Promoting Positive Behaviour

 Dear Parents, 

Edition three of our Parent Opinion Survey articles details how we promote positive behaviour here at Mackellar. As was seen in the Principal's Report in this newsletter, Mackellar was recently awarded Gold for our work in School-Wide Positive Behaviour Supports (SWPBS), and SWPBS is the cornerstone of our promotion of positive student behaviour. 

The first step in promoting positive behaviour is ensuring students know what behaviour is expected. In every learning space is our Preferred Behaviour Matrix displayed for students and staff to constantly reference. 

The major way in which these behaviours are reinforced is through their explicit teaching each Monday after assembly where all classes take part in SWPBS lessons. These may be on using manners, working cooperatively or taking care of our environment. In addition, if a particular grade is having difficulties with a social skill, such as playing fairly, that grade will do additional lessons on that topic. Data is collected within classrooms and outside to ensure we tailor lessons to what is occurring at that point for students so the learning is meaningful. 

In addition to the matrices, other signage around the school reinforces these expectations outside of the classroom so students can be rewarded for their behaviour wherever they are at school. 

 Rewards at Mackellar are in the form of Buzz Awards. In the yard Buzz Awards are given freely and frequently to students displaying positive behaviour. These awards are placed in a barrel located at the office from which our student leaders draw winners each week and announce at assembly.  Award winners spin our Buzz wheel to receive a non-monetary reward such as choosing a class game, craft time or other prize. All prizes are selected by the students themselves, and change each term. 

Inside the classroom, Buzz Awards are also given, and when a student achieves 10 Buzz Awards they get to spin a classroom-based wheel for a reward determined by each grade such as iPad time, sitting on the teacher's chair for a day, lucky dip or choosing a class movie for the end of term. 

Our approach to behaviour is all framed in supporting, promoting and rewarding positive behaviour very publicly, as success breeds success and positivity is contagious. When one child sees another being rewarded, they are very likely to copy that positive behaviour. 

Our approach is also consistent amongst all teachers and support staff, and in all classrooms and learning spaces both inside and out. From teacher to teacher, from class to class and from year to year the expectations are the same, age appropriate of course, as are the rewards. 

Hopefully this brief explanation of how we promote positive behaviour gives you an indication of what we do.  Perhaps your child has even told you of the Buzz Awards they have received. In our next edition of our Parent Opinion Survey articles we will discuss effective teaching, so please stay tuned. 

Regards, 

Mackellar PS