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MOUNT ST THOMAS PUBLIC SCHOOL

Revised  July, 2005

PLAYGROUND DISCIPLINE POLICY

RATIONALE:

“Responsible choices are vital for our children.  Assertive Discipline supports self-esteem and responsibility.  It provides positive reinforcement in a clear, concise, understandable manner for teacher and student.”

With consistent and positive reinforcement as the keynote, Mount St Thomas Public School uses an Assertive Discipline plan based on the following thinking.

Teachers have the right and responsibility:

• to establish rules and directions that clearly defines the limits of acceptable and unacceptable student behaviour.
• to teach students to consistently follow these rules and directions throughout the school day and year.
• to ask for assistance from parents and administration when support is needed in handling the behaviour of students.

Students have the right:

• to a  teacher who will set firm and consistent limits.
• to a teacher who will provide them with consistent positive encouragement.
• to know what behaviour they need to engage in that will enable them to succeed.
• to a teacher who will take the time to teach them how to manage their own behaviour.

In all learning environments at Mount St Thomas Public School, the discipline plan consists of the following:

1.                   Rules that students must follow at all times.

2.                   Positive recognition that students will receive for following the rules.

3.                   Consequences that result when students choose not to follow the rules.

Mount St Thomas Public School considers that the development of high self-esteem and responsibility within our children is paramount.

With positive reinforcement and consistency as the keynotes, we have introduced our Playground Discipline Policy which:

           *  clearly defines the limits of acceptable behaviour

            *  teaches children how to manage their own behaviour

                                                AND

            *  develops within children an understanding of what behaviours they need to engage in to achieve

                 maximum safety, happiness and socialisation within the playground     

Teachers give special attention to the teaching of playground rules and consequences, which will apply K-6 at Mount St Thomas Public School.  The emphasis is on children making choices and accepting the consequences for their behaviour.  Included is a list of playground rules and consequences, which will apply at our school, as well as the Community Playground Equipment rules.

PLAYGROUND RULES

1.         Be kind and friendly to others

2.         Keep your hands and feet to yourself

3.         Play safely and be in the right place at the right time

4.         Show respect to our school environment

5.         Play fairly and include others

CONSEQUENCES FOR KEEPING RULES

*           Verbal, non-verbal praise

*           Awards

*           Weekly recognition at Morning Assembly

*           “Good on You” card

*           End of Term Playground Rewards

CONSEQUENCES FOR NOT KEEPING RULES

Time Out

First rule broken is recorded in the playground folder and the child is placed on the ‘time out’ seat for 10 minutes.

Following the second time out within the same term, the student is placed on Level 1.

LEVEL 1

v      The student attends the mentoring room for one lunch session.

v      Student completes a “positive choices” proforma.

v      Upon completion of the mentoring session the student stays on level 1 for the rest of the term.

v      A further serious misdemeanour will automatically place them on level 2.

LEVEL 2

v      Attend the mentoring room for 2 consecutive lunchtimes.

v      Students complete a positive choices proforma on the first day and an apology letter on the second day.

v      A letter will be sent home to inform parents / copy to teacher.

v      Parents may request an interview if they wish.

v      If no further misdemeanour occurs for 5 days (including the recess of the 2 mentor room days) the child will return to Level 1.  If a further minor misdemeanour occurs the student will remain on Level 2 and be counselled.  If a severe misdemeanour occurs the child will progress to Level 3.  This is at the discretion of the Mentor Room Supervisor.

LEVEL 3

v      Attend the mentoring room for 3 consecutive days. Students will complete a positive choices proforma (day 1), an apology letter (day 2) and a rules/ responsibility proforma (day 3). 

v      A parent interview will be requested.

v      Loss of privileges for 10 consecutive days (including the recess of the 3 mentor room days) e.g. withdrawal from leadership positions, withdrawal from local PSSA activities, excursions, visiting performances, most external school activities, possible withdrawal from school camp etc. These are at the principal’s discretion.

v      Student’s playground behaviour is then monitored by card system for 10 consecutive days. The card will monitor for 3 days at recess then 7 whole days.

v      If behaviour during those 10 days is successful the student is placed back on level 2 (without the consequences). If no misdemeanours occur on Level 2 for 5 days student is replaced on Level 1 for the remainder of term.

v      If a further minor misdemeanour occurs the student will remain on Level 3 and be counselled.  If a severe misdemeanour occurs the child will progress to Level 4.  This is at the discretion of the Mentor Room Supervisor.

LEVEL 4

v      Attend mentoring room for 10 consecutive days.

v      Social skills programs utilized with School Counsellor involvement.

v      Behaviour monitored by card system for 15 days. The card will monitor for 10 days at recess and then 5 whole days.

v      If no behavioural misdemeanours occur during this monitoring stage, students will be placed on Level 3.

v      If misdemeanours occur, further action is at the discretion of the principal.

          Should a severe misbehaviour occur, child is sent to Principal and parents notified.

NOTE:

v      The mentor room is to be open 5 days a week at lunch only.

SEVERE MISBEHAVIOUR

Immediately sent to Principal and parents contacted.  Severe misbehaviour includes the use of  violence, disobedience, offensive language or behaviour or possession of prohibited object.  The Principal’s actions will include one or more of the following:

*  Sanctions      *  Behavioural programs implemented      *  In-school suspension      *   Suspension

PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT RULES

1. Use equipment safely

2. Children only to go on equipment when a teacher is present
3. Don’t touch anyone on equipment
4. Give way !!!!
5. Stand off Flying Fox & Slippery Dip platform to wait your turn
6. No running in playground equipment area
7. No food in playground equipment area
8. All children must leave school grounds at 3.00 pm and can only stay if a parent is present.

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