Behaviour, Discipline & Wellbeing
Welcome to Waterfall Public School, where we prioritise creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that fosters learning, growth, and respect. Our Behaviour, Discipline, and Wellbeing policies are designed to guide students, parents, and staff in maintaining a harmonious school community that aligns with our core values of Safety, Respect, and Active Learning.
Behaviour Expectations
At Waterfall Public School, our behaviour expectations are encapsulated in "The Waterfall Way":
Be Safe: Ensure the safety of yourself and others by following rules and making responsible choices.
Be Respectful: Treat everyone with kindness, listen actively, and respect the school’s environment and resources.
Be an Active Learner: Engage positively in learning, take responsibility for your progress, and collaborate with others.
These expectations are explicitly taught, reinforced, and celebrated through our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) framework, ensuring all students understand and exhibit appropriate behaviours.
Promoting Positive Behaviour
We celebrate and reward positive behaviour through:
Tokens and Merit Certificates:
Students earn tokens for demonstrating the school’s values.
Tokens contribute to merit awards, leading to Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Principal certificates.
Attendance Incentives:
Students participate in weekly attendance draws for prizes.
Certificates are awarded for achieving outstanding attendance each term.
Reward days in Week 5 and Week 10 for students who are achieving 95% or above.
Addressing Inappropriate Behaviour
Inappropriate behaviour is addressed promptly and constructively. Strategies include:
Reflection Sheets: Used during teacher-student conferences to help students understand and adjust their behaviour.
Restorative Practices: Aimed at repairing relationships and fostering accountability.
Tiered Interventions:
Tier 1: Whole-school support.
Tier 2: Small group mentoring and reteaching of expected behaviours.
Tier 3: Individualised support plans for persistent issues.
Wellbeing Programmes
Our wellbeing programmes ensure that every student feels valued and supported:
Social and Emotional Learning: Programmes such as Zones of Regulation and Got It! promote emotional awareness, self-regulation, and resilience.
Mentor Teachers: Students have access to staff mentors for guidance and support.
Interest Clubs: Activities such as gardening, sports, and Lego clubs foster connections and personal interests.
Cultural Connections: Initiatives like Deadly Yarn workshops strengthen ties to First Nations heritage and community.
Partnership with Parents
We value open communication and collaboration with families. Parents can engage through:
Regular parent-teacher interviews.
Feedback opportunities via surveys.
Active involvement in community events and the P&C Association.
Reporting and Support
We encourage students to report any concerns about bullying, online safety, or wellbeing. Our staff is trained to respond effectively, ensuring all reports are handled with care and confidentiality.
For more detailed information about our policies or support services, please contact Waterfall Public School.