The school has developed a whole-school approach, through Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL). PBL is an evidence-based, whole school approach to establish and sustain the social culture needed for schools to be effective learning environments.
It is a school-wide approach to help support, define, teach and reinforce positive behaviours of ALL students. The school-wide approach to discipline focuses on building a safe and positive environment in which all students can learn.
All students of Fitzgerald are expected to behave acceptably at school as this provides the foundation upon which growth in student achievement is based.
There are four basic school Behaviour Expectations. Students are at school to:
1. Be a Learner
2. Be Safe
3. Be Respectful
4. Be Responsible
The PBL school mascot, Gerald supports the PBL process.
A range of strategies are utilised to encourage positive behaviour. The school utilises behaviour data to inform whole of school rules that become the fortnightly focus. Students are recognised for following the expectation by being presented with Gerald Stars that contribute to Year level tallies and Year level rewards. Gold Cards are presented to students for exhibiting positive behaviour traits and the culmination of Gold Cards leads to certificates presented on Assembly:
Five Gold Cards – Bronze Certificate awarded
Fifteen Gold Cards – Silver Certificate awarded
*Twenty-Five Gold Cards – Gold Certificate awarded
Thirty-Five Gold Cards – Platinum Certificate awarded
*Students must also earn a Gold Certificate in addition to further criteria to be considered for a Spirit of Fitzgerald award at the end of the school year.
Students also have opportunity to receive a Student of the Week presented on Assembly.
Consequences for Unacceptable Behaviour
Behaviour Cards:
Should a student's behaviour be unacceptable, a Blue Warning Card for a Minor infringement, or an Orange Consequence Card for a Major infringement may be issued so that parents are aware of incidents that occur at school. Orange cards usually indicate a 'lunch time' Reflection period. Cards are to be signed by parents/guardians and returned to school. Other consequences may be imposed depending on the severity of the student's transgression.
Students may be issued a green “Improvement Card" when their behaviour changes from unacceptable to acceptable. An “Improvement Card" acknowledges the student's efforts towards more positive behaviours and encourages them to continue in this manner.
Re-Set Room Process – Fitzgerald State School utilises a Re-set Room process to assist with student behaviour that is disruptive to student learning. If a student's classroom behaviour continues to be disruptive to learning, the student may be directed to a pre-determined class for a brief period of Reflection. The student will be issued with a Blue Card in the first instance.
Teacher/Student Consultation:
Significant inappropriate student behaviour will lead to further consultation with the student and the student's parent or care giver, with a focus on the student's rights and responsibilities. A plan to improve the student's behaviour will be considered dependent on the individual circumstances.