In the past few weeks there seems to be a spike in poor behaviour choices from some students. At Holy Name we promote good behaviour choices around our school motto of “Concern for Others.” Children will make mistakes though, and also choose or feel pressured into making poor choices.

At Holy Name we endeavour to counsel and guide children to change their poor choices into more positive ones. If this is a minor behaviour in the classroom, the class teacher will follow policy by a friendly warning, official warning, time out in the classroom, time out in a buddy classroom and then the Reflection Room (RR) or Time out (TO) if necessary. If the children progress to the RR or TO they spend time with myself or Mrs Russell and we talk through the problem, discuss how it could have been handled better and come up with a plan for the future. The children may have a restorative conversation with a peer or teacher if necessary.

Physical violence is not tolerated and children may go straight to the TO room. Each case is reviewed and sometimes we may send a child home on suspension if their behaviour is very serious or is a continued pattern. Internal suspension can also occur where a student spends a certain time working in the office with a member of the Leadership Team and has supervised breaks at a different time to their peers. If this was the case, I would contact parents and or carers.

Our aim is to proactively assist our children to make good choices and lessons are specifically tailored to this within our Personal Development and Health lessons and our structured teaching of social and emotional skills in the classroom.

In my experience, the best way to deal with any behaviour concerns regarding your child is to make an appointment and speak to your child’s teacher. The classroom teacher is your best source of information about your child and any involvement from myself will come from that conversation. Journeying together as a united front with families is the best way for positive outcomes for everyone.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding behaviour management please contact me via email: kyla.loring@mn.catholic.edu.au