Learning Ladder and Discipline Plan
A Learning Ladder and discipline plan has been introduced in 2021. The document clearly outlines consequences for behaviour, this includes both positive and negative. As a school community we believe it is important for parents to read the following information to be properly informed of our policies surrounding discipline and consequences for behaviour here at Warrnambool Primary School.
Reflection at Warrnambool Primary School occurs if student’s behaviour requires follow up and it is not possible to be dealt with by on the spot by the classroom or yard duty teacher. Students will ideally attend reflection during lunchtime on the same day the incident or behaviour occurred, in some cases this will occur the following day. Reflection is based on a restorative practice model; making, maintaining and repairing relationships and fostering a sense of social responsibility and shared accountability.
When harm has been caused all sides need:
- A chance to tell their side of the story and feel heard
- To understand better how the situation happened
- To understand how it can be avoided another time
- To feel understood by the others involved
- To find a way to move on and feel better about themselves.
This means that victims, and on occasion a witness, will also be asked to attend a part of the reflection to ensure that all sides have a chance to tell their story. This gives reflection teachers the best opportunity to gain a clearer understanding of what has occurred.
Working restoratively rather than punitively can have the following impact on our students;
- Allows students to understand what they have done wrong
- Gives them ownership of the problems created
- Presents a desirable way to solve problems
- Gives them the chance to fix things with support
- Leaves their dignity intact and respects them as people
When students are in reflection they will be asked the following;
- What were you thinking about when you…?
- What have you thought about since it happened?
- Did you do the right thing or the wrong thing?
- Who has been affected by what you did, in what ways?
- How can you fix things up?
- What can I do to help you?
- Can we put this behind us and move on? How?
Misbehaviour and pushing boundaries can be a normal part of development, and when students behave in troublesome ways they create opportunities to learn important social and emotional skills. What is important is not so much that they got into trouble in the first place, but what they learn along the way.
If students attend reflection parents and guardians are notified through compass, when students reach 3 reflections in one term parents will be called to discuss the best course of action for supporting your child, this may include an individual behaviour support plan. We strive for all students to be achieving to the best of their ability in all areas, but things sometimes go wrong or we hit a bump in the road, the restorative technique aims to maintain ever important relationships while supporting students to achieve their best.
