School News
Calm Authority Helps Students Learn
As we continue our series exploring the Trafalgar Primary School Behaviour Curriculum, this fortnight we look at an important principle that guides how our staff respond when behaviour needs correcting: calm authority.
Our approach is grounded in the work of Tom Bennett and his book Running the Room. Bennett emphasises that effective behaviour management does not require adults to be angry, loud, or confrontational. In fact, students are more likely to respond positively when adults remain calm, clear, and predictable.
At Trafalgar Primary School, when behaviour begins to slip, teachers aim to respond quickly and quietly. This might involve a non-verbal signal, pointing to a classroom expectation, a quiet reminder, or a brief instruction. Wherever possible, the student is given the opportunity to correct their behaviour and return their attention to learning without unnecessary interruption or embarrassment.
Being calm does not mean ignoring behaviour or lowering expectations. Calm and firm can exist together. Teachers can insist that an expectation is met while speaking respectfully and keeping emotion out of the interaction. If a student chooses not to respond to a reminder, our Behaviour Curriculum provides clear next steps and consequences.
This matters because classrooms are shared spaces. A lengthy argument or emotional confrontation between a teacher and one student can quickly become a distraction for everyone. Calm, brief corrections allow teachers to address behaviour while protecting the learning of the rest of the class.
It also models something important for our students. Children will experience frustration, disagreement, and disappointment throughout their lives. Seeing adults remain calm while setting boundaries demonstrates that we can deal with difficult situations without anger or conflict.
The same principle can be powerful at home. A calm voice does not make a boundary less important. When children hear a clear expectation and experience predictable follow-through, they learn that shouting, arguing, or becoming upset does not change the boundary. Over time, this helps children develop their own ability to manage emotions, accept limits, and make better choices.
Calm authority helps protect relationships, protects learning, and gives students the best opportunity to get back on track and succeed.
Parents & Friends Committee News
Donut Day
Our Donut Day was a huge success with 56 orders and over 700 donuts delivered to classrooms by our P&F helpers last Friday. One family ordered a whopping 8 boxes! Our final tally is yet to be confirmed but we will make an announcement when the numbers come in. Thank you to the families who made an order, we hope you enjoyed them!
Father's Day Stalls
We will be holding our annual Father's Day Stall on Thursday 3rd September for students to choose a gift for their dad, grandparent, carer or another loved one.
There will be a prepaid second chance stall during recess on Friday 4th September for those students absent or away on Thursday.
Please note:
- Payment for the Father's Day stalls is now prepaid via Compass as the school moves towards a cashless office.
- We hope this will be more convenient for families, however, please note that NO cash payments can be accepted on either day and entry is on a prepaid basis only.
- Compass Canteen orders are now open - more information is in the attached flyer.
Father's Day this year is on Sunday 6th September.
Next Meeting
Our next meeting is as follows:
Date: Tuesday 13th October
Time: 7-8pm
Location: Adult Learning Centre, Trafalgar Primary School, opposite the office with a Zoom link also available upon request. Please sign in at the office first.
Doors will be open from 6.30pm onwards for any parents that would like to catch up for a chat and BYO cuppa beforehand. All welcome.
New members for our Committee and Parent Helpers List are always welcome - membership is free and you choose how involved you'd like to be. Reach out to us if you'd like to join and be a part of the fun this year.
If you have any feedback, questions, would like to be added to our Parent Helper List, or would like to join P&F for 2026, please contact us:
- via email - TPSpandfSecretary@gmail.com
- or via our Google Contact form - link HERE
Kind regards,
Jane Cook
Committee Secretary
Trafalgar Primary School - Parents & Friends Association
0418 561 403
Morning Heroes: Our Breakfast Club Helpers
A big thank you to our amazing student helpers who make our Breakfast Club run like clockwork each morning! Your dedication, teamwork, and positive energy help ensure every student starts their day with a nutritious meal and a smile. We couldn't do it without you!
Donations of Milo and jam are always greatly appreciated and help us keep Breakfast Club running for our students.
If you’re able to donate, items can be dropped off at the School Office at any time.
Thank you to our wonderful school community for your ongoing support! 💙
🎓☕ 100 Days Smarter… and Still Fuelled by Breakfast Club! 😂
Our Foundation friends dropped by Breakfast Club to celebrate their 100th day of school, because apparently 100 days of learning requires a very serious breakfast! 🥛🍞📚
The TheirCare Scoop
