Positive Behaviour Supports (PBS) is an essential framework implemented at St Mary’s College to cultivate a harmonious, safe and inclusive learning environment. By promoting positive behaviours and attitudes, PBS encourages students with a listening heart to be kind, respectful, responsible, and strive to do their best. This comprehensive approach benefits not only individual students but also our entire school community.
At its core, PBS focuses on proactive strategies that discourages challenging behaviours by teaching and reinforcing positive alternatives. By setting clear expectations for behaviour, we create a shared understanding of what it means to be kind, respectful, responsible, and give your best effort. These expectations serve as guiding principles that help students navigate their interactions and actions throughout their academic journey from Kindy through to Year 12.
The first expectation of PBS the St Mary’s way is kindness. Emphasising kindness encourages students to treat others with empathy, compassion, and understanding. It fosters a sense of community, where students support one another and celebrate each other’s successes. Through modelling, teaching, and reinforcing acts of kindness, we create a positive social climate that enhances student well-being and connectedness.
Respect is another fundamental aspect of PBS at St Mary’s. Students are encouraged to value and appreciate the diversity of individuals. Respectful behaviour involves active listening, valuing different perspectives, and treating others’ belongings and personal space with care. By promoting respect, it fosters a culture of inclusivity and encourages students to embrace and learn from their differences.
Responsibility is a crucial characteristic developed through PBS. Students are encouraged to take ownership of their actions and choices, recognising that their behaviour affects not only themselves but also those around them. At St Mary’s we provide opportunities for students to develop responsible decision-making skills and teach them the importance of following rules and fulfilling their commitments.
Finally, PBS encourages students to give their best effort in all areas of their educational journey. This expectation promotes a growth mindset, encouraging students to persevere, set goals, and work diligently to achieve them. St Mary’s provides a supportive environment where students are challenged yet feel safe to take risks and learn from their mistakes. Recognising and celebrating students’ efforts and accomplishments further reinforces their motivation to always strive for excellence.
