SWPBS

What is SWPBS?

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support allows for positive, safe and supportive learning communities.

Evidence-based features of SWPBS include:

• prevention of challenging behaviours
• defining and teaching positive social expectations
• acknowledging positive behaviour
• arranging consistent responses to challenging behaviour
• maintaining ongoing collection and use of data for decision-making
• establishing a continuum of interventions
• utilising team-based implementation (systems that support effective practices)

What does SWPBS look like at Gilgai Plains Primary School?

School-wide behaviour expectations give us a common framework and language to teach appropriate behaviour.

Behaviour Expectations Matrix

The matrix displays all of the school expectations, for students, staff and community members. The rows of the table separate expectations into each of our values, including Respect, Kindness, Zest and Learning Together. The columns of the table represent each of the areas in our school and community where expectations are to be embodied. Classrooms across GPPS also include the display of a Classroom Goals Poster. This allows teachers and students to choose a behaviour expectation from the school matrix to focus upon for a set period of time.

Minor and Major Behaviours & Flowchart

These two documents allow students to understand how behaviours are classified when they do not align with expectations. The flowchart also allows for a visible system for staff and students to understand the process that will guide consequences when a Minor or Major Behaviour is shown. This may include the completion of a Values Reflection Sheet, which will support students in reflecting upon their behaviour and determine ways that they can demonstrate school expectations more appropriately in the future. 

Rewards & Choice Boards

One of the most exciting and important aspects of SWPBS is the introduction of a whole-school reward system. We have introduced our students to Gilgai Getters which will be used alongside our House Point system. These are small cards that will be given to students who are displaying a positive school expectation.

If your child comes home from school and tells you they received a Gilgai Getter, please ask them “What value did you receive your Gilgai Getter for?” This will encourage positive communication and allow you to acknowledge their positive behaviour. 

Further Notes

We know that we have to teach the behaviour that we want to see, just as we would teach academic skills. Each of these processes will take time, and may change due to the needs of our students or improvements that we make on account of feedback received. We also know that the implementation of SWPBS is a marathon, not a sprint.

We look forward to hearing your feedback and the discussions you have with your child regarding SWPBS this term! 

Alex Magafas and Chelsea Conforto

SWPBS Leaders