The ‘TOPS’ rules
Teamwork - Work as a member of a team
Ownership - Own my own behaviour and learning
Participation - Participate to the best of my ability
Sensitivity - Be sensitive to the needs of others
Behaviour management and our community
We ask our parents to work together with the school by supporting the TOPS philosophy by discussing behaviour with their child within this framework using the language of the TOPS rules. Parents can work together with the school by acknowledging positive behaviour and supporting and encouraging students when this behaviour is displayed at school and at home. The recommended ratio used is 4 to 1 - that is four positive comments or recognition to 1 comment for inappropriate choices. Most importantly the best way to work together is to keep the lines of communication between school and home open and do not hesitate to speak to staff when there are issues or concerns.
Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)
Ormiston State School is a PBL school and as such we have some overarching principles that operate in our school. It is not assumed that students have the skills required to effectively participate in a variety of group and social settings. We also acknowledge that there are very specific skills that are required for children to operate successfully within the classroom and playground setting. In order to assist students to learn the skills of organisation, co-operation, communication, social problem solving, relationships and interacting with others, which are framed by our TOPS rules. Every week teachers across all year levels of the school dedicate time to explicitly teach these skills and rules to students through a variety of lessons, role-plays, activities and games.
PBL involves:
Clear rules and consequences that are communicated to students, a focus on positive behaviour with clear systems for recognising and acknowledging positive behaviour.
A team of people meeting each fortnight to discuss and analyse school data on behaviour and determine how future programs can further built upon.
The explicit teaching of the ‘TOPS’ behaviours with a ‘Rule of the week’ for students, staff and parents to focus upon.
Rewarding desired behaviours by giving students ‘Gotchas’ when they display appropriate behavioural choices.
Engaging the support of parents and the community by communicating the ‘Rule of the week’ through the school’s newsletter.