Positive Behaviour for Learning

Inspired by Mary and guided by our faith in her Son, Jesus, we aspire to be a respectful, nurturing and engaging learning community. (Our Lady Star of the Sea Vision Statement August 2011)

Scripture Reference: “I have come so that you may have life and have it to the full.”     John 10:10

Optimal wellbeing and learning are enabled in school environments that are safe, inclusive and respectful. (EXCEL - Catholic Education Melbourne)  A positive sense of wellbeing supports a base for rich learning that enables young people to flourish. Wellbeing is described as “a sustainable state of positive mood and attitude, resilience and satisfaction with self, relationships and experiences.” (ACU & Erebus International 2008) 

At Our Lady Star of the Sea, this holistic view of wellbeing is characterised by an open, friendly atmosphere with a strong sense of hope, welcome and belonging.  We invest energy into growing and sustaining positive relationships based on respect and kindness. All members of Our Lady Star of the Sea community (students, staff and families) have the right to feel safe at all times.  

This year, as part of our Student Wellbeing & Respectful Relationship focus, we are further enhancing  our whole school approach to creating an environment for learners that is safe, inclusive and respectful through the development of Positive Behaviour for Learning.

Positive Behaviour for Learning: 

• Concentrates primarily on preventing the occurrence of an identified behaviour by avoiding or adapting the circumstances that usually trigger this behaviour
• Focuses on building skills and developing alternative preferred behaviours
• Uses students’ strengths and interests to increase success
• Based on shared values and expected norms of the whole community.

Why do we need a system for teaching behaviour?

If a child doesn’t know how to read, we teach.      

If a child doesn’t know how to swim, we teach.        

If a child doesn’t know how to multiply, we teach.  

If a child doesn’t know how to drive, we teach.

If a child doesn’t know how to behave, we ....  ....teach.? ....punish?

Why can’t we finish the last sentence as automatically as we do the others?

Tom Herner (1982) 

Throughout this year, the Student Wellbeing and Respectful Relationship Teams have been focusing on identifying the shared values of the Our Lady Star of the Sea community.  We are now seeking input from our parent community to finalise the key values that enable our school vision. To contribute, parents are asked to click the image below and answer the question: What are the key values you would hope for your children?

This should take you to our AnswerGarden page.

Our Respectful Relationship Student Leaders will be seeking input from parents at dismissal time this Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.  Also, if you would like to discuss Positive Behaviour for Learning further before providing your input, drop into the staffroom this Wednesday at 3:15 - 3:30pm to meet Marnie Hallam and myself.

Once our key values have been identified, we will begin formulating our Student Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct will include explicit expectations of how our key values are enacted through our actions at Our Lady Star of the Sea. 

Paul Anderson

Student Wellbeing Leader