Download Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students

Student behaviour at Merrimac State School is of a high standard­. A strong expectation is that the school will manage student­ misbehaviour through clearly established procedures­. The community values­ the emphasis placed on positive student behaviour.

Belief Statements:

Merrimac State School bases its Behaviour Management­ Program on the following beliefs

• An effective school community is characterised by clearly communicated rules and consequences
• Behaviour Management involves a partnership between the teachers, parents and child
• Ongoing communication between the home and the school is an important aspect of the Behaviour Management Plan
• Student management should be based on ‘responsible thinking’ with an emphasis on the holistic management of students
• ‘Responsible thinking ‘ requires students to accept responsibility for their own behaviour
• School personnel should model appropriate behaviour
• School behaviour management should focus on positive practices that promote and acknowledge good behaviour and include steps for dealing with inappropriate behaviour

Aims of Behaviour Management Program:

• To create a positive environment with minimal disruption from undesirable behaviour
• To foster self-discipline within the children
• To develop children who are responsible for their own decisions and behaviour
• To empower students to manage and resolve conflict
• To reward exemplary behaviour

Rights of Students, Teachers and Parents

Students have a right to:

• a quality educational environment
• feel they are important as individuals and members of a group
• get pleasure and enjoyment from educational experiences
• feel secure and safe
• feel that their contribution is valued
• be able to learn without interference or interruption by other students

Teachers have a right to:

• be treated with respect and courtesy by the school community
• be able to expect support from students, parents and administration
• feel that their contribution is valued
• be able to expect student cooperation
• feel secure in the classroom

Parents have a right to:

• be treated with respect and courtesy
• feel that their contribution is valued
• access school policy/curriculum information
• be regularly informed of their child’s progress

Student Code of Behaviour

The school code of behaviour is based upon the school motto of ‘honesty and endeavour’

Honesty will be reinforced through the promotion of key concepts including - caring, trust, sharing, truthfulness, sincerity, honour, fairness and consideration.

Endeavour will be encouraged through an emphasis on the following concepts including - striving, effort, understanding, cooperation, citizenship, equity, fun and enjoyment, positive attitudes and respecting the rights of others.

The code of behaviour is based on the word PRIDE and is displayed throughout the school:

• Play safely wearing a hat at all times
• Respect others
• Interact with others showing courtesy and manners
• Display pride in your school
• Endeavour to do your personal best

Student Behaviour Levels System:

The Student Level System has been designed to enable both teachers and students to keep track of their behaviour. The system is open and fair with students being aware of expected behaviour and the consequences for inappropriate behaviour. A key component of the system is the emphasis on ‘responsible thinking’ with each level requiring students to ‘reflect’ or think about their behaviour. The level system manages student behaviour holistically with student behaviour information collated through administration. In the event of inappropriate behaviour Merrimac has identified 10 levels and related consequences:

Level 1 - Warning

Level 2 - Warning and reflection sheet

Level 3 - Internal timeout

Level 4 - External timeout and one detention

Level 5 - Two sessions of external timeout and two detentions

Level 6 - Three sessions of external timeout and three detentions

Level 7 - One or more days external timeout and detentions

Level 8 - Internal suspension

Level 9 - External suspension

Level 10 - Exclusion

A key issue in this process is that the teacher and student are both aware of the behaviours and share a common knowledge of the level system and related consequences.

Encouraging Positive Behaviour:

Although the Level System has a strong emphasis on the management of misbehaviour a major focus has also been placed on expecting and acknowledging appropriate behaviour. Students are rewarded through praise and recognition, acknowledgement, awards and presentations including:

• Gold Cards - issued daily and recognised through administration, newsletter and parades
• Student of the Week Awards
• Student of the Month Awards
• Privilege Cards (redeemable for rewards)
• Positive tickets