PBL

At Peakhurst Public School we strive to have a school community that are safe, respectful, responsible active learners. Our Positive Behaviour for Learning is a framework to support schools to identify and successfully implement evidenced-based whole-school practices that enhance learning outcomes for children and young people.

Successful implementation comes when there is commitment from staff, students and community to discuss, reflect and engage in the expected behaviour focus.

Supporting Our Students in Positive Conflict Resolution

Recent school data indicates an increase in incidents where students struggle to resolve conflicts without resorting to physical aggression. These situations often arise from disagreements during games or comments exchanged between children.

At school our PBL Team are working within Stage Teams to explicitly teach strategies to support students when conflict arises. These lessons have a focus on:

1. Using "I" Statements: Advocating for yourself with your voice. Tell students, "I don't like it when you say that" or "I get upset when you say that to me."
2. Removal from the Situation: Guidance on recognising when to step away from a game or group if someone’s words or actions are making them feel upset or angry. Students are encouraged to find another activity or play with different peers as a positive way to manage difficult emotions and avoid escalation.
3. Report to an Adult Immediately: Reporting incidents immediately has less opportunity to escalate. Using an adult as a mediator or the referee decision in a game can assist in resolving conflict without physical aggression.
4. Identifying Feelings: Helping students to name their emotions and understand how feelings can affect behaviour.
5. Calm Down Strategies: Techniques like 5 finger breathing, counting to ten, or taking a short break in the Zen Den to regulate emotions before engaging in a conversation.
6. Restorative Questioning: To guide reflective conversations with students, restorative questions are engaged in like “What happened?”, “Who was affected?”, “How can we make it right?” to assist in repairing relationships.

Families play a vital role in helping children develop effective and non-violent conflict resolution skills. Here are some ways parents and caregivers can support their child:

• Encourage Open Communication: Help children express their feelings and concerns calmly and clearly. Practising conversations at home can build confidence in managing emotions constructively.
• Promote Problem-Solving Skills: Assist your child in identifying the cause of a disagreement and exploring peaceful solutions together, emphasising compromise and mutual respect.
• Discuss Accountability: Talk with your child about taking ownership of their actions and reactions. Help them understand the impact their behaviour can have on others, including family members, and guide them in ways to repair and restore relationships with peers.
• Model Respectful Behaviour: Demonstrate respectful and calm interactions in your daily life, as children learn greatly from observing adults.
• Teach Self-Regulation Techniques: Encourage the use of calming strategies such as deep breathing or pausing before responding when emotions run high.
• Reinforce Positive Behaviour: Acknowledge and praise your child when they manage conflict respectfully and peacefully to encourage continued growth.

By working together to nurture these skills, we can create a safer and more respectful school community for all students.