Introducing Our New Positive Behaviour Model

We are excited to share that at the beginning of Term 3; St Kilda Park Primary School will launch a whole-school Positive Behaviour Model. 

This updated approach builds on familiar elements from our previous traffic light system—such as the use of zones to represent behaviour levels—but brings a renewed focus on student self-regulation, teacher-student reflection, and a more supportive and respectful classroom culture.

You’ll notice some key similarities with our previous model:

• A clear progression of zones from positive to disruptive behaviours
• Explicit descriptions of expected behaviours
• Clear teacher and student responses at each stage

However, there are also some important changes:

• No pegs or name displays—instead, teacher redirections and reminders will be discreet and verbal, allowing students to reflect and adjust without unnecessary attention.
• If a student receives a reminder or follow-up, the teacher will quietly refer to the model and record repeated instances privately. This helps identify students who may benefit from additional support or intervention.
• The emphasis is on teaching and coaching rather than public consequences—developing stronger self-awareness and regulation in every learner.

You’ll see a copy of the new classroom poster above, which outlines the stages of the model and what each represents. These posters will be on display in all classrooms, and teachers will spend time working explicitly with students to build a shared understanding of what each zone means and how they can respond positively.

Importantly, we’re also introducing a “Reaching Higher” zone—a space to celebrate students who consistently exceed expectations, demonstrate leadership, and show kindness and initiative. Each classroom will have its own reward system tied to this zone, and students' ongoing positive behaviours will contribute towards a whole-class reward or goal.

Positive Behaviour Zones – What They Mean:

As part of our new Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Model, students move through zones based on their choices and behaviour. Each zone supports reflection, regulation, and growth:

• Reaching Higher: Students are going above and beyond, showing leadership, kindness and strong learning behaviours. These actions contribute to individual and whole-class rewards.

• Green – Ready to Learn: This is our starting point each day. Students are focused, respectful and following expectations.

• Yellow – Reminder: A gentle reminder is given to help students make a better choice and return to being ready to learn. Teachers use this as an opportunity for re-teaching.

• Orange – Reflect & Relocate: If behaviour continues, students take time away from the group to reflect and regulate, supported by a teacher. Opportunities for re-teaching.

• Yellow – Reminder: Students have a conversation with the teacher who will once again re-teach/re-focus the student and discuss what the next steps will be.

• Red – Removal: For ongoing poor choice, serious or unsafe behaviour, students are removed from the learning space, leadership is involved and families will be contacted.

We look forward to partnering with you in helping our students grow as respectful, confident, and emotionally aware learners.

Mel Borella

Learning Specialist

(Student Wellbeing)