Wellbeing
Term 2 Positive Behaviour Focus: Respectful
At St Joseph the Worker, we are committed to creating a learning environment that is safe, respectful and responsible. These three core behaviour dispositions are the foundation of our school-wide approach to positive behaviour. This term, we are focusing on what it truly means to be Respectful.
Being respectful means treating others the way we would like to be treated. It’s about using kind words, listening with care, showing good manners, and looking after the people and spaces around us.
Throughout the term, students will be learning how to:
• Use kind and polite language
• Listen respectfully when others are speaking
• Take care of our school environment and belongings
• Think about how their actions affect others
• Respond positively to both respectful and disrespectful behaviour
Respect is more than just a rule—it’s a value that helps students build strong friendships, collaborate well with others, and contribute to a safe and inclusive school community.
We have already seen powerful examples of respect in action during our Harmony Day celebrations last term. Students shared thoughtful reflections that show how deeply respect is embedded in our school culture:
“Harmony Day is about being kind and inclusive to all humans no matter where they come from.” – Prep 2
“Harmony Day is about everyone feeling welcome, included and respected.” – JLA 3
“We embrace and celebrate our differences, and we love learning about other cultures, customs and traditions.” – SLA 1
“We accept all people. No matter what religion, race or gender you are, we are all family.” – SLA 2
“We understand and value difference. We are one. We are equal… We celebrate our differences!” – SLA 3
These powerful insights remind us that respect starts with recognising and valuing each other’s uniqueness, and it grows through our daily actions and words.
To help promote respectful behaviour across the school, I am inviting interested Year 4 and Year 5 students to apply for the role of Positive Behaviour Student Leader. Application forms are available in the MLA and SLA classrooms, and a copy is also attached to this article.
These student leaders will work alongside me this term to support our Respectful behaviour focus and will continue their leadership roles as we move into the Safe and Responsible dispositions in Terms 3 and 4. Their role will include:
• Helping to explain what positive behaviour looks, sounds, and feels like in different areas of the school
• Creating posters, messages and activities that promote our behaviour expectations
• Being positive role models for their peers
• Sharing their ideas and student voice to help grow our school culture
I’m really looking forward to seeing our students use their voice and agency to lead the way in making positive behaviour visible and valued across our school.
We encourage families to continue the conversation at home—talk about what respect means in your household and how small everyday actions, like a kind word or active listening, can make a big difference.
Together, let’s continue to model and grow a culture of respect in all that we do.
Jane Manton
Engagement Leader Wellbeing & Diversity
Walk or Wheel Once a Week
We are excited to be taking part in the WOW (Walk or Wheel Once a Week) program with the City of Darebin.
What is it?
WOW is “Walk or Wheel Once a Week”.
We have selected Friday as a day during the week to encourage everyone to walk or travel by wheel to school.
Starting on Friday 2 May in Term 2, we will be walking and wheeling for 9 weeks through to Friday 27 June.
Each class will have a WOW wall calendar to record the weekly participation.
The class that walks & wheels the most over the term will receive the Golden Boot Award!