SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE SUPPORT UPDATE

How Ripponlea Primary School Responds to Behaviour

At Ripponlea Primary School, we believe that every behaviour is an opportunity for learning. Just as we explicitly teach reading, writing and mathematics, we also explicitly teach students how to be respectful, responsible and safe members of our school community.

Our approach is guided by our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) framework, the Department of Education's Positive Classroom Management Strategies (PCMS), and recent professional learning with behaviour specialist Bill Hansberry.

Prevention Before Correction

The most effective way to manage behaviour is to prevent problems before they occur. Across all classrooms, teachers establish clear routines, expectations and predictable learning environments. Students are explicitly taught what successful behaviour looks like and receive regular reminders and feedback throughout the day.

You may hear your child talk about our expectations demonstrating RESPECT, PRIDE and SAFETY. These behaviours are taught, practised and reinforced consistently across the school.

Recognising Positive Behaviour

Research tells us that students are more likely to repeat behaviours that are noticed and acknowledged.

At Ripponlea, our Behaviour Response Continuum begins with positive reinforcement. 

Staff regularly:

• Use non-verbal prompts such as a smile, thumbs up or proximity.
• Provide specific positive feedback such as:
  • "I noticed how quickly you got started."
  • "Thank you for showing respect during discussion time."
  • "I can see you are persevering with a challenging task."
• Acknowledge positive choices through our SWPBS token system.
• Celebrate students who consistently demonstrate our school values.

By focusing on what students are doing well, we create classrooms where positive behaviour becomes the norm.

When Students Make Mistakes

Like all children, students sometimes make choices that do not meet expectations. When this occurs, our staff aim to respond calmly, consistently and respectfully.

Drawing on both PCMS and Bill Hansberry's work, we focus on discouraging inappropriate behaviour rather than punishing students.

This means teachers:

• Use low-key responses that minimise disruption to learning.
• Prompt students to reflect on expectations.
• Redirect students back to the learning task.
• Avoid lengthy lectures or public confrontations.
• Preserve student dignity while maintaining accountability.

Often a simple reminder, redirection or brief conversation is all that is needed to help a student get back on track.

Supporting Students to Regulate

If a student is not ready to learn, they may be provided with a short opportunity to reset. This could include:

• Moving to another learning space within the classroom.
• Using a self-regulation strategy.
• Taking a brief reset break.
• Reflecting on what happened and identifying better choices for next time.

Teachers may ask questions such as:

"What strategy will help you get ready to learn?"

or

"What could you do differently next time?"

These conversations help students develop responsibility, self-awareness and problem-solving skills.

Restoring Relationships

An important part of our approach is helping students repair relationships when harm has occurred.

Students are supported to:

• Reflect on the impact of their actions.
• Take responsibility for their choices.
• Restore trust with peers and staff.
• Re-enter learning successfully.

This restorative approach helps students learn from mistakes rather than simply receiving consequences.

Working Together

Families play an important role in supporting positive behaviour. When school and home share common expectations, students experience greater success socially, emotionally and academically.

Our goal is not to create perfect children. Our goal is to help young people develop the skills, habits and character needed to navigate challenges, regulate emotions, build positive relationships and contribute positively to our community.

By teaching, reinforcing and responding consistently, we help every Ripper become the very best version of themselves.