Inappropriate student behaviour can be dealt with any of the following, depending on the severity of the issue.
Restorative practice model
Many issues student identify can be resolved by having all parties participate in a structured conference where everyone has the right and the responsibility to give their perspective of the issue, how it affects them and others and how the issue can be addressed.
We have experienced much success with this approach since it supports students to develop life long conflict resolution skills while allowing them to see that every action has an effect on others and that everyone has a different perspective on issues. A powerful learning experience for all who participate!
Detentions
Detentions are given for poor behaviour in the classroom, the playground, and sport. The detentions are designed to give students time to reflect on their behaviour and make changes to improve their behaviour.
The types of detentions include
- Class teacher detention – normally done for part of recess and lunch.
- Head teacher detention – normally done for part of recess and lunch.
- Red detention – done for half of lunch for persistent misbehaviour and interrupting the learning of others. Students receive a reminder about their detention. If a student chooses not to attend red detention, then they will be issued with a suspension caution.
- Deputy principals' detention – these are given for repeated minor misbehaviours or a single incident not serious enough for suspension. One example is an incident of truancy. Parents are given notice that their child will have 3 recess and 3 lunch detentions for each incident. Failure to change the behaviour or refusal to do these detentions will result in suspension.
Suspension
If a student's behaviour is completely unacceptable, the principal, in line with the policy of the department, will impose a suspension. Violence in any form and rudeness to teachers is considered to be totally unacceptable. Contact will be made with parents and a meeting time established to work through the issue that led to the suspension.
Monitoring cards
Students are placed on this by the deputy principals as a result of a return from suspension, attendance concerns, programs of improvement, parental concerns, a referral from head teachers and year advisers.
Student's attitude, conduct, and work completion are monitored and rated A to D. Cards are taken home each night so that parents/carers can also see how their child is going. The card is returned to the deputy principal before 8:00 am each day.
Pupil profiles
From time to time current information is needed on particular students. This is usually gathered via a pupil profile sheet distributed by year adviser.