School Wide Positive Behaviour System

As we begin the 2026 school year, we would like to share an important reminder about a whole school approach we are continuing to strengthen at Gisborne Secondary College.

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support, often referred to as SWPBS, is a proactive and positive framework that supports student behaviour across our entire school community. Our SWPBS Coach works alongside staff and students to ensure our learning environments are safe, supportive and focused on learning.

What is School Wide Positive Behaviour Support?

SWPBS is a whole school approach that clearly teaches, models and reinforces positive behaviour. Rather than focusing on what students should not do, it focuses on explicitly teaching students what positive, respectful and responsible behaviour looks like in different settings across the school.

At its core, SWPBS is about clarity, consistency and care. It helps students understand expectations, why they matter and how their behaviour contributes to their own learning and the wellbeing of others.

Why do we use SWPBS at Gisborne Secondary College?

We use SWPBS to create calm, inclusive and respectful learning environments where every student can thrive. When expectations are consistent across classrooms, communal areas and learning spaces, students feel more confident, connected and supported.

This approach also strengthens the partnership between home and school by ensuring we share a common language and understanding around behaviour and expectations.

See attached our Positive Learning Framework for classroom management.

Our Expected Behaviours

At the beginning of the year, every year level participated in a welcome assembly where our Expected Behaviours were explicitly introduced and discussed. These behaviours clearly outline what respectful, safe and positive learning looks like at Gisborne Secondary College.

Students have also been introduced to consistent classroom routines that are directly linked to these expected behaviours. This ensures expectations are clear and consistent, regardless of the classroom or learning space.

You will see our Expected Behaviour posters displayed across all classrooms, communal areas and office spaces. These visual reminders support students and staff by reinforcing shared expectations and providing consistent prompts throughout the school day.

This unified approach represents a positive and purposeful start to 2026.

Linked to Our School Values

Everything we do through SWPBS is grounded in our four school values:

Respect

Achievement

Innovation

Diversity

Our expected behaviours bring these values to life by showing students how they can demonstrate them through their actions, words and choices. Whether it is speaking kindly to others, engaging positively in learning, caring for our environment or being inclusive and standing up for others, each behaviour directly reflects our values.

Through explicit teaching and positive reinforcement, we support students to develop strong learning habits as well as the social and emotional skills needed to be respectful, responsible and compassionate members of our community.

Celebrating Positive Behaviour and Achievement

As a school, we also look forward to sharing and celebrating positive student achievements throughout the year. This includes recognising students through our merit system when they demonstrate our expected behaviours and live our school values. 

Celebrating positive choices, effort and growth helps build a strong culture of encouragement, pride and belonging across Gisborne Secondary College.

Thank you for your continued support as we work together to create a positive, inclusive and respectful school environment. We look forward to a successful and connected year ahead.