DIRECTOR OF STUDENTS REPORT

Positive student behaviours

Each day the teachers and leaders at The Riverina Anglican College determinedly and diligently assist every student to become the best possible version of themselves. This term our teachers and leaders took time to develop a visual guide to Positive Student Behaviours so it can be displayed in homerooms and learning spaces. Research suggests that humans have a need to feel connected to others and that worthwhile relationships and actions are an important part of developing positive self-esteem, which can in turn significantly improve academic performance (Greenberg et al., 2003).

The process of developing The Riverina Anglican College guide to Positive Student Behaviours was extremely rewarding as the teaching staff appreciated the time to discuss, define and document the essential, desired and exceptional behaviours we like to see in our students. Teachers in each Year group had time to discuss and document personal, social and academic behaviours they expected from students in their cohort and record these on Post-it notes which were then collated on three whiteboards. By the end of the session we had well over one hundred suggestions that documented three levels of behaviour: essential, desired and exemplary, through three lenses: personal, social and academic. The staff suggestions were then used by the Wellbeing team to construct short statements that reflected the College’s Mission, Vision and Values, the frequency a word was used and plain English for clarity.

The Positive Student Behaviour infographic, which has been included herewith, has three focal lenses: Learning (academic), Self (personal) and Respect (social). Each domain has five short statements that encompass the essential, desired and exemplary behaviours we expect from our students. When you read the statements you will see that they are clear, reasonable, accessible and growth focussed.

The Positive Student Behaviour infographic will be printed, laminated and on display in every classroom so teachers and students can defer and refer to it as part of their daily teaching and learning. Homeroom teachers will present and unpack the Positive Student Behaviour infographic during Homeroom time early in Term 4.

I wish all parents, carers and students a happy, safe and well deserved break.

Ross Kennedy | Acting Director of Students