FROM THE PRINCIPAL
This week we have had Ian Luscombe from BehaveAbility at St Patrick’s for 3 days. Ian has worked in other schools in our Archdiocese and was invited to work in our school to support whole school positive behaviour at St Patrick’s. We asked Ian to look at what current school processes were successful and where fine tuning would support student wellbeing, engagement and learning for all.
Ian was a visible presence in every classroom and around the school and a participant in several interviews with students and families. Your children may make mention of Mr L or Mr Luscombe, or ‘that man who was in our school.’ In a short time Ian developed rapport with our staff and many of our students.
As a recommendation from Ian and based on effectiveness of intervention and consequences we will be minimising the in-school suspension option as a consequence for student negative behaviour choices. We will be maximising the at-home suspension option as the consequence.
We have implemented lanyards in every classroom. Any child leaving the room will need permission and will wear the ‘I am allowed out of class’ lanyard.’
We are trialling 5 min morning assemblies with affirmations and recognition of being St Pat’s Kids.
We are using a particular language when directing and instructing students to what is expected.
We are working to raise and sustain the value of being at school and in class to its highest point for ALL children, not just those who like and value school and learning.
We are looking forward to the success of these strategies in the present and future. Thank you for your support as we continue to strive for full participation, engagement and learning for all children.
Ian has been booked again to come to St Patrick’s for 4 days in March 2021. We will host a parent session (hopefully on site) at that time.
Peer Mediation
Miss Spicer from her Student Welfare Worker Role is trialling the Peer Mediation program on the junior student’s playground. Interested and willing Year 5 students have had an initial training and are already in action around the playground. The Year 5 students support the younger students in resolving small things during playtime by coaching them to come up with their own solutions.
Year 5 Leadership Day
Our Year 5 students had a wonderful day of learning and leadership on Tuesday in the hall. Mr Tony Nassar, who runs our Boys program, helped the teachers to facilitate the day. We are proud of the way in which our 2021 school leaders approached the day and participated in all the activities. Students who are applying for school and vice captain roles are now busy preparing their speeches, and their supportive statements for their interview.
