Griffith North Public School Student Welfare & Discipline

What are the core values that underpin all we do at GNPS? In class our students are taught the values that will enable them to be great citizens of our school and our community. Our keys to success program promotes 9 core values that we believe are the “Keys to Success” at school and beyond. respect, cooperation, care, excellence, fairness, democracy, integrity, responsibility, participation

What are the rights and responsibilities of my child at school? Every child at Griffith North has the right to learn, to be happy, to be safe and to be respected. Our school has rules, and each classroom has rules, that ensure students’ rights are met. Our students have the responsibility to learn the rules and to follow them. Our teachers have the responsibility to help students to become responsible, caring and respectful school citizens.

How do I know my child is doing the right thing at school? How are their achievements recognised? Keys to success “keys” Bronze, silver, gold and platinum awards are awarded at the end of each term. If your child has done the right thing all term, they will receive this award. School mini-merits, ice-blocks, books and banners Class Merit Systems House Points Weekly Assembly Awards Great News Note Home Achievements published in the newsletter

What happens to my child if they get in trouble in class or the playground? If your child breaks a rule they will receive a warning from the teacher. If they continue to break a rule their name is placed on the board. This is a second warning for the child. If the same conduct continues then a cross or ‘strike’ is placed against their name. This strike means they will be required to attend a 10 minute detention at recess time or lunchtime, in their own classroom. At the detention, their teacher will talk to them about their behaviour and provide guidance and assistance. If your child is in the playground and a rule is broken, the teacher who is on duty will inform the classroom teacher.

How will I know if my child has been in trouble? If your child has to attend a classroom detention you will be informed by a note from the teacher. The note will explain what has happened. It asks you to talk to your child about the detention and the reason for it. We ask you to sign and return this note so that we know, you know what has happened. If your child receives three detentions in a short period of time the classroom teacher will ring you or send a letter home to inform you of this.

What happens to my child if they get in more serious trouble at school? On some occasions more serious issues or behaviour may lead to a level being given to a student. For example, students might be placed on level 1, if they receive 6 classroom or playground detentions in a term. A level 1 means a student will spend 2 days in the school detention room, where they stay throughout lunchtime. Other privileges will also be removed for two weeks. An executive teacher will talk to the student about their behaviour and provide guidance and assistance. If a student is involved in more serious incidents, like fighting or bullying or deliberate vandalism, they can also be placed on a level 2 immediately. A level 2 means a student will spend 4 days in the school detention room, where they stay throughout lunchtime. Other privileges will also be removed for two weeks. If a student receives a level during a term they will be ineligible to receive their bronze, silver, gold or platinum award for the that term.

What programs or support does the school have in place to promote good behaviour and cooperation amongst students? Active Friends Program K-2 Positive Play Program Keys to Success Program School Counsellor School Learning Support Coordinator (Kylie Burley) Learning Support Team

What can you do if your child is being bullied at school? Assure your child the problem can be solved Communicate and cooperate with the school until the problem is solved Teach your child resilience Teach your child the difference between bullying and everyday social interaction (good and bad) Develop your child’s social skills and self esteem

What will the school do if bullying is reported? Assure the student that the problem can be solved Investigate the problems and issues raised Treat everyone with fairness Take action that may include: – Mediation – Discipline – Social skills programs – Counselling – Parental involvement

What can I do if my child is reluctant to go to school? Talk to your child about what is bothering them. Find out as much as you can. See the classroom teacher about your concern (sometimes the first the class teacher hears about the issue is when you approach them). Keep in frequent contact with the teacher and the school as the problem is investigated and resolved.

Who do I go to if I have another concern about my child (social, sporting or academic)? Class teacher should always be the first point of contact Executive teacher on each stage – Kindy Mrs Braithwaite – Year 1 &2 Mrs Young – Year 3 & 4 Mrs Woodward – Year 5 & 6 Mr Murphy School Principal

How will I find out how my child is going at school? You will be invited to attend an end of term 1 interview You will be provided with a detailed end of term 2 report and an end of term 4 report At any other time you are invited to make an appointment to see the class teacher

In Conclusion Every child at Griffith North has the right to learn, to be happy, to be safe and to be respected. Parents and teachers working together in a positive way, with good communication, can ensure this.