Sharing the Knowledge

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT POLICY

SCHOOL PROFILE Purpose Waaia-Yalca South Primary School aims to develop socially well

adjusted students who perform academically, to the best of their ability through a friendly, caring, supportive and engaging environment.

Values Integrity Trust Respect Learning Professionalism Self esteem

Environmental Context

Waaia-Yalca South Primary School is a small rural school located at Waaia, midway between Nathalia and Numurkah, 40 kilometres north-west of Shepparton.

Students experience a comprehensive curriculum, enriched by a range of extracurricular activities.

Well resourced, with attractive grounds (gardens and adventure playground), which are well maintained.

Cooperative, supportive and positive parent involvement. Continued positive relationships with other schools in the local

cluster area. Key learning focus to continue to improve student learning in

English and Mathematics. Classroom equipped with computers with the ratio of 1:1.

Waaia-Yalca South Primary School is dedicated in promoting a safe, healthy and engaging learning environment where students are connected to the school. We are passionate about providing a stimulating and challenging atmosphere, as well as catering for a range of learning styles that allows students to achieve their potential.

Waaia-Yalca South Primary School1 Cowan Street, Waaia Victoria 3637

Telephone (03) 58641283

Fax (03) 58641079

E-mail: waaia.yalca.south.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au

The school believes that learning is a partnership between teachers, parents and students and it has a focus on developing the ‘whole student’, whereby the physical, social, emotional and academic growth of the child have equal importance..

Parent involvement in the school is very high with most families making a positive contribution to the school over the course of the year. We have a number of very supportive families that are represented on school council and/or our parents and friends club. Each group is very active and supportive.

We have high expectations around engagement and wellbeing for all of our students and realise this is most effective when the whole school community shares these same high expectations. All senior students are expected to provide a positive role-model to the rest of the students.

At Waaia-Yalca South PS, corporal punishment is not permitted.

Waaia-Yalca South Primary School Values

Integrity Trust Respect Learning Professionalism Self esteem

DEVELOPING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR Waaia-Yalca South Primary School aims to develop socially well adjusted children who perform academically to the best of their ability in a safe, friendly and caring environment and to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become valued members of the community.

To achieve this we will strive to:

Provide highly motivated and qualified staff to facilitate the education of our students.

Provide physical facilities and grounds that enhance learning. Have high but realistic expectations of students and encourage students to “be

their best.” Provide programs that are innovative, challenging and relevant to the needs of

our students. Build partnerships with parents, the local community and neighbouring schools. Give constant positive reinforcement to improve self-esteem. Acknowledge student achievement in the newsletter and at assemblies. Encourage friendship, sharing, tolerance and compassion amongst all children. Require children to accept some responsibility for their actions. Provide adequate supervision in the school grounds, making a special effort to

observe, assist and involve children with issues.

Develop a whole staff, collective approach to the resolution of problems occurring both in and out of the classroom.

Be consistent and fair in applying logical consequences. Encourage understanding and awareness of the school rules. Provide students with individual learning plans. Provide intervention and extension assistance for students. Recognise students at assembly and in the Newsletter for positive behaviour

with awards such as Student of the Week, and for School Attendance.

SUPPORT AND PREVENTIONPreventative and supportive strategies are applied to encourage the development of a school climate within which personal responsibility and self discipline is fostered. For example:

Positive rewards for desired behaviour –STUDENTS OF THE WEEK. Social Skills Programs Collegial Support - to diffuse a potential problem a child may be placed with

another staff member for a specific period of time. Involvement of outside agencies to support children and families, such as SSSO

staff, DEECD. Social Worker, SCOPE, Liaison with Regional Student Welfare and Discipline Officer

POSITIVE STRATEGIESIn an attempt to foster desired positive outcomes the school is committed to utilising the following positive strategies:

Positive reinforcement. Improve self-esteem. Encourage and foster friendship. Develop respect and acknowledge differences. Encourage sharing, tolerance and compassion amongst all children. Enhance and encourage parent / teacher contact. Be actively involved with the children. Make a special effort to observe, assist and involve children with issues. Be consistent and fair in applying logical forms of punishment. Encourage organised and responsible play within our playground.

ATTENDANCE We have a clear focus on student attendance with regular updates and

reminders of the importance of being at school in the Newsletter and at assemblies.

Students are encouraged to attend every day and parents are encouraged to send their students to school each day unless they are unwell.

We encourage parents to make appointments where possible, out of school hours.

If students are absent, parents are expected to write a note or contact the school.

Students are rewarded for excellent attendance at the end of each term.

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITESThe Student Engagement Policy is based on the following principles:

STUDENT, TEACHER & PARENT RIGHTS1. All students are to be valued and treated with respect.2. Students have a right to work, learn and play in a secure environment where they are

able to develop their talents, interests and ambitions without interference.3. Students have the right to be treated and spoken to fairly and respectfully by

teachers, students and parents.4. Students have the right to ask questions and share ideas.5. Teachers have the right to teach in an atmosphere of order and cooperation.6. Teachers have the right to be treated with respect by students, parents and

colleagues.7. Teachers have the right to feel safe in the school environment.8. Parents have the right to expect that their children will be educated in a secure

environment in which care, courtesy and respect for the rights of others are encouraged.

9. Parents have an obligation to support the principal and staff in their efforts to maintain a productive teaching and learning environment.

10. Principal and staff have an obligation to implement the Student Engagement Policy fairly, reasonably and consistently.

11. Positive relationships are to be encouraged amongst all students.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES1. A responsibility to allow others to work without being interrupted.2. A responsibility to complete all expected classroom activities.3. A responsibility to respect others.4. A responsibility to take care of all property including school, personal and other.5. A responsibility to come to school regularly and to be on time.6. A responsibility to obey school rules.7. A responsibility to take messages home.8. A responsibility to practise good personal cleanliness.9. A responsibility to be cooperative and fair at sport and play.10. A responsibility when on school activities/excursions to continue to obey school

rules.11. A responsibility to be courteous and respectful to all people involved in school

programs, including all visitors to our school.

TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES1. A responsibility to ensure that all students are safe and happy within their school

environment.2. A responsibility to ensure that students are supervised at all times.3. A responsibility to treat all children, parents and colleagues fairly and respectfully.4. A responsibility to promote an environment which maximises the opportunity of all

students to strive for excellence.5. A responsibility to provide and promote positive role models for students at all times.6. A responsibility to provide opportunities for all students to experience personal

success.7. A responsibility to inform parents of their child’s performance at school.8. A responsibility to treat all children equally, regardless of gender, race or religion.9. A responsibility to arrive at school on time, prepared for effective teaching.

10. A responsibility to contribute to the development of units of work through effective planning and sharing.

11. A responsibility to display consistency when dealing with student management issues both in and out of the classroom.

12. A responsibility to discuss and reinforce our school rules and expected standards.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES / RIGHTS

1. A responsibility to ensure your child regularly attends school.2. A responsibility to support the School Discipline and Uniform Policy.3. A responsibility to support the school in its efforts to maintain a positive teaching and

learning environment.4. A responsibility for being aware of school rules and encouraging acceptable social

behaviour.5. A responsibility to provide the school with current up to date contact information.6. A responsibility to ensure your child has enough sleep at night and that he/she is

provided with breakfast before attending school each day.7. A responsibility to provide your child with a healthy, nutritious lunch and playlunch

each day.8. A responsibility to support the school’s homework and reading at home protocols.9. A responsibility to ensure your child wears the correct school uniform.10. A responsibility to communicate all matters that may affect your child’s learning.11. For all appointments during school time an approved adult must inform the

principal and/ or staff prior to such appointments before collecting the child from school.

SHARED EXPECTATIONSCare for yourself: Skills & Practices

Wearing the correct uniform is expected at all times. Hygienic use of toilets at all times. Play safely, responsibly, and by the rules. Remain within school grounds unless granted permitted to leave. Practise safe bike use, bus use and road safety when travelling to and from school. Care for your personal belongings and equipment. Follow Sunsmart practices. Stay in undercover/shaded areas if you have no hat. Walk on the concrete paths and around buildings. Healthy, nutritious lunches and playlunches.

Care for others: Skills & Practices Keep hands and feet to yourself. Speak politely to others. Follow teacher directions and requests. Move carefully and safely around the school. Care for and look after equipment and belongings of others. Value and respect individual differences. Return found items to the office. Walk your bike/ scooter to and from the front entrance of the school.

Care for Your Learning: Skills & Practices Be on time for all lessons and activities. Complete homework neatly and on time. Begin the school day by setting up your work area with all of the necessary items. Keep your work area and classroom tidy. Observe the rules of your classroom. Take pride in your work and strive for excellence by doing your best.

Care for Your School: Skills & Practices Keep grounds and classrooms tidy and litter free. Look after garden areas, on a regular basis. Look after and care for school equipment. Play in the designated / appropriate play areas.

ACTIONS AND CONSEQUENCESSCHOOL RULES

1. Books, tables, personal belongings in classrooms are to be kept tidy.2. No child is to leave the school ground without permission.3. Remain outside school buildings before and after school and during recess unless a

teacher is present and has given permission. Children are not supervised before 8.45 a.m.

4. Keep noise to a minimum inside and walk in corridors, classrooms and outside walking areas.

5. Sticks, rocks, stones, bark, sand and any other inappropriate objects are not to be thrown.

6. Children are not to climb on roofs, trees, fences, outdoor furniture, or any part of the school buildings.

7. Rubbish is to be put into bins provided. Chewing gum, lollies, soft drink or cordial are not allowed.

8. All corridors, toilets, garden beds, and the breezeway are out of bounds as play areas.

9. Children riding bicycles or scooters must wear an approved helmet to and from school and must walk with these whilst in the school ground.Bringing dangerous or expensive articles and toys to school is not permitted e.g. IPods, MP3 players, and mobile phones. Mobile phones must not be brought to school unless there is a specific agreement with the principal.(The Education Department’s insurance policy does not cover theft of loss of students’ personal belongings.)

10. No trading of cards, toys, games, etc. 11. Children must adhere to our school dress code; including the wearing of a wide

brimmed or bucket navy hat outside from the beginning of September until the end of April.

12. Bringing or using drugs, alcohol or cigarettes within school grounds and within the general school area is strictly forbidden.

13. Damage to school property and surrounds will not be tolerated e.g. vandalism of any form.

14. Fighting, bullying, swearing, teasing or any other form of aggressive or harassing behaviour is not permitted and will not be tolerated.

15. Bus travellers will line up in an orderly manner for bus departure and follow the Bus Traveller’s Code of Conduct.

16. Lunches and playlunches are encouraged to be finished inside before recess and lunch time commences. Any students needing to finish eating food outside must do in permitted areas only.

CONSEQUENCESConsequences are what happen as a result of behaviour. They can be positive or negative depending on the type of behaviour. Consequences should be fair, predictable and they should be related to the rule that has been broken.

When found that a student has been in breach of the school rules, teachers will work through the stages of the student engagement plan.

Breach of rules inside the classroom. 1. Verbal reminder/s of appropriate behaviours and consequences if the behaviour

continues.2. Time-out inside during recess or lunch. This will consist of completing unfinished

work, or writing to reflect on the behaviour. 3. Sent to school office/principal for further discussion.

Breach of rules in the school yard. 1. Verbal reminder of appropriate behaviours and consequences if the behaviour

continues.2. Will accompany the yard duty teacher.3. Removed from yard to school office/principal. This is to be viewed as a detention

during recess or lunch time.

Severe behaviour will result with children being exited from the room or yard immediately.

All breaches of rules that require a consequence will be recorded in the incident book.

Parents will be notified through either a phone call (priority) or letter if their child has been removed from class or the yard if the incident is deemed serious enough that it warrants parent notification.

DETENTION

Detention should be used when all natural consequential discipline methods have been exhausted or are not appropriate.

Students will be supervised at all times Detention should only last for half of the student’s lunchtime or recess. Students may be asked to complete work that has been unfinished due to their

behaviour and depending on the student’s age or skill; they may be asked to complete a Behaviour Reflection Sheet (a student improvement plan).

POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITYAt Waaia-Yalca South Primary School we encourage students to accept positions of responsibility and leadership within the school. Senior students in grades 5 & 6 are expected to be good role models and display appropriate behaviour.When a school leader receives a referral to the principal for inappropriate behaviour, the following will occur:1st referral to principal: Warning of future consequences.2nd referral to principal: Area of responsibility withdrawn for one week.3rd referral to principal: Parent interview conducted and responsibility withdrawn for an

extra week.

4th referral to principal: Students area of responsibility withdrawn for the remainder of the year and no recognition is made of their role.

SUSPENSIONA principal may suspend a student, while attending school or travelling to or from school or engaged in any school activity away from the school (including travel to or from that activity), if the student:

behaves in such a way as to threaten or constitute a danger to the health, safety or wellbeing of any person; or

commits an act of significant violence against a person or causes significant damage to or destruction of property; is knowingly involved in the theft of property; or

possesses, uses, or deliberately assists another person to use prohibited drugs or substances; or

fails to comply with any reasonable and clearly communicated instruction of a principal, teacher or other staff member; or

consistently behaves in a manner that interferes with the wellbeing, safety or educational opportunities of any other student; or

consistently engages in behaviour that vilifies, defames, degrades or humiliates another person based on age; breastfeeding; gender identity; impairment; industrial activity; lawful sexual activity; marital status; parental status or status as a carer; physical features; political belief or activity; pregnancy; race; religious belief or activity; sexual orientation; personal association (whether as a relative or otherwise) with a person who is identified by reference to any of the above attributes.

A student can be suspended for up to a maximum of 5 days at any one time.

In determining whether to suspend a student, the principal must ensure that suspending the student is appropriate to:

the behaviour for which the student is being suspended the educational needs of the student any disability or additional learning needs of the student the age of the student the residential and social circumstances of the student

COMMUNICATIONWaaia-Yalca South PS has a process in place where it communicates its policies to staff, students, guardians, parents and the school community be placing its policies on the school website and making them available to anyone who comes into the office and requests to see them.

EVALUATION The principal will be responsible for a regular review of this policy. This policy will be reviewed as part of the school’s four year review cycle.

This policy was last ratified by School Council in....

August 2016

SCHOOL BUS SAFETY

Safe school bus travel is a whole community concern. The following simple code of conduct for students has been prepared to ensure a safe and positive journey regularly to and from the school.

Students will:

behave in an orderly fashion while waiting at the bus stop obey the driver’s instructions remain seated for the whole journey talk quietly, and refrain from calling out to passing traffic on leaving the bus, wait on the same side of the road until the bus has left the bus

stop, and if necessary, cross the road only when there is a clear view of the traffic in both directions.

Students will not:

distract the attention of the driver by engaging in any ‘horseplay’ such as yelling out or making loud noises

fight on the bus or at any bus stop coordination point harass the driver or any other passenger on the bus use foul or abusive language vandalise the bus throw litter, or any other object, in or from a bus allow any part of his / her body to protrude from a bus play on the roadway approach a bus until it has completely stopped attempt to board or leave a bus while it is moving

This bus policy will be sent home to every household, new enrolments during the year and then new prep households annually.

I HAVE READ THIS INFORMATION ABOUT SAFE SCHOOL BUS TRAVEL AND UNDERSTAND MY ROLE IN MAINTAINING A SAFE TRAVEL ENVIRONMENT.I UNDERSTAND IF MY CHILD BREAKS THIS CODE OF CONDUCT HE / SHE RISKS SUSPENSION OF BUS TRAVEL FOR A PERIOD DETERMINED BY THE PRINCIPAL AND \ OR BUS PROPRIETOR.

Signature of Parent / Carer Signature of Student

WAAIA-YALCA SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOLBEHAVIOUR IMPROVEMENT PLAN

NAME____________________ CLASS_______ Date: ____________

REFLECTION STUDENT COMMENT

Tell me what happened?

What were you thinking and feeling at the time?

Who has been affected by your behaviour?

How have they been affected by your behaviour?

Was your behaviour fair or unfair?

What should you have done?

What do you need to do to fix things?

Is there anything else you would like to say?

WAAIA-YALCA SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOLEARLY YEARS: BEHAVIOUR IMPROVEMENT PLAN

NAME: __________________ CLASS: ________DATE:____________

REFLECTION STUDENT COMMENTDraw what happened.

Circle the face that shows how you were thinking.

Happy Sad Angry Scared

Draw the children affected by your behaviour.

Was your behaviour fair or unfair?

Fair Unfair

(Circle your response)

Tell me what you need to do to make things better.

“I need to…..

BEHAVIOURS AND CONSEQUENCESRIGHTS RULES NEGATIVE

CONSEQUENCESPOSITIVE

CONSEQUENCESStudents have the right to

learn and achieve.

We do not distract others in class.

We respect each other’s property.

We complete our work quietly and to

the best of our ability.

3 Step Process

1. Verbal reminder/s of appropriate behaviours and consequences if the behaviour continues.2. Time-out from the classroom.3. Sent to school office/principal. (Detention)

Verbal praise.

Awards/certificates/stickers.

Public recognition at assemblies and in the Newsletter.

Teachers have the right to teach

without interruption

s.

We follow the teacher’s

instructions.

We are punctual, we enter the room

in an orderly manner and we are

organised and ready for work at the appropriate

times.

We use manners-“please, thank you, excuse

me” etc.

3 Step Process

1. Verbal reminder/s of appropriate behaviours and consequences if the behaviour continues.2. Time-out of classroom.3.Sent to school office/principal (Detention)

Verbal praise.

Awards/certificates/stickers.

Public recognition at assemblies and in the Newsletter.

Students and

teachers have the

right to feel safe-

emotionally and

physically.

We do not hurt another person

physically or emotionally.

(Fighting, bullying, swearing, teasing

or any form of aggressive

behaviour is not permitted and will not be tolerated).

We do not use behaviour that is

offensive, degrading or

insulting to others.

Dangerous items

Removal from class/yard.

Exit to office.

Possible suspension.

Verbal praise.

Awards/certificates/stickers.

Public recognition at assemblies and in the Newsletter.

must never be brought to school.

RIGHTS RULES NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES

POSITIVE CONSEQUENCES

Students have the

right to be part of the

Waaia-Yalca South

Community.

We respect and take care of all

school property.

Vandalism or theft is not tolerated.

We wear tidy and correct school uniform every

day.

All food is eaten in the appropriate

areas andAll rubbish is put

in the bin.

Removal from class/yard.

Exit to office.

Possible suspension.

Intentional damage must be repaired or replaced.

Note sent home for repeat offenders.

Reminder of school rules.

Yard duty picking up papers.

Verbal praise.

Awards/certificates/stickers.

Public recognition at assemblies and in the Newsletter.

Students have the

right to play and feel safe in the yard.

We stay in the school grounds at

all times.

We remain outside of the

school buildings before and after

school and during recess and lunch unless we have

permission.

We do not climb on roofs, trees, fences, outdoor

furniture, or parts of the school

buildings.

We play co-operatively and

by the rules of the games we play.

We do not play in the classrooms, toilets, garden beds, corridors

and breezeways.

We wear our hats from September 1st until April 30th.

3 Step Process

1. Verbal reminder of appropriate behaviours and consequences if the behaviour continues.

2. Student to accompany the yard duty teacher for a time determined by the teacher on duty.

3. Removed from yard to school office/principal. (Detention)

“No Hat - No Play!”Children to be sentto the undercover, shaded area.

Verbal praise.

Awards/certificates/stickers.

Public recognition at assemblies and in the Newsletter.

Sharing the Knowledge

TO BE COMPLETED BY ALL PARENTS AND RETURNED TO

THE SCHOOL

I HAVE READ AND DISCUSSED THE WAAIA-YALCA SOUTH PRIMARY SCHOOL STUDENT ENGAGEMENT POLICY WITH MY CHILD / CHILDREN, AND AGREE TO THIS DOCUMENT.

CHILD’S NAME: GRADE:

PARENT / GUARDIAN SIGNATURE:

DATE: / /

Waaia-Yalca South Primary School1 Cowan Street, Waaia Victoria 3637

Telephone (03) 58641283

Fax (03) 58641079

E-mail: waaia.yalca.south.ps@edumail.vic.gov.au