THE VILLAGE

The Village: Supporting Student Wellbeing Together 

The Village

At Korumburra Secondary College, our approach to wellbeing and behaviour is built around the belief that young people thrive when expectations are clear, relationships are strong, and positive behaviour is recognised and encouraged.

As we continue embedding our Classroom Expectations and Routines Matrix, we’ve been reflecting on an important question:How do we help students build positive habits and behaviours over time?

Rewards, Consequences and Positive Behaviour

When people hear the words rewards and punishments, they often think about behaviour management as something reactive; responding after something has gone wrong or right. While consequences still have an important role in helping young people learn accountability, our approach at KSC leans strongly toward positive reinforcement, encouragement, and relationship-building.

Research consistently shows that students are more likely to repeat positive behaviours when they:

• Feel connected to the adults around them
• Understand what is expected of them
• Receive recognition for effort and growth
• Experience success within a supportive environment

That’s why our Classroom Expectations and Routines Matrix focuses on creating predictable, positive learning spaces where students know what success looks like and are acknowledged when they demonstrate it.

What This Looks Like in Practice

Across classrooms, this might look like:

• Teachers recognising effort and improvement
• Positive phone calls or Compass posts home
• Celebrating consistency and respectful behaviour
• Clear routines that help students feel safe and settled
• Calm, supportive conversations when mistakes happen

The goal is not perfection; it’s growth. Young people learn best when they feel supported to reflect, reset, and try again.

Evidence in Focus: Pop Culture Parenting

This approach was recently reinforced in an episode of the Pop Culture Parenting podcast, which explored practical strategies families can use around rewards, consequences, and behaviour at home. A key takeaway from the episode was that positive interactions and strong relationships are often far more effective than punishment alone in creating lasting behaviour change.

The discussion also highlighted the importance of consistency, calm communication, and recognising the behaviours we want to see more. Principles that strongly align with our approach at school.

🎧 Episode Link – Rewards & Punishments & Star Wars

https://open.spotify.com/episode/2IpluPmWphTN8GHbqWHEkS?si=27e732b27414499f

We have continued to see a positive start to the term in terms of students behaviour. A real reflection of our great community!

Smiling Minds

Website and App which teaches skills in mindfulness to improve sleep and mental wellbeing. 

Smiling Mind

1800 650 890 Headspace 3pm – 10pm 7 days Free online or telephone service supporting people aged 12-25 and their carers. www.headspace.org.au

1300 224 636 Beyond Blue 24/7

Information and support to help achieve their best possible mental health. www.beyondblue.org.au

Tyson Biffin

Assistant Principal - Wellbeing and Inclusion

tyson.biffin@education.vic.gov.au