Northland School Board of Trustees
Behaviour Management Policy
Rationale
Northland School students will develop and display responsibility for their own actions. The school’s Qualities programme will be the basis for managing student behaviour. This policy also guides the implementation of the Northland School Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
Purpose
The purpose of the Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities and this policy is to ensure that procedures are in place to provide an environment where:
• students can feel safe and secure in the school environment
• the freedom to teach and learn within the school is not compromised by inappropriate behaviour
• behavioural expectations are clearly established and understood by teachers, parents and students
• students are encouraged to recognise and display appropriate, positive behaviour
• students will take responsibility for their actions
• staff acknowledge noteworthy, positive behaviour
Guidelines
• The language of the Qualities programme will be used as a basis for managing student behaviour.
• The Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities will be clearly displayed throughout the school and in school publications.
• All staff will actively support and implement the Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities.
• At the beginning of each year, staff will discuss with students the Charter of Student Rights and Responsibilities to ensure that this is understood.
• Staff will focus on positive and appropriate behaviours, highlighting these as models for all students.
• Staff will seek opportunities to acknowledge students’ notable positive behaviour.
• Staff will be guided by established strategies in responding to instances of inappropriate behaviour. Following discussion with the Principal and Team Leader, parents/caregivers will be advised if a student’s inappropriate behaviour becomes persistent or is severe.
• Corporal punishment is unacceptable and unlawful.
• Programmes that aim to support positive behaviour and to eliminate negative behaviour (including bullying) will be incorporated into the classroom programmes at the appropriate levels, eg:
- Qualities programme
- DARE
- Kia Kaha
- Keeping Ourselves Safe
- RTLB Social Skills programmes
• Bullying in any form is not acceptable.
• The safety and well-being of students and staff are paramount. At all times there needs to be a balance between protecting staff and children and preserving the dignity of the child. In terms of physical contact with children, staff will be guided by the “NZEI Guidelines for Physical Contact With Children” (see attachment)
Approved: March 2011
Review Date: 2014