Assistant Principals' Report

Hello and welcome to our newsletter item for this week.

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) is a research and evidence-based whole school framework that helps school communities to develop positive, safe, supportive learning cultures. 

SWPBS comprises a broad range of systemic and individualised strategies for the achievement of important social and learning outcomes for students together with improved outcomes for teachers. 

Research and evidence show that a punitive, discipline-based approach to behaviour management and teaching is ineffective. Teaching expected behaviours and acknowledging students when they follow them is a far more positive approach than waiting for poor behaviour to be shown before responding. 

SWPBS practices focus on explicitly teaching and reinforcing positive behaviours across all areas of the school to create an environment that increases the likelihood that students will display positive behaviours and learn. 

When SWPBS is implemented well, staff have more time to focus on relationships and learning. Students and staff benefit from: 

• increased respectful and positive behaviour 
• increased time focused on instruction improved social-emotional wellbeing
• positive and respectful relationships among students and staff 
• increased adoption of evidence-based instructional practices a predictable learning environment with improved perceptions of safety and increased attendance.

At HPS this year, we are calculating our Dojos as a class and school, working towards termly rewards. This term, as part of our SWPBS rewards, we’re excited to offer a special incentive thanks to Funfields, who have generously donated four individual passes (valued at approximately $70 each). To give all students a chance to be recognised, the Social Emotional Learning (SEL) staff team will run a raffle at the end of Term 3. Each week, teachers will nominate their highest point scorer, and that student will receive an entry into the draw. Students can earn multiple entries across the term by continuing to be the top scorer in their class. The four winners will be drawn at our final Term 3 assembly.

Breakfast Club

The School Breakfast Clubs Program is a partnership between the Victorian Department of Education (DET) and Foodbank Victoria. It provides free, healthy food to students in government schools so kids can start the day ready to learn.

At HPS, Sue Zerna our First Aid officer oversees our Breakfast Club. Sue coordinates all the ordering of food from Foodbank, cleaning and tidying the area and supporting students through the week, a HUGE job, done well. A big thank you to parents Hiromi and Mona, also students Malen, Yuma, Soairse, Luke, Ren, Stella and Hanna who all help out in Breakfast Club. 

What Is on the Menu?

• Whole-grain cereals. 
• Fresh fruit and canned fruit.
• Milk and toast with spreads.
• Sometimes a little yoghurt.
• Explore the official guidelines on the Victorian Government Education Page.
• Check program impact through Foodbank Australia.

Last Wednesday, we even served hot soup to students at the lunch break. Yummy! 

See you at Breakfast Club soon.

Have a great weekend and week ahead.

Warm Regards,

Helen Thomas & Monique Rankin

Assistant Principals

Heidelberg Primary School