A Justice Focused Approach to Learning and Belonging at Marian College Ararat 

Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Support

Marian College’s implementation of Schoolwide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) is far more than a behaviour initiative. It is a justice commitment grounded in our Brigidine tradition of Fortiter et Suaviter, strength and gentleness. At its heart, SWPBS ensures every student is treated with dignity, consistency and compassion, so that respectful, responsible and safe learning becomes possible for all.

Justice Through Fairness and Predictability

Students have told us that consequences can feel uncertain or inconsistent. Justice requires clarity. Our new behaviour flowchart provides a shared process for all staff, ensuring that responses to behaviour are aligned, proportionate and consistent. This predictability helps students feel safe, reduces anxiety, and ensures no young person is disadvantaged by inconsistent adult responses.

Justice Through Teaching, Not Blaming

SWPBS reminds us that students “learn better ways of behaving by being taught directly & receiving positive feedback.” Behaviour is a curriculum. SWPBS supports teachers to explicitly teach expectations, model them, practise them with students, and reinforce them, just as they would any academic skill. This is justice in action: ensuring every learner has access to the knowledge and routines needed to succeed, regardless of background or circumstance.

Justice Through Relationships and Positive Regard

Non‑contingent attention and positive regard - a “no strings attached” connection, smiles, proximity, calm tone are central to SWPBS and deeply aligned with Kildare Ministries’ values of compassion and hospitality. These practices affirm the inherent worth of each student and help dismantle shame, especially for those who have experienced trauma or inconsistency. When teachers respond quietly, respectfully and privately, they protect student dignity and strengthen trust.

Justice Through Restorative Practice

Consequences at Marian College are now framed around repair, not punishment. Our consequences promote restorative conversations, re‑entry plans and follow‑up with families. This approach helps students learn from mistakes, rebuild relationships and return to learning with confidence.

A Justice Lens for Our Community

SWPBS is Marian College living out Kildare Ministries’ call to justice, compassion and hope. It ensures:

• every student is treated fairly
• expectations are clear and equitable
• behaviour is taught, not assumed
• relationships are strengthened

• mistakes become learning opportunities

   

This work is not theoretical - it is practical, relational and deeply aligned with our mission to pursue fullness of life for all. Now, in our second year of implementation, we are beginning to see the rewards of this hard work. Classrooms feel calmer, expectations are clearer, and students are responding positively to the consistency and care shown by staff. Small shifts such as more settled starts to lessons, stronger relationships, and increased engagement are signalling that our justice‑focused approach is taking root. SWPBS is helping Marian College become an even more predictable, fair and hope‑filled community where every learner can flourish.

Catherine Howison

Principal

Marian College Ararat