St John's College - UPDATED February 2019 Documents... · 2019. 5. 31. · Effective instruction...

St John’s College – Student Behaviour Support Plan 2019 – 18/02/19

ST JOHN’S COLLEGE

School Wide Positive Behaviour Support Plan

2019

UPDATED February 2019

School Vision

St John's College is a Catholic learning community established by the Good Samaritan Sisters in the Benedictine Tradition.

In a spirit of faith, hope and love, we strive to develop confident, reflective and compassionate young people who are committed to transforming our world through example, service and leadership.

Mission

St John's College acknowledges the traditional custodians of this land, the Gubbi Gubbi people, and pay our respects to the elders both past, present and future for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and hopes of Indigenous Australia. We must always remember this land is, was and always will be traditional Indigenous land.

St John's College, in collaboration with parents and carers:

• Provides a Christian based education in the Catholic tradition and develops a community of faith and learning that is open and inclusive of other faith and cultural traditions.

• Is committed to a holistic curriculum which promotes the integration of faith, life and culture.

• Endeavours to provide a quality education that is equitable and strives to engender the creativity, initiative and ability of each student.

• Aims to stimulate a culture of learning that is life-giving and life-long. • Is willing to engage with social justice, moral, environmental and

political issues with a special concern for those on the margins of society.

• Cultivates right relationships through the hospitality of heart and place.

St John’s Values Statement

We believe all members of our community are ‘called to be Neighbour to all’ and the 12 Samaritan values illustrated through our Good Samaritan parable are the pillars on which our school is built. These values are: Hospitality, Balance, Community, Listening, Prayer, Peace, Healing, Word of God, Stewardship, Humility, Partnership and Compassion.

This call is then lived out through our values with a focus on developing:

• Respectful relationships • Responsible learners • Resilient young people

At St John’s College we are called to be neighbour to all… Through committing to Respectful relationships,

engaging as Responsible learners, developing as Resilient young adults.

Consultation and Data Review

St John’s College developed this plan in consultation with our school community. The expected behaviour matrix was developed primarily from student consultation. Student expectations were then presented to staff, parents and the school board. Consultation occurred through staff and school board meetings, Brisbane Catholic Education consultation and distribution of the draft plan for comment and review. Through the implementation of the Student Behaviour Support System (SBSS) in 2017 behavioural data formed a strong foundation, coupled with staff input, to inform pastoral practices and behavioural support approaches. Development of accurate data collection from staff will be a key focus to ensure that effective support practices can be implemented. In 2019 this plan will be endorsed by the Principal, the School Board and the Area Supervisor, and will be reviewed at least every 5 years. Student Well Being Philosophy All members of the St John’s College community are encouraged to focus on enhancing an environment of inclusivity where the values of compassion and justice permeate through the learning journey. As an inclusive and authentic Catholic community, we constantly strive to develop the whole student; mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually. The strength of the relationships we share within the College are key to our ability as educators to facilitate the development of respectful, responsible and resilient young people. Through quality teaching and learning experiences students are challenged to make positive choices about their education. In fostering right relationships, students are encouraged to reflect upon their actions, and to open their hearts and minds by reaching out to those who are marginalised. Pastoral Approach Through processes of coordinated, early and targeted intervention, student wellbeing and progress is supported and monitored. The pastoral approaches of the College include but are not limited to:

• Pastoral care classes and the extended pastoral care program • Year level pastoral teaching team which allows a group of staff to

journey with each year level for their entire time at the College • Individual Pastoral Middle Leaders who guide each year level through

the challenges of the particular phase of learning and development • Learning and teaching experiences that every teacher provides that

allow for inclusion and learning for all in a safe environment • Extra-curricular experiences provided by staff and student leaders

which allow for students to develop their gifts, make connections with others, develop confidence and learn the importance of balance

• Co-curricular school events and opportunities that provide a pastoral focus in bringing the school community together and working to show all that they have a place at the College

Positive Behaviour 4 Learning

What is Positive Behaviour 4 Learning? PB4Learning is about people, practices and processes – it is not a program but the way we do work. A focus on learning, capability building, wise and thorough use of data, and identifying and spreading good evidence-based practice are all integrated into the PB4Learning strategy.

Theoretical and conceptual characteristics The theoretical and conceptual understandings of PB4Learning are firmly linked to Behavioural Theory and Applied Behavioural Analysis (Carr et al., 2002)) This perspective emphasises that observable behaviour is an important indicator of what individuals have learned and how they operate in their environment, behaviour is learned and rule governed, environmental factors are influential in determining whether a behaviour is likely to occur and new and alternative pro-social behaviours can be taught (Sugai & Horner, 2002; Sugai et al., 2008) Continuum of support and key features An important component of PB4Learning is the adoption of a continuum of behavioural supports that, like academic instruction, acknowledges that students will need differing levels of behavioural interventions and supports to be successful at school. Within the continuum there are three levels of support. The first level focuses on Universal behavioural and academic supports for all students. Here the focus is on prevention of problem behaviours, providing early intervention for those at risk and creating positive learning environments across all settings in the school. Research has shown that approximately 80-85% of students will respond to proactive universal supports, display the desired appropriate behaviours, and

Adapted from School-wide Positive Behaviour Support: implementers’ blueprint and Self Assessment, by OSEP Center On positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, 2004, Eugene OR: Lewis

have few behaviour problems (Horner & Sugai, 2005; Lewis, Newcomer, Trussell & Ritcher, 2006). The second level focuses on students who continue to display problem behaviour even with the universal supports in place. Through the use of data, students are identified early, before problem behaviours become intense or chronic, and receive Targeted supports such as small group social skill instruction, academic supports and self-management strategies (Sailor et al., 2013) Finally, the tertiary level of support is intensive or individualised. These students will require highly individualised behaviour support programs based on a comprehensive behavioural assessment, which at times, will include mental health professionals and family and community services.

By building a connected continuum, everyone in the school is aware of how each level of support is connected to the universal systems i.e. every targeted and individualised intervention uses the universal set of behavioural expectations to increase the likelihood of maintenance and generalisation to other context.

Universal or Tier 1 • All students • All settings • Preventative, Proactive

Targeted or Tier 2 • Students At-Risk • High Efficiency • Rapid Response

Individual or Tier 3 • Individual Students • Assessment Based • Intense, durable intervention

1. Student Behaviour Support Leadership & Professional Learning for School/College staff:

The behavioural support leadership structure includes the overall PB4L team which includes pastoral programs leader, Deputy, pastoral leaders, guidance officer and a number of interested staff. The targeted support team includes the guidance officer, pastoral programs leader, Deputy and support teachers in consultation with relevant pastoral teachers and staff. The team meets fortnightly with the pastoral programs leader, guidance officer and support teachers presenting relevant data (SBSS) and BI data and student referrals from staff. Minutes and agendas Staff have taken part in PB4L training through staff meetings, SBSS training and the effective and expected practices from BCE.

2. Clarity: Our Expectations

School-wide expectations encourage consistent communications and establish an effective verbal community for all staff and students and across all settings. Agreed upon student expectations promote consistency across the staff and school community and help develop similar tolerance levels. At St John’s College our school-wide expectations are:

• Respectful relationships • Responsible learners • Resilient young people

Our school-wide matrix determines the social skills and behaviours we expect all students and staff to learn, practice and demonstrate. They allow us to teach proactively and to provide students and parents with a positive message about discipline.

In addition to our school–wide expectations our affective curriculum is informed by the General Capabilities in the Australian Curriculum. The general capabilities encompass the knowledge, skills, behaviours and dispositions that, together with curriculum content in each learning area and the cross-curriculum priorities, will assist students to live and work successfully in the twenty-first century. They complement the key learning outcomes of the Early Years Learning Framework (COAG 2009) – that children have a strong sense of identity and wellbeing, are connected with and contribute to their world, are confident and involved learners and effective communicators. (www.acara.edu.au) Personal and social capability, Ethical understanding and Intercultural understanding focus on ways of being, behaving and learning to live with others while Critical and Creative thinking is fundamental in students becoming successful learners. The ACARA learning continuum for each capability describes the knowledge, skills, behaviours and dispositions that students can reasonably be expected to have developed at particular stages of schooling.

3. Focus: Teaching expected behaviours Effective instruction requires more than providing the rule–it requires instruction, practice, feedback, re-teaching, and encouragement (Sprague & Golly, 2005). Instruction takes place each day, throughout the day, all year long. In addition, direct teaching may be done using some or a combination of the following:

• Beginning of school year orientation day • Pastoral care period, weekly throughout the year • Time built into the first weeks of schools and boosters later in the year • Assemblies followed by group practice

• New student orientation when needed • Student ambassadors may serve as orientation models for newly

enrolled students

4. Feedback: Encouraging Productive Behaviours for learning

Tier 1 Universal Supports

Feedback should cause thinking (Dylan Wiliam, 2011). In education, we use the term feedback for any information given to students about their current achievements (Wiliam, 2011 pp.122). Feedback to students provides them with the way to move their learning forward and make progress in their learning. It is important to follow desired behaviours with consequences that are reinforcing to most students such as specific positive feedback along with other forms of reinforcement. At St John’s College, we believe that preventing inappropriate behaviour through the promotion of appropriate behaviour is a more positive and successful method of managing student behaviour than intervening reactively after behaviour incidents occur. In this spirit, the College has adopted the Positive Behaviour 4 Learning (PB4L) framework, which is based on actively promoting, and supporting positive behaviours in the school community, which will enhance the learning opportunities. As a vehicle for transmitting the program, the College adopted a core values statement that reminds our school community that as a Catholic school we are called to be neighbour to all. This embeds our twelve Samaritan values and furthermore students are expected to:

• Commit to respectful relationships • Engage as responsible learners • Develop as resilient young people

a) Establishing Behaviour Expectations At St John’s College, there are many ways that staff establish the behaviour expectations of our students, including:

• Explicit teaching and consistent follow-up of school rules • Maintaining high expectations • Modelling positive behaviours to students • Affirming students who demonstrate positive behaviours • Using appropriate consequences for not meeting behaviour

expectations • Explaining why a behaviour is expected or a consequence is necessary • Empowering students to take responsibility for their actions • Being flexible to allow for unforeseen circumstances or students with

needs

• Effective communication and sharing a common language about behaviour in our school community

• Use of questioning technique that encourages students to be reflective and restorative in their approach.

o What is/are our learning expectations? o What does the learning expectation look like in this class/ setting? o How can you meet this expectation? o How can I help you meet this expectation? o What will happen if you don’t meet this expectation? o Teacher gives timely positive feedback throughout the lesson to

the student and checks in with the student at the end of the lesson.

b) Positive School Culture Each week, the school community gathers together for either extended Pastoral Care lessons or Year Level Assemblies. Additionally, we have a whole school assembly each week. During these times, we create and enrich our positive school culture through prayer, recognition of special achievements, discussing pertinent social and emotional issues and establishing clear expectations across our school community. Furthermore, we remind students of our anti-bullying policy and raise awareness of current and forthcoming school events. These features support the creation of a positive whole school culture. Staff utilise a wide range of acknowledgement strategies with students, reviewed on an annual basis, to support our positive school culture, including:

• Praise/encouragement (verbal/written) • Phone calls, emails or communication to parents (affirmation letters sent

home) • Sharing work with others (Principal, Deputy, A.P.A., A.P.R.E., other year

level classes, parents)

• Celebrations including our annual St John’s Day • Articles in St John’s College Newsletter – weekly electronic publication • Announcements on the College website • Interim and end of Semester Reports • Parent/Teacher interviews • Senior References • Recognition at Year Level and whole school assemblies

Awards and acknowledgement The everyday actions of staff endeavour to encourage and acknowledge student’s positive behaviour both socially and towards learning. The interactions that staff have with students are instrumental in fostering a positive behavioural culture within the college, this includes greeting students, incidental pastoral conversations that develop the staff/student working relationship and recognising students continued effort in learning regardless of their success. Within the learning process the interactions extend to direct the students to how

they can demonstrate specific performance criteria. Teachers use of learning intentions to direct the learning focus and the development of the student’s understanding of the success criteria are key instruments in achieving success and progress of all students. The use of regular quality feedback opportunities facilitates such success and is a focus for all St John’s teachers. We acknowledge student efforts and results more formally in academic, sporting, behavioural and cultural contexts through a variety of awards at our school. The following St John’s College Schedule of Awards outlines the variety of awards available for teachers and other staff to use when acknowledging the achievements of students in our school. The efforts of staff members are also acknowledged at whole school assemblies and staff meetings, as well as in the College weekly newsletter and on the College website. SPORTS AWARDS EVENING • Conducted in Term 4. • Recognising achievement in a variety of categories for relevant whole school sports. • Recognising achievement in the major Inter-House sporting carnivals. ARTS GALA EVENING • Conducted in Term 4. • Recognising achievement in a variety of categories for relevant cultural pursuits. • Recognising achievement all Arts subjects across all year levels. ACADEMIC AWARDS SEMESTER 1 • Distributed after Semester 1 Report Cards • Recognising excellence with results and consistency with work habits ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS – YEAR LEVEL ASSEMBLY • Provides the opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate student achievement whether it be academic, sporting, service learning or cultural. These provide the opportunity to acknowledge students who have demonstrated positive spirit or significant achievement in any aspect of their school participation. ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS - WHOLE COLLEGE ASSEMBLY • Acknowledge exceptional or outstanding achievement in the context of a College activity. • Acknowledgement of participation in a significant outside event or competition. • Provide the opportunity for performing arts students to display their talents. • PC Awards for consistent and significant contribution to the PC group

throughout the year.

AWARDS PRESENTATION EVENING • Gold/ Silver/ Bronze academic awards for academic achievement for each year level. • Special Awards for significant achievement in a broad range of College and

community participation. • Major awards

CATHOLIC EDUCATION WEEK (GOOD SAMARITAN AWARDS) • Good Samaritan Award is issued annually to a student from each pastoral

care group who has demonstrated our College and good Samaritan Values.

These components enable staff to effectively recognise and encourage students when they display expected behaviours and contribute to the creation of a positive school environment. Tier 2 Targeted Supports

Targeted strategies are implemented for students who are at risk and may include intervention programs involving support and specialist staff. These students consistently have trouble with low level but disruptive behaviours that are detrimental to instruction and interfere with their own learning. Targeted inventions should be timely and responsive and use similar strategies and social curriculum across a group of students. Students are identified proactively, using academic, behaviour and attendance data accompanied by teacher nomination or through a screening process. Our targeted supports have systems in place to monitor student progress, make modifications, and gradually decrease support as student behaviour and engagement improves. Targeted interventions at St John’s College include: • Restorative Justice processes and questioning strategies

To respond to challenging behaviour: To help those harmed by other’s actions:

1. What happened? 2. What were you thinking about at

the time? 3. What have your thoughts been

since? 4. Who has been affected by what

you did? 5. In what way have they been

affected? 6. What do you think you need to do

to make things right?

1. What did you think when you realised what had happened?

2. What have your thoughts been since?

3. How has this affected you and others?

4. What has been the hardest thing for you?

5. What do you think needs to happen to make things right?

• Programs focused on students social and emotional development. This

type of intervention involves directly teaching social skills to enhance a student’s ability to interact with peers and adults. Whilst social skill instruction may be part of the work done in universal supports this type of targeted support occurs in smaller groups with students who require additional practice and feedback on their behaviour.

• Year Level or single sex skill sessions- these sessions focus on developing the skills of a group that data has shown they may be lacking. These have included but are not limited to; study skills, dealing with conflict, recognising and dealing with stress, relaxation techniques and recognising and developing positive relationships.

• The Behaviour Education Program (Check in- Check out) – (Crone, Horner & Hawken, 2004)

The program builds on the school-wide expectations by providing students with frequent feedback and reinforcement from their teacher/s, a respected facilitator and the student’s parents for demonstrating appropriate behaviour and academic engagement. The ultimate goal is to move the student to self-management.

• The Check and Connect Mentoring Program – (Christenson et al, 2012) The core of Check & Connect is a trusting, relationship between the student (Year 10 -12) and a caring, trained teacher mentor. This mentor both advocates for and challenges the student and partners with the family, school and community to keep education salient for the student.

Tier 3 Individual Supports

Successful outcomes for student’s whose behaviour has not responded to universal or targeted supports are dependant our ability to intervene as early as possible with appropriate evidence–based interventions. A function-based approach is an essential feature of PB4L. Individual Support interventions offered at St John’s College include:

• Functional Behavioural Assessment and designing and Individual Behaviour Support Plan

• Pro-active Collaborative Problem Solve process (Dr Ross Greene) • Guidance Counsellor support services • Student Support Team case management - planning and

implementation of individualised support plans and monitoring data • Partnerships with outside support agencies and specialists • The Check and Connect Mentoring Program – (Christenson et al, 2012)

The core of Check & Connect is a trusting, relationship between the student (Year 10 -12) and a caring, trained teacher mentor. This mentor both advocates for and challenges the student and partners with the family, school and community to keep education salient for the student.

5. Feedforward: Responding to unproductive behaviours

Even with our positive approach to teaching and supporting appropriate behaviour, some problem behaviour will still occur. To ensure that students who are unable to demonstrate positive behaviours for learning are proactively identified and supported at St John’s College we use the online system SBSS (Student Behaviour Support System). This system is used to collect behavioural data and identify students who require addition support to demonstrate positive behaviour. Within the SBSS system unproductive behaviours are classified as minor or major. Minor behaviours are addressed by teachers in the setting where the behaviour occurs i.e. the classroom or non-classroom setting. Major behaviours are addressed by teachers with support by College Leaders in a more private setting i.e. Administration Office. In addressing unproductive behaviours in the classroom or non-classroom setting, actions include the broad strategies of de-escalating, problem solving, use restorative practices and formal sanctions. It remains imperative that SBSS data is analysed for patterns and triggers by teachers. Such analysis sees uniform and mobile phone issues monitored and followed up by the Pastoral Program Leader and results in parent communication and student support to follow such guidelines. For class behaviour concerns, St John’s College also uses the approach where classroom teachers are at first supported by the Curriculum Middle Leader and the Pastoral Middle Leader (Year Coordinator) will manage responses where issues are across multiple subject areas. All welfare/well-being concerns are managed by the P.M.L and they are supported by College Administration and Guidance staff. Behavioural issues external to the classroom environment are also managed by P.M.L and College Administration.

For all issues, it is important that the Pastoral Care Teacher remains aware of the issues confronting students in their PC. This is facilitated through Pastoral Care teachers using the SBSS tracking function for their PC class as well as communication being CC’d to the pastoral care teacher from Pastoral Care Leaders where possible.

There are three evidence-based approaches that we use at St John’s College to feedforward and respond to unproductive behaviours and the strategies used are listed in table below:

De-escalation Problem-solving Restorative Supervised time out in a safe space in the classroom

Supervised time out in a safe space outside of the classroom

Set limits

Individual Crisis Support and Management Plan

Teacher – student conversation

Work it out together plan – teacher and student

Teacher – student – parent meeting

Teacher – student – leadership conversation

Student apology

Student contributes back to the class or school community

Restorative conversation

Restorative conference

Effective staff responses result in greater learning and often involve learning tasks or opportunities directly related to the unproductive behaviour. Role play or practice, reflecting on the behaviour and the alternative, arranging a situation for the student to demonstrate a skill and making amends for behaviour that impacted others are all powerful learning-based approaches. Effective responses maintain student dignity and invite the student to take responsibility for his/her behaviour and be part of the solution. Even though responses for inappropriate behaviour are intended to be educational, they may also be mildly aversive. That is, they require effort and should leave little incentive to repeat the inappropriate behaviour. Responses are best when they are selected to fit the individual, the specific behaviour and setting, the frequency and severity of the behaviour. Fairness means that everyone gets what they need in order to be successful and meet the expectations.

Crisis prevention and support strategies may include giving a student time away from their regular program to decrease demands at that point in time in a separate area in the classroom, in another supervised classroom or in the office. The intent of the ‘time out’ is for a student to regain control of their own behaviour.

For Major behaviours, the behaviour is more serious or chronic disruption, concerns for safety for the student or others, or is a potentially illegal behaviour. This will typically result in actions taken by the School Leadership that may include more intensive teaching, restitution activities, strategies to help the student handle future situations or parent/carer conferences.

Formal Sanctions

• Detention • Suspensions • Negotiated Change of School • Exclusions

Behaviour Support Plan (C.M.L, P.M.L, Admin)

The College uses various levels of Student Contracts to allow for targeted intervention strategies. These contract processes typically have:

• A start and end date • An outline of the specific issue being addressed • A parent interview at the commencement and conclusion of the contract • A monitoring/data collection device (i.e. Behaviour card or regular

communication with teachers.)

At St John’s College, we have:

Green – Initial Support Plan (CML or PML actioned)

Amber – Individual Behaviour Support Plan (DP or AP created)

Red – Principal’s contract (Principal)

Please note that the College also have enrolment contracts (Years 7-10) and senior studies contracts (Years 11 & 12.)

Furthermore, students are often in contractual arrangements where courses of study are altered. (AP Studies.)

Finally, while contracts are normally fixed term – where a major behavioural issue needs to be expressly prohibited for the students continuing enrolment, the contract may be for the remainder of the student’s enrolment agreement.

Copies of all Behavioural contracts are kept in student files.

6. Process of Appeals Parents who consider that correct procedures have not been followed, or that an unreasonable decision has been made about a suspension of less than three days, may appeal to the Principal. Parents may appeal a suspension of longer than three days to the Area Supervisor. Parents may appeal exclusion to the Executive Director. The fact that an appeal has been lodged does not put on hold the Principal’s decision to suspend attendance. Appeals must be in writing, stating the grounds on which the appeal is being made. A parent who requires assistance to participate in the inclusive community will have access to help with the appeal process. Please see the Principal or Guidance Counsellor for referral to an appropriate person to assist with an appeal. Alternative options for responding will be considered if a written appeal is not possible.

7. Data Informed Decision Making

The BCE Student Behaviour Support System (SBSS) is the database all BCE schools are required to use to collect behavioural data. SBSS has capacity to record Minor and Major behavioural incidents so that schools can make data informed decisions about student supports.

St John’s College adheres to the mandatory recording in SBSS of Major incidents of Bullying, Weapons and Drugs and complete the accompanying record documentation in the system. As per BCE guidelines suspension records are also completed in SBSS.

Our evidence-based practices for targeted and individualised support have been described in Section 4. When dealing with unproductive behaviours data is used to guide us to ask the “right” questions. The right question, asked at the appropriate time can deepen the dialog from the concerns about an issue, to precision in identifying the problems or challenges faced and the opportunities for growth or improvement (Newton et.al, 2009)

Figure 2 describes are Targeted and Individualised response and decision-making processes.

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Bullying – information, prevention and responses

8. Bullying and Harassment – Procedural Document St John’s College has a zero-tolerance approach to bullying and harassment. All members of the College community (students, parents, staff) have the right to feel safe and welcome at all times. Bullying is repeated verbal, physical, social or psychological behaviour that is harmful and involves the misuse of power by an individual or group towards one or more persons. Students who witness or experience bullying are strongly encouraged to discuss their concerns with any staff member from the Community. Students and parents are encouraged to discuss any issues in person, phone or via email. Staff members once informed of allegations of bullying are to inform the relevant Year Level Coordinator and Deputy Principal – Pastoral immediately. All allegations of bullying and harassment will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. It is a priority that all students (victim and perpetrator) involved in bullying issues will receive significant counselling and pastoral support to learn from the incident. The Role of Teachers

A. Teachers at St John’s College will:

• Reinforce students’ positive peer interactions in the classroom and playground

• Vigilantly monitor and proactively address bullying incidents according to College management procedures

• Develop and implement a sequence of focussed curriculum activities that genuinely educate students about the nature, causes and consequences of bullying and successful strategies for preventing and addressing bullying in the school context and implement perspectives across Curriculum Areas to create a highly visible program

• Actively engage students in promoting a positive school climate with zero reinforcement and tolerance of bullying behaviours.

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B. Parent Education

Parental support is crucial. The College will provide parents with information about:

• The rationale for addressing school bullying and foster their involvement and support

• The nature, causes and consequences of bullying for victims, bullies and bystanders

• Successful strategies for encouraging their children to prevent and assist in addressing bullying within the school context

• The College policy for managing bullying incidents and • How they can assist their child to support the College policy

C. Education Students

Students in our College are actively engaged in creating and shaping a positive College environment. This is achieved by educating students about:

• The nature, causes and consequences of bullying • Self-control strategies • Target avoidance skills and resilience • Positive peer interaction skills • Avoiding reinforcing bullying behaviours • The importance of reporting bullying incidents to teachers • Where they can seek assistance • Strategies they can implement to constantly promote a positive College

climate and • College procedures for addressing suspected bullying incidents.

This procedural document is in response to the BCE Preventing and Responding to Student Bullying in Schools Policy. Procedures for Managing Bullying Incidents Level 1 – First Instance If bullying behaviours are brought to our attention, we attempt to interview all parties and keep the identity of the student who makes the report confidential and anonymous. Details are recorded and the focus remains on creating a learning experience where the students are called to show empathy for the victim through putting themselves in the shoes of another. At this stage, both informal and formal apologies can be an outcome and further interactions between the students are monitored. Restorative justice is a process often used

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to allow for positive mediation. It is recommended that a follow up meeting for two weeks later is arranged and that staff involved keep a record of the follow-up meeting. Level 2 – Persistent In the event that the behaviour continues, all parties will be interviewed by the Pastoral Middle Leader (Year Coordinator) and the Deputy Principal and Counsellor may also attend. Inform the parents of the students involved and arrange interviews, if required. Students are confronted with unacceptable behaviour and given appropriate consequences. While our focus remains on restorative principles we are also seeking to modify behaviour choices through implementation of strategies from our Student Behaviour Support Plan that can include formal sanctions, including after school detentions. This should be documented on SBSS Bullying Record. Level 3 – Major Behavioural Issue If the behaviours continue, the college will seek to apply further formal sanctions. At St John’s, we are very fortunate that our school culture limits the issues faced. Students generally show empathy and look out for one another. There is sometimes bullying, disagreements and arguments and I truly believe this can happen in any organisation. As a school, we pride ourselves on the pastoral support structures that will always enable us to investigate issues and attempt to reach outcomes that respect the dignity of all parties, restore peer relationships to a level of mutual respect and genuinely treat issues as a learning experience.

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8. Links to related BCE policies and support documents

• National Safe Schools Framework • BCE Family School Partnership Policy • BCE Student Protection Processes • BCE Preventing & Responding to Student Bullying in Schools Policy • BCE Management of Weapons in Schools • BCE Management of Police Interventions in School • BCE Management of Drug Related Incidents-

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References

Carr, E. G., Dunlap, G., Horner, R. H., Koegel, R. L., Turnbull, A. P., & Sailor, W. (2002). Positive Behavior Support: Evolution of an applied science. Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, 4, 4-16

Christenson, S., Stout, K. & Pohl, A. (2012) Check and Connect- Implementing with Fidelity. University of Minnesota.

Crone, D. A., Horner, R. H., & Hawken, L. S. (2004). Responding to problem Behavior in schools. New York: Guilford Press.

Horner, R. H. & Sugai, G. (2005) School-wide positive behavior support: An alternative approach to discipline in schools. In L. Bambara & L. Kern (Eds.), Positive behavior support (pp359-390). New York: Guilford.

Lewis, T. J., & Newcomer, L., Trussell, R., & Richter, M. (2006). School-wide positive behaviour support: Building systems to develop and maintain appropriate social behaviour. In C.S. Everston & C.M Weinstein (Eds.), Handbook of Classroom management: Research, practice and contemporary issues (pp833-854). New York: Lawrence Erlbaum.

Newton, S. J., Horner, R. H., Algozzine, R. F., Todd, A. W., & Algozzine, K. M. (2009). Using a problem-solving model to enhance data-based decision making in schools. In W. Sailor, G. Dunlap, G. Sugai & R. Horner (Eds.) Handbook of positive behavior support (pp. 551-580). New York, NY: Springer Sailor, W., Dunlap, G., Sugai, G., & Horner, R., Eds. (2009) Handbook for positive behavior support. New York: Springer Science and Business Media.

Sprague, J. & Golly, A. (2005). Best behavior: Building positive behavior support in schools. Boston, MA: Sopris West Educational Services.

Sugai, G., & Horner, R.H. (2002). The evolution of discipline practices: School-wide positive behaviour supports. Child and Family Behavior Therapy, 24. 23-50.

Witt, J. C., Daly, E. J., & Noell, G. (2000) Functional Behaviour Assessment: A Step by Step guide to solving Academic and Behaviour Problems. New York: Sophis West.

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Relevant Brisbane Catholic Education Policies

Brisbane Catholic Education (2012) Student behaviour support policy. Brisbane: Brisbane Catholic Education.

Brisbane Catholic Education (1997) Administration of medication to students. Brisbane: Brisbane Catholic Education.

Brisbane Catholic Education (2012) Justice education policy. Brisbane: Brisbane Catholic Education.

Brisbane Catholic Education (2012) Learning and teaching framework. Brisbane: Brisbane Catholic Education.

Brisbane Catholic Education (2008) Code of conduct. Brisbane: Brisbane Catholic Education.

Brisbane Catholic Education (2012) Family school partnership policy. Brisbane: Brisbane Catholic Education.

Brisbane Catholic Education (2005) Living life to the full: promoting personal and social development in the school context. A discussion paper for the Archdiocese of Brisbane. Brisbane: Brisbane Catholic Education.

Brisbane Catholic Education (2012) Student protection policy. Brisbane: Brisbane Catholic Education.

Brisbane Catholic Education (2012) Strategic renewal framework for Catholic Schools Archdiocese of Brisbane 2012-2016. Brisbane: Brisbane Catholic Education.

Brisbane Catholic Education (2012) Weapons in schools policy. Brisbane: Brisbane Catholic Education.

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PROCEDURE: Detention

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this procedure is to describe Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) standards for managing the detention of students, as a sanction under BCE’s Student Behaviour Support policy, procedure and as used in school-based Student Behaviour Support plans. The procedure must be read in conjunction with the Student Behaviour Support policy, Student Diversity and Inclusion policy, Student Wellbeing policy, Physical Interventions procedure, Suspension procedure, Negotiated Change of School procedure, Exclusion procedure and Code of Conduct. 2. RESPONSIBILITIES

2.1 General requirements

The school Student Behaviour Support Plan must detail the school’s detention processes. Detention can be used as a deterrent to signal to a student that their unproductive behaviour will be met with an immediate consequence. A detention must be constructive, age and developmentally appropriate. There is no specific appeals process for detention. Complaints must be managed under the Student, Parent and Guardian Complaints Management policy and procedure. 2.2 Roles and Responsibilities

3. PROCEDURE

3.1 When to use detention

Detention can be used as a deterrent to unproductive student behaviours by indicating to students the immediate consequences for such behaviours. During a detention the time should be used to: • • • •

repair relationships apply restorative practices make plans for appropriate behaviour completion of classwork

Role Responsibilities Principal

• ensure the school’s student detention processes are documented

in the school Student Behaviour Support Plan • ensure information on the school’s approach to and use of

detention for students is made available to students, parents and guardians e.g. parent portal

• manage complaints about student detention under the Student, Parent and Guardian Complaints Management policy and procedure.

Staff

• ensure use of student detention is consistent with the school’s processes as detailed in the school Student Behaviour Support Plan.

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• rehearse alternative behaviours. The member of teaching staff giving the detention must provide supervision of the student. Before or after school detention is only used as a last resort. 3.2 Duty of care

Schools must consider their duty of care to the student, including ensuring that families are given adequate notice. If detention jeopardises a student’s safe transport home, the detention must be postponed until alternative arrangements can be negotiated with the student’s family. Detention procedures should be explicit in the school’s Student Behaviour Support Plan. 3.3 Appropriate use of detention

Schools must apply the following requirements: • a detention may only be sanctioned by a member of the leadership team in consultation

with the member of staff who has nominated a student for that detention the location of the detention is to be appropriate and observable. However, it should not be so public that it makes an example of the student (such as outside the Principal’s office) the student is to be observed and supervised by a member of the leadership team or the member of staff who gave the detention for the duration of the detention staff must ensure they respect professional boundaries in their interaction with the student the student’s safety and wellbeing needs are addressed, and the student is given appropriate access to food, drink and toileting facilities the period for a detention needs to reflect the student’s age and developmental stage and the type of response required for the unproductive behaviour detention is not an ongoing method of behaviour support. Schools need to monitor detention data to inform positive behaviour supports for students students with multiple detentions are to be referred for behaviour supports data should be collected by the school to inform decision-making.

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

4. PERFORMANCE

A detailed review is required every 2 years with a high-level check performed annually. 5. REFERENCES AND DEFINITIONS

5.1 References

• • • •

Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 Qld Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 Qld Student Behaviour Support Policy

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• • • • • • • •

Student Wellbeing Policy Students with Disability policy Student Diversity and Inclusion policy Student Protection processes Suspension procedure Exclusion procedure Negotiated Change of School procedure Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy.

5.2 Definitions

Detention

Any period when a student is required to remain at school, in a location or in an activity, in ‘non-class’ time, such as recess, recreation time, or after school.

Duty of care

The care that prudent and concerned parents would take of their own children in particular circumstances.

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PROCEDURE: Exclusion

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this procedure is to describe Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) standards for excluding students from participating in a BCE school, as a formal sanction under BCE’s Student Behaviour Support policy and as used in school Student Behaviour Support plans. The procedure must be read in conjunction with: Student Behaviour Support policy; Student Diversity and Inclusion policy; Student Wellbeing policy; Physical Interventions procedure; Detention procedure; Suspension procedure; Negotiated Change of School procedure and Code of Conduct. 2. RESPONSIBILITIES


The school Student Behaviour Support Plan must detail the school’s exclusion processes. Because of the serious long-term consequences for the student and the family, exclusion will be considered only as a last resort. Schools need to be aware of and consider the legal and equity issues applying to the exclusion of students with a disability, marginalised students, and students in out-of-home care, and consult with the appropriate staff, including the Senior Education Officer Inclusive Education/Student Wellbeing and/or the BCE Legal Counsel. The school is required to demonstrate that they have made efforts to identify and address the cause of the behaviour, and a clearly documented range of intervention strategies has been tried. Families have a right to know of the processes involved in exclusion, as well as of their right to cancel the student’s enrolment at the school. Where a family exercises the right to move the student to a new school prior to a decision being made in relation to the recommendation to exclude the student, the Principal or delegate is expected to facilitate the transition to the new school, if there is a request to do so. 2.2 Roles and Responsibilities


• ensure the school’s student exclusion processes are documented

in the school Student Behaviour Support Plan • ensure information on the school’s approach to and use of

exclusion for students is made available to students, parents and guardians e.g. parent portal

• manage complaints about student exclusion under the Student, Parent and Guardian Complaints Management policy and procedure.

Staff

• ensure use of student detention is consistent with the school’s processes as detailed in the school Student Behaviour Support Plan.

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3. PROCEDURE

3.1 When to use exclusion

Exclusion is the full-time withdrawal of a student’s right to attend a school and school related functions, on the authority of the Deputy Executive Director. The purpose of exclusion is to: • signal that the student’s behaviour is not accepted in a school because it seriously

interferes with the safety and wellbeing of other students and/or staff • remove the student from an established environment in which unproductive behaviour

patterns have become entrenched • provide the student with an opportunity for a fresh start in another school, which may

prove to be better suited to the student’s needs. Exclusion from one school does not prohibit the enrolment of the student in another BCE school, unless the Deputy Executive Director has specifically prohibited the student from attending all BCE schools. 3.2 Accountability requirements

The Principal does not have delegated authority to exclude a student from a BCE school. A decision to exclude from a BCE school can only be made by the Deputy Executive Director on recommendation from the Principal, through the Senior Leader – Learning and Identity, and the relevant Director - School Services. In extreme circumstances, a Principal may, in consultation with the Senior Leader - Learning and Identity, make a submission to the Director - School Services, recommending the exclusion of a student from a BCE school. The Director - School Services must forward this submission with their own recommendation to the Deputy Executive Director for decision. The Deputy Executive Director may approve a recommendation for exclusion where there is evidence that the school has, over an extended period, consistently applied and reviewed appropriate individual support or intervention plans, and despite these efforts the student’s behaviour has continued to be unproductive. Additionally, if a student commits a serious illegal act or a serious breach of the schools’ Student Behaviour Support Plan, the Principal may impose an immediate suspension and make a recommendation to the Deputy Executive Director through the Senior Leader - Learning and Identity and Director – School Services for exclusion. In such a situation the suspension will continue until such time as a decision is made in respect of the recommendation to exclude. In cases where recommending an exclusion from a BCE school is being considered, the gravity of the circumstance requires that emphasis be given to all aspects of procedural fairness.

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3.3 Required processes

The Principal will: consult with the Senior Leader- Learning and Identity brief the Parish Priest as needed. “In a Parish School the Parish Priest should be briefed in relation to recommendations to exclude a student” (from Collaborating for Mission: The Parish and the Catholic School, 2013) place the student on suspension for a maximum period of ten (10) school days pending the outcome of the decision-making process. This action is to be taken irrespective of any action by another agency, including the Queensland Police Service notify the student and the family that the initial period of suspension will be for ten (10) school days, but that exclusion from the school is being recommended, giving reasons for the proposed action, and allowing seven (7) school days for the student, and family to respond provide the family, or student (if the student is living independently) with a copy of all the documentation on which the recommendation to exclude is based (while mindful of protecting the anonymity and privacy of possible complainants and/or witnesses). The Principal should remove the names or other identifying information of complainants or witnesses, while providing enough information to enable the student or family to respond to the proposal to exclude. This consideration will be unique in each case and guidance is to be sought from the Senior Leader – Learning and Identity or Legal Counsel request a meeting with the student’s family member to outline the process and the reasons for the recommendation; provide the family with information about the implications of exclusion, their right to appeal, and the appropriate procedures for submitting an appeal and their right to have a support person present; consider any response from the student and their family before formulating a recommendation to exclude to the Deputy Executive Director; forward the recommendation to the Director - School Services via the Senior Leader – Learning and Identity, detailing the reasons, the action taken to moderate the students’ behaviour (where appropriate), a copy of all required documentation and any response from the student and/or family;

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

The Senior Leader - Learning and Identity will: • consult with the Principal, and make themselves available for a meeting with the family

if required forward the recommendation to the Director - School Services. •

The Director - School Services will:

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• consider all the information provided and forward the recommendation for exclusion, together with their own recommendation and the provided documentation, to the Deputy Executive Director for determination.

The Deputy Executive Director: will consider the recommendation for exclusion and may: consult with the Principal, Senior Leader – Learning and Identity, and the Director - School Services provide an opportunity for the student and the student’s family to meet with the Deputy Executive Director after consideration of all the information provided, makes the decision as to whether to exclude the student a decision for an exclusion will be made as soon as practicable following the submission reaching the Deputy Executive Director. This process may, in extenuating circumstances, lengthen the suspension period beyond 10 days.

•

•

•

•

•

3.4 Engage Student Support System

Suspension, as part of an application for exclusion, must be recorded into the Engage Student Support System. 3.5 Appeals against an exclusion

An appeal against an exclusion must be submitted in writing to the Executive Director within fourteen (14) days of the decision being communicated to the student and/or the student’s family. The Executive Director refers the appeal to the Director - Administrative Services to conduct the review of the decision of the Deputy Executive Director. As part of the review process, the Director – Administrative Services gathers any additional information required to address the points raised in the appeal and if considered necessary by the Director – Administrative Services, provides an opportunity for the family and/or student as well as the school to respond to or clarify any additional information provided in the appeal request. Following the review of the decision to exclude, the Director - Administrative Services provides the Executive Director with relevant documents, and a recommendation as to whether the exclusion should be confirmed, amended or set aside. The Executive Director will then decide to either confirm, amend or set aside the decision to exclude the student. 4. PERFORMANCE

A detailed review is required every 2 years with a high-level check performed annually. 5. REFERENCES • Disability Discrimination Act 1992

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• • • • • • • • • • •

Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 Qld Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 Qld Student Behaviour Support Policy Student Wellbeing Policy Students with Disability policy Student Diversity and Inclusion policy Student Protection processes Detention procedure Suspension procedure Negotiated Change of School procedure Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy.

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PROCEDURE: Suspension

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this procedure is to describe Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) standards for managing the suspension of students, as a sanction under BCE’s Student Behaviour Support policy and as used in school Student Behaviour Support plans. This procedure must be read in conjunction with: Student Behaviour Support policy; Students with Disability policy; Student Diversity and Inclusion policy; Detention procedure; Exclusion procedure and Negotiated Change of School procedure. 2. RESPONSIBILITIES


The school Student Behaviour Support Plan must detail the school’s suspension processes and must make clear that a discussion with the parent is a normal part of the process for suspension and return to school process, and that it is expected that a parent or guardian will participate. Suspension is imposed as a disciplinary measure, and in some cases is implemented to ensure the safety of other students and staff. Suspensions must be recorded in the Engage Student Support System Suspension Register. 2.2 Roles and responsibilities

3. PURPOSE

3.1 When to use suspension

The purpose of suspension is to: • signal that the student’s unproductive behaviour is not acceptable • allow a cooling-off period and time to seek additional resources, and develop a plan for

assisting the student to demonstrate more productive behaviours


• ensure the school’s student suspension and return to school

processes are documented in the school Student Behaviour Support Plan

• ensure information on the school’s approach to and use of suspension for students is made available to students, parents and guardians e.g. parent portal

• respond to appeals for suspensions under three days in length.

Senior Leader – Learning and Identity

• respond to appeals for suspensions over three days in length.

Staff

• ensure use of student suspensions is consistent with the school’s processes as detailed in the school Student Behaviour Support Plan

• record suspensions in the Engage Student Support System Suspensions Register.

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• allow time to negotiate some goals that the student will work towards, with support, on their return to school

• ensure that the student’s family are aware of the student’s unproductive behaviour that led to the suspension and are involved in the process of the student returning to school.

Suspension may occur, if decided by the Principal, after he/she has: • ensured that other appropriate and available student support strategies and response

options have been applied and documented • ensured that appropriate support personnel, both within the school and externally, are

involved • taken reasonable steps to ensure that discussion appropriate to the circumstances has

occurred with the student and/or family regarding the unproductive behaviour which led to the suspension

• recorded all action taken in the Engage Student Support System Suspension Register. 3.2 Grounds for suspending a student

A Principal may suspend a student for: • persistent non-compliance: students, who in their relationships with staff, are

persistently disobedient, insolent or engage in verbal harassment and abuse • persistent disruption: students who persistently disrupt and prevent the learning and

teaching of others • breach of the school’s Student Behaviour Support Plan: students who seriously breach

the school’s published rules and procedures. Suspension must not to be used as a response to poor attendance. 3.3. Accountability requirements

Processes associated with suspension are often subject to scrutiny. It is therefore important that all processes are carried out in a way that conforms, with accuracy and attention to the following:

a suspension record is to be completed in the Engage Student Support System Suspension Register for each student who has been suspended in the Engage Student Support System there are different types of suspensions recorded: 1 to 2-day suspensions, 3 to 10-day suspensions and suspensions of more than 10 days. Where it is a suspension of less than 1 day, a note in the Engage Student Support System will suffice any single suspension cannot exceed ten (10) school days without being referred to the Director - School Services, through the Senior Leader - Learning and Identity suspension can be part-time, in which event the student is not permitted to attend school for certain times of the day or certain days of the school week. Part-time suspension should not span more than ten (10) school days in total it is recommended that schools provide appropriate school work for the duration of the suspension

•

•

•

•

•

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• by mutually agreeable arrangements, a student who is suspended may attend an alternative education program

• indefinite suspension, where the student is continually re-suspended is not acceptable. 3.4 Immediate suspension

In some circumstances, the Principal may determine that a student should be suspended immediately. This will usually be due to reasons such as the safety of students or staff because of violence, threats of violence, or the presence of weapons, knives, or illegal drugs. Principals may immediately suspend any student whose behaviour includes (but is not limited to):

possession of alcohol or a suspected illegal drug: schools must be places that are free of illegal drugs. Suspension may occur immediately if the student alleges the substance to be an illegal drug or alcohol or it is confirmed as illegal. The matter is to be referred to the police. violence or threat of serious physical violence: any student intentionally causing injury or threatening serious physical violence against another student or member of the school community, or themselves, may be suspended immediately. The matter should also be reported in accordance with BCE’s Student Protection Processes concerning or serious sexual behaviour: the matter is to be reported in accordance with Student Protection Processes possession of a weapon or knife: any student possessing a weapon or using or threatening to use any item or instrument as a weapon may be suspended immediately. The matter is to be reported to the police verbal abuse: Principals are to take developmentally appropriate expectations into account in relation to verbal abuse by a student.

•

•

•

•

•

3.5 Communication

(1) Suspension decision The Principal will inform the student and families of the grounds on which the decision to suspend has been made. The student and family will then be given the opportunity to respond. The conditions relating to the suspension should be discussed with the family, and their responses taken into consideration. Some situations may require discussions about continued access for the suspended student to attend school-based activities, such as apprenticeships or traineeships. (3) Notification to families for a day or more suspension options A student may not be sent out of school before the end of the school day without the family being notified, and, if necessary, agreement reached about arrangements for collecting the student from school. The notification must be delivered by a safe method to ensure delivery. Notification can take place by phone to a member of the family, who must also be notified of the suspension, using the suspension letter generated in the Engage Student Support

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System, within a reasonable time; Notification can take place by email to alert the family to the suspension if the phone call has been unsuccessful. The family must also be notified of the suspension letter generated in the Engage Student Support System, within a reasonable time. In all cases, the written suspension notification must: • • •

indicate the reasons for the suspension advise the length of the suspension, the start date and time, the expected return date outline the responsibility of the family for the care and safety of the student who is under suspension, and the expectation that the student will continue with their own studies while suspended and away from the school indicate the importance of the family working cooperatively with the school in resolving the matter request a discussion with the student and their family refer families to the school’s published Student Behaviour Support Plan include details of the right to appeal of the student and family as outlined below.

•

• • •

While a student is suspended from school (out-of-school suspension), families have responsibility for their child. Families need to know that their child may not attend school or school-related functions. Families have a responsibility to provide appropriate supervision. In a situation where families refuse to accept responsibility for their child during suspension (for example, by continuing to send the child to school), the Principal is to inform the Senior Leader - Learning and Identity. 3.6 Engage Student Support System

All suspensions that are a full day or longer must be documented in the ESSS Suspension Register. As soon as is practical after a suspension takes place, the Principal will ensure that a full report is written on the background and reasons for suspension, with the period of suspension clearly specified. The Engage Student Support System facilitates this process by: •

•

producing a letter to the family and/or student that fulfils the above requirements notifying Guidance Counsellors, Senior Leaders and/or Directors as appropriate. The Principal may ask the Senior Leader and/or Guidance Counsellor for assistance in the return to school process.

3.7 Return to school

As part of the return to school process, the Principal or authorised delegate will organise a conversation with the student and/or the family to discuss the basis of maximising successful reintegration into the school, before the student returns to school. The aims of this conversation are to: • ensure that the student and the family understand the student’s unproductive

behaviour and the need for the formal sanction encourage a mutually supportive position between the school, the student, and the •

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student’s family for the response that the school is taking • outline the return to school plan, goals, and follow-up evaluation for the student’s

return to school. It is recommended that the return to school meeting should be before the student’s return to school date, and will usually take place in the school, facilitated by the Principal. In circumstances where a family member is unable to attend the school in person, a telephone conference is adequate. In instances where there has been a problematic relationship between the family and the school, the Principal may find it beneficial to call upon a third party such as the Senior Leader – Learning and Identity or Guidance Counsellor, to facilitate the meeting. If, despite the school’s requests, families are unwilling to attend a return to school meeting, the Principal should refer the matter to the Senior Leader- Learning and Identity. Alternative options may need to be considered to facilitate the student’s return to school. Alternatively, the Principal, together with the Senior Leader- Learning and Identity, and in consultation with the Director-School Services, may consider further options. Students attending special programs, such as school-based apprenticeships or training, are not automatically precluded from attending their program if they are suspended. The school, the family, and the training provider will determine this. The determination should occur before the student is next due to attend the program. 3.8 Appeals

As part of the suspension procedure the family has the right to respond to or appeal a suspension. Any response or appeal must be submitted in writing. Appeals for suspensions for less than 3 days should be directed to the Principal. For suspensions more than 3 days the appeal should be directed to the Senior Leader - Learning and Identity. The Principal or Senior Leader – Learning and Identity, gathers any additional information to respond to the appeal and allows the student/family to consider this information and to provide a response. The Principal or Senior Leader – Learning and Identity then confirms, varies, or sets aside the decision to suspend the student following consideration of the appeal. 4. PERFORMANCE

A detailed review is required every 2 years with a high-level check performed annually. 5. REFERENCES AND DEFINITIONS

5.1 References

• • • • • •

Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 Qld Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 Qld Student Behaviour Support Policy Student Wellbeing Policy Students with Disability policy

Page 39


• • • • • •

Student Diversity and Inclusion policy Student Protection processes Detention procedure Exclusion procedure Negotiated Change of School procedure Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy.

5.2 Definitions

Suspension

Suspension is the temporary, full-time, or part-time withdrawal of a student from the school and/or school related functions for a defined period. Suspensions can be conducted as an in-school suspension or an out-of-school suspension

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PROCEDURE: Negotiated Change of School

1. PURPOSE

The purpose of this procedure is to describe Brisbane Catholic Education’s (BCE) standards for managing negotiated change of schools for students, as a sanction under BCE’s Student Behaviour Support policy, procedure and as used in school-based Student Behaviour Support plans. This procedure must be read in conjunction with: Student Behaviour Support policy; Students with Disability policy; Student Diversity and Inclusion policy; Student, Parent and Guardian Complaints Management policy; Detention procedure; Suspension procedure and Exclusion procedure. 2. RESPONSIBILITIES


The school Student Behaviour Support Plan must detail negotiated change of school processes. In some circumstances, a change of school to another Catholic school, to a school in another sector, or to an alternative educational setting, may be agreed upon to responsibly support a student’s wellbeing and/or learning needs. There is no specific appeals process for suspension. Complaints must be managed under the Student, Parent and Guardian Complaints Management policy and procedure. 2.2 Roles and responsibilities

3. PROCEDURE

3.1 When to use negotiated change of school

Negotiated change of school for a student may also be an appropriate method to protect the wellbeing of a school community (for example, when a student’s continuing presence poses a danger to that community’s safety). A negotiated change of school offers the student an opportunity for personal growth and for a fresh start in an environment more suited to the student’s needs and circumstances.


• ensure the school’s negotiated change of school processes are

documented in the school Student Behaviour Support Plan • ensure information on the school’s approach to and use of

negotiated change of school is made available to students, parents and guardians e.g. parent portal

• manage complaints about negotiated change of schools under the Student, Parent and Guardian Complaints Management policy and procedure.

Staff

• ensure use of negotiated change of school is consistent with the school’s processes as detailed in the school Student Behaviour Support Plan.

St John’s College – Student Behaviour Support Plan 2019 – 18/02/19 Page | 41

PROCEDURE: Negotiated Change of School

3.2 Accountability requirements

The following matters should be considered: • the environment that best provides for the student’s learning, personal, social,

emotional, and spiritual needs schools that provide an educational program suitable to the student’s needs, abilities, and aspirations the process by which the change is to be negotiated the support required by the student and family to make the transition to document all considerations, determinations, and communications of the negotiated change of school.

•

•

•

•

These and other relevant matters are to be included in a documented record of Negotiated Change of School to be kept on the student file. If a negotiated change of school cannot be achieved, the student is to remain enrolled at their current school, unless the circumstances require a recommendation to the Director – School Services for exclusion. 3.3 Communication

The Principal should provide the family with an opportunity to discuss the implications of the negotiated change of school and provide information about why the change is being proposed. 4. PERFORMANCE

A detailed review is required every 2 years with a high-level check performed annually. 5. REFERENCES

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Disability Discrimination Act 1992 Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 Qld Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 Qld Student Behaviour Support Policy Student Wellbeing Policy Students with Disability policy Student Diversity and Inclusion policy Student, Parent and Guardian Complaints Management policy Detention procedure Suspension procedure Exclusion procedure Student Protection Processes Child and Youth Risk Management Strategy.

Appendix A


Behaviour Definitions Minor Behaviours

Descriptor Definition Example/Non-Example 1 Inappropriate

verbal language Student engages in low intensity instance of inappropriate language

Calling someone an “idiot”, swearing if they kick their toe

2 Physical contact Student engages in non-serious, but inappropriate contact

Pushing in the tuckshop line

3 Defiance/non-compliance

Student engages in brief or low intensity failure to respond to adult requests

4 Minor Disruption Student engages in low intensity, but inappropriate disruption

Calling out, talking to a peer in class

5 Uniform violation – Minor

Students wears clothing that is near but not within the school’s dress code

Wrong socks, wrong shorts for sport

6 Technology Violation - Minor

Student engages in non-serious but inappropriate (as defined by the school) use of mobile phone, mp3 player, camera and/or computer

7 Property misuse Student engages in low intensity misuse of property

Using equipment contrary to its design or purpose

8 Late Students arrive late to class Tardy late to class not late to school as this is often beyond the control of a primary school student

9 Out of Bounds Student is in an area within the school grounds that has been designated “off limits” at that particular time

10 Lying/Cheating Student engages in “White Lies”

11 Teasing Isolated inappropriate comments (ongoing teasing would fit under bullying)

Appendix A


Major Behaviours

Descriptor Definition Example/Non-Example 1 Verbal Aggression Language directed at others

in a demeaning or aggressive manner

Swearing, aggressive stance, language directed to hurt or show disrespect, intimidating body language, intimidating tone of voice

2 Physical Aggression Actions involving serious physical contact where injury might occur

Hitting, punching, hitting with an object, kicking, pulling hair, scratching etc.

3 Harassment/Bullying Student delivers disrespectful messages (verbal or gestural) to another person that includes threats and intimidation, obscene gestures, pictures, or written notes

Disrespectful messages include negative comments based on race, religion, gender, age, and/or national origin; sustained or intense verbal attacks based on ethnic origin, disabilities or other personal matters

4 Defiance/non-compliance – Major

Refusing request of a teacher or supervisor, talking back in an angry and/or rude manner to staff, ignoring/walking away from staff, running away

5 Major Disruption Persistent behaviour causing an interruption in a class or an activity

Sustained loud talking, yelling or screaming; noise with materials; and/or sustained out-of-seat behaviour

6 Major Dress Code Violation

Student wears clothing that does not fit within the dress code of the school

“Gang” undershirts, offensive T-shirts etc.

7 Property Damage/Vandalism

Student participates in an activity that results in substantial destruction or disfigurement of property

Throwing a computer, graffiti of school buildings, arson

8 Skip Class/Truancy Students leaves class/school without permission or stays out of class/school without permission

9 Theft Student is in possession of, having passed on, or being responsible for removing someone else’s property

Appendix A


Major Behaviours (cont’d)

Descriptor Definition Example/Non-Example 10 Forgery/Plagiarism Student has signed a person’s

name without that person’s permission (forgery). Plagiarism is submitting someone else’s work as your own. It occurs when a writer deliberately uses someone else’s language, ideas, or other original (not common knowledge) material without acknowledging its original source.

11 Major Technology Violation

Student engages in inappropriate (as defined by school) use of cell phone, music/video players, camera, and/or computer.

Accessing inappropriate websites, using someone else’s log in details, inappropriate additions to Facebook (written and images)

12 Use/possession of Alcohol

Student is in possession or is using alcohol

13 Use/possession of Other Drugs

Student is in possession of or is using illegal drugs/substances or imitations or is using prescription drugs contrary to their doctor’s directions

14 Misuse of Legal Drugs

Inappropriate use or distribution of legal drugs/medications

Intentionally overdosing of ADHD medications. Sharing around an inhaler to get a “Buzz”

15 Use/possession of Tobacco

Student is in possession of or is using tobacco either at school or on the way to and from or at any time they are in school uniform

16 Use/possession of Weapons

Student is in possession of knives or guns (real or look alike), or other objects readily capable of causing bodily harm

Appendix A


Major Behaviours (cont’d)

Descriptor Definition Example/Non-Example 17 Use/possession of

combustibles Student is in possession of substances/objects readily capable of causing bodily harm and/or property damage (matches, lighters, firecrackers, gasoline, lighter fluid)

18 Bomb Threat/False Alarm

Student delivers a false message of possible explosive materials being on-school site, near school site, and/or pending explosion with the intent to disrupt school

The intent is one of a “prank” to disrupt the school day and/or Emergency Services

Appendix B


Strategies to Manage Minor Behaviour

Technique Explanation

Proximity Every teacher knows how effective it is to stand near a child who is having difficulty. This technique is the strategic placement/movement by the teacher in order to encourage positive behaviour. The teacher is a source of support and strength and helps the student to control his impulses by her proximity.

Signal Non-verbal Cue

Teachers have a variety of signals that communicate to the student what is expected. These non-verbal techniques include such things as eye contact, hand gestures, a card system, picture cues, etc. Such simple cues suggest that the teacher is aware of the student’s behaviour and is prepared to intervene if the behaviour continues. This works best when the teacher has a relationship with the student(s) and the non-verbal cues have already been taught to the group.

Ignore/Attend/Praise This technique is based on the power of praise or specific positive feedback. The teacher praises an appropriately behaving student in proximity to the inappropriately behaving student. The praise serves as an indirect prompt for the misbehaving student and reinforcement for the one behaving appropriately. When the student exhibits the appropriate behaviour, attention and praise is then provided.

Restitution “Involves having the student compensate for any damage that is a result of his or her actions. Restitution is required to repair any damage done, restore the environment to its original condition, or make amends to persons who were affected by the behaviour”. (p.453 Scheuermann & Hall, 2012)

Re-Direct This strategy employs a very brief, clearly and privately stated verbal reminder of the expected behaviour. A re-direct includes a specific restatement of the schoolwide, non-classroom or classroom rule/procedure. A re-direct emphasis the “what” of the behaviour instead of the “why”.

Re-teach Re-teaching builds on the re-direct above and re-teaches the specific expectation in question and reminds of the procedures or routine for doing so. It capitalises on the teachable moment to review the expectation more thoroughly yet briefly. As in all instruction, you label the skill, teach and show, and give the student the immediate opportunity to practice demonstrating the behaviour. Once the student uses the appropriate behaviour, specific positive feedback should follow.

Appendix B


Strategies to Manage Minor Behaviour cont.

Provide Choice Providing choice can be used when re-directs or re-teaching have not worked. This is the statement of two alternatives – the preferred or desired behaviour or a less preferred choice. When options are paired in this way, students will often make the preferred choice. Pause after providing the choice, and when the student chooses wisely, provide praise.

Student Conference

This is a lengthier re-teaching or problem solving opportunity when behaviour is more frequent or intense. The behaviour of concern is discussed, the desired behaviour is taught, and a plan is made to ensure the behaviour is used in the future. A student conference might include practice.

(From the Missouri SW-PBS Team Workbook)

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