Classroom Policy

All students are expected to observe the following classroom rules and expectations:

• a. Follow instructions given by the teachers.
• b. Complete all set work to the best of their ability.
• c. To treat others in the classroom with respect and courtesy.
• d. Have required books and equipment.
• e. Observe all safety rules in the classroom, when working outside and during sport and physical education.
• f. Be punctual at all times.
• g. Treat all property with care and respect.
• h. Act in a manner, which does not endanger the health and safety of others.
• i. Students should not disrupt the learning of others.

Whilst the emphasis is on encouragement and rewarding positive behaviour, students who break the rules of this policy may face the following consequences:

• a. Loss of privilege.
• b. Isolation in class.
• c. Isolation in another class.

Serious or repeated acts may result in referral to administration where other consequences such as withdrawal from class or suspension may be applied.

Playground Policy

To maintain a safe and caring school environment the following rules must be observed:

• a. Students are not permitted to run on verandahs, pathways or around school buildings.
• b. Students are expected to play in appropriate areas.
• c. Food and drink may only be consumed in the designated undercover areas. Classrooms will be used for wet weather.
• d. All rubbish is to be placed in bins.
• e. Chewing gum is not permitted.
• f. Students with pierced ears should wear studs only.
• g. Jewellery should not be worn to school.

Procedures to Manage Breaches in School Discipline

Minor transgressions should be dealt with on the spot, eg. reminder of rule, casual questioning, defuse situation, short ‘cooling off’ period.

For continual infringements of rules:

• a. Withdrawal.
• b. Students sit on green dot in undercover area during recess.
• c. Reported to admin if continues.

Serious Offences (bullying, fighting, insolence):

• a. Administration to be notified.
• b. Withdrawal. Possible isolation during recess periods and lunch break; from identified school activities or programs.
• c. Students to complete Think Sheet.
• d. Infringement recorded on student's computer file.
• e. Parent contact to be made.
• f. Possible suspension.

Bullying

Bullying is a pattern of behaviour by one person towards another, which is designed to hurt, injure, embarrass, upset or discomfort that person. It can be:

• a. Physical aggression.
• b. The use of put-down comments, swearing or insults.
• c. Name calling.
• d. Damage to person’s property.
• e. Deliberate exclusion from activities.
• f. The setting-up of humiliating experiences.

This school does not tolerate bullying or harassment.

Students who are bullied, or who witness bullying are encouraged to report the matter to an appropriate staff member or student councillor for further action.

Staff will listen to reports of bullying and act to protect the victim from further harm. Cases should be reported to admin.

Parents are encouraged to contact the school with any school concerns of bullying and work with the school to resolve any issues.

The school will:

• a. Encourage positive and caring behaviour.
• b. Help to protect and support victims of bullying.
• c. Work with students and parents to help children to avoid being bullied in the future.
• d. Deputy, Principal or appropriate staff member will work with students who are responsible for bullying.
• e. Work with parents of children responsible for bullying where appropriate.
• f. Work with outside agencies where necessary.

Developing and Implementing Individual Behaviour Plans

Individual behaviour management plans are to be established when a student requires additional support to meet their individual needs or to modify their behaviour.

Individual behaviour management plans must be documented to make clear the behavioural issues that are being addressed, desired outcomes, strategies to be used and the effectiveness of the strategies. Staff, students and parents are encouraged to sign individual behaviour management plans.

Suspension

Guidelines for suspension and exclusion are in the Education Act 1999. Students may be suspended for serious breaches of the school behaviour management policy.

Written notification will be given to the student and parent or guardian. Student, parent and school staff will achieve a positive resolution and reentry plan.

A student who is suspended from school for more than five days may apply in writing, through a parent or guardian, for a review of the process. This application must be made two days after written notification is received.