CREATING AND MAINTAINING A POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

CREATING AND MAINTAINING A POSITIVE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

PREAMBLE Creating and maintaining a positive learning environment fosters self worth and respect for others. It increases student engagement which encourages learning. It helps our students develop the personal qualities needed to become individuals who value high levels of achievement, opportunity and ongoing development. Ave Maria College is an Accredited Restorative Practices College and this underpins our whole school approach to managing behaviour. We have expectations of both staff and students to work together in building positive relationships across the community. We aim to work together in partnership with parents and families so that consistent messages are given and expectations are clear. We strive to provide an environment reflective of Gospel values of respect, forgiveness and justice. We also aspire to create an environment where positive learning and striving for excellence is achievable. A Common Set of Expectations for Everyone All students, teachers and parents at Ave Maria College have rights and responsibilities. At Ave Maria College we expect each student, teacher and parent to respect the rights of other students, parents and staff members. A positive learning environment will be maintained when students and teachers work together and when the rights of those in the School Community are respected. At Ave Maria College we Expect all Members of our Community to: Reflect the Gospel values of compassion, forgiveness and justice by treating all members of the community with respect and courtesy; Be organised, punctual and ready to participate in all school activities; Have a work ethic which promotes and maintains a positive learning environment; Acknowledge that our actions impact on others and take responsibility for restoring those relationships that have been affected or harmed; Care for our school environment. Classroom Expectations: 1. Be punctual and ready to start work with all required materials and correct uniform; 2. Greet the teacher / be respectful at all times; 3. Listen when the teacher is speaking; 4. Respect other members of the class when contributing to class discussions; 5. Follow all instructions given by the teacher; 6. Behave in a cooperative manner which is not disruptive to classroom learning; 7. Complete all set tasks and homework; 8. Use class time appropriately; 9. Use portable digital devices only in accordance with College Policy.

Rewarding Positive Student Behaviour: 1. Praise the student one on one. 2. Write home to parents/guardians in Student Planner. 3. Ring parents/guardians at home. 4. Nominate students to Year Level Coordinator (YLC) for community recognition. Lateness Procedure: We expect students to be punctual to school and prepared for class at all times. The procedures for students arriving late to school are as follows: 1. Students arriving late to school must bring with them a signed note explaining the late arrival. This includes appointments, being stuck in traffic, etc. 2. If a student is unable to present a note on the day, the student must see her Year Level Coordinator on that same day to provide an explanation. A signed explanation note needs to be provided the next day. If a student does not see her YLC on the day, it will be deemed a late with an invalid reason. 3. If a student has three consecutive lates without a valid reason and note of explanation, a half hour after school detention will be issued. The procedures for students arriving late to class are as follows: 1. If a student is late to any class three times without a valid reason, a half hour after school detention is issued. This does not have to be the same class. We aim to provide a positive learning environment for all members of our College community. Being punctual and prepared for the school day and classes promotes a learning environment where wellbeing and learning outcomes are enhanced. Uniform Procedure: The College uniform provides a sense of identity and belonging. Students are expected to uphold the uniform regulations as specified. Parents are integral in supporting College policy by ensuring that their daughters wear the uniform in accordance with College regulations. A written note of explanation to the Homeroom Teacher is required for the wearing of incorrect / incomplete uniform. The consequences for wearing the uniform incorrectly are as follows: 1. Students will receive first warning. This will be recorded. 2. Students will receive second warning. This will be recorded. 3. Students will receive a third warning and a half hour after school detention is issued. 4. Subsequent infringements will result in parents/guardians being requested to pick up their daughter and returned to the College in correct uniform; bringing Physical Education uniform to school or wearing appropriate uniform supplied by College on the day.

Non Submission of Work Procedure: Late and Non-Submission of Set Assessable Work Unless exceptional circumstances apply, set work that is not submitted by the due date will follow the subsequent procedure: Less one grade each day for 48 hours only. If the work is submitted within 48 hours a reduced grade from A+ to UG will appear on the student s semester report. If the work is not submitted within 48 hours, parents will be informed by letter. The student will be required to complete and submit the work by a new set date. Non Submission of Work: For first offence, the student s parents will be informed by the subject teacher by a standard letter providing a new submission date. The student s grade for the task will still be NS. Second offence, if the work is not submitted the student will receive a detention as soon as practicable, and where she will be required to complete the set task. The student s grade for the task will still be NS. Further offences, YLC to be informed (and any other relevant staff). The YLC will request the parents to attend an interview to discuss the student s progress. Non-Completion of Set Homework (Not Assessable) If a student does not complete set non assessable homework: For first offence, the student s parents will be informed via the Student Planner; Second offence, the student s parents will be informed via the Student Planner; YLC should also be informed via email. Third offence, the subject teacher will communicate via the Student Planner and a parent phone call. The subject teacher will record this in their assessment records. The subject teacher will inform the relevant YLC. Further offences, the YLC will give the student a detention and inform the parents via a detention letter.

Unacceptable Behaviour to be Dealt with: Homeroom and/or Subject Teacher Inappropriate uniform/jewellery/make up Preparedness for class (books, materials, equipment) Punctuality and absence Non submission of work, homework completion Disruptive behaviour (talkative students, students who ignore directions, falling asleep in class, etc) Possible Strategies and Consequences Give student a clear request of expectation and consequence, give warning, follow through with consequence Speak to student after class Confiscate unwanted item, move student to another seat Send home note in planner, finish incomplete work at home Complete environmental detention at recess or lunchtime Follow procedure for uniform infringements Follow procedure for lateness Follow procedure for non submission of work Unacceptable Behaviour to be Dealt with: Year Level Coordinator Ongoing disruptive classroom behaviour Direct offensive verbal attack to a teacher Unauthorised absence from class Minor bullying/harassment incidents Cheating/plagiarism (this may also be referred on to Deputy Principal Learning) Defacing private and College property desks, pencil cases, books, etc Ongoing breaches of inappropriate uniform/jewellery/make up Ongoing breaches of punctuality Inappropriate use of mobile phone Possible Strategies and Consequences Community service Public or private apology, letter or phone call to parent if appropriate Referral to counselling After school detention Withdrawal of privilege e.g. no excursion Individual contract drawn up between student, parent, YLC Follow procedure for uniform infringements Follow procedure for lateness Follow procedure for non submission of work

Unacceptable Behaviour to be Dealt with: Deputy Principal Students (Principal may also be involved) Unauthorised absence from College Bullying (serious/major) Harassment (serious/major) Behavior which is severely disruptive and/or aggressive and/or violent, whether in class, on College grounds, travelling to and from school, or to any College related activity Continual breaches of uniform/jewellery/make up Theft Defacing College property buildings, etc Possession of/or smoking cigarettes Possession of/or drinking alcohol Possession /use/distribution of offensive material Possession of/or use of dangerous or hazardous goods Possession of/use/distribution of illicit substances Possible Consequences Recompense or community service Suspension from particular classes with written work, Formal interview with parent, student, Deputy Principal - Students Suspension from the College by Principal Detention on a student free day. Contract with Principal, student, parents Liaising with Police or other authorities. New direction for student e.g. negotiated transfer. This document was produced in consultation with Student Wellbeing Team, staff and students of Ave Maria College. Ratified by: College Executive Date: 12 May 2011