Wellbeing & Inclusive Practices

Developing Collegewide Agreed Expected Behaviours

Creating a Positive Learning Environment 

At Northern Bay College, we know that clear behaviour expectations help create a safe, supportive, and positive learning environment for everyone. When expectations are clearly defined and consistently taught, students understand what is needed to succeed at school.

College-Wide Approach

Because our students and staff often move between campuses it’s important that our behaviour expectations reflect our shared college values and are consistent across all campuses. To best meet the needs of all students, the team agreed to develop two versions of the Agreed Expected Behaviours — one for Years P–4 and another for Years 5–12.

The Power of Student Voice

At NBC, we recognise that students are our most important stakeholders, and their voices play a key role in shaping our school culture. The Agreed Expected Behaviours will guide how students experience school each day, so it was important that they were provided with an opportunity to ideas and perspectives. 

Student Consultation and Collaboration

Over 100 students were involved in developing and finalising the Years P–4 and Years 5–12 Agreed Expected Behaviours. Students collaborated to create a set of rules that were reasonable and easy to understand across all year levels. The look and feel of the final products were also very important to them — students explored several design ideas before selecting an age-appropriate version for each group. Several students even created the NBC student characters that appear on the final product.

Always Posters

During Term 4, students will be introduced to the Always set of rules, which outline the behaviours we should consistently demonstrate as part of the Agreed Expected Behaviours. Students involved in the consultation process will proudly present these at a campus assembly.

Term 1 2026

The Agreed Expected Behaviours will be officially implemented as part of the Starting Right program during the first two weeks of the 2026 school year. We look forward to sharing this with our families — keep an eye out for the new posters displayed around the school!

In the meantime you may watch this video on the creation of Northern Bay P-12 College’s Agreed Expected Behaviours:

Kylie Armstrong

Assistant Principal - Inclusive Practices

Building Character Strengths at NBC

This term, students across the college have been exploring character strengths — the positive qualities that help us learn, connect with others, and overcome challenges.

Through discussions, games and reflection activities, students have identified the unique strengths they each bring to the classroom and community. They’ve learned that strengths like kindness, perseverance, teamwork, fairness, humour and courage not only shape who we are but also help us to solve problems and support one another.

Classes have been practising how to recognise these strengths in action — both in themselves and in others — and how to use them when faced with tricky situations. Whether it’s showing persistence during a difficult task, using creativity to find new solutions, or demonstrating empathy when a friend needs support, students are discovering that their strengths can make a real difference.

By focusing on what’s strong rather than what’s wrong, our school community continues to grow a culture of self-awareness, resilience and respect. 

We’re proud of the thoughtful ways our students are learning to bring their best selves to every situation.

Griffin Errey

Personal and Social Capabilities - Lead Teacher

Mental Health and Wellbeing Leader