At St Matthew’s, we have a comprehensive approach to behaviour management that aims to create a positive and supportive learning environment. The goal is to foster a sense of responsibility, respect, and cooperation among students while addressing and preventing disruptive behaviours.

At St Matthew’s, we focus on:

Clear Expectations and Rules:

Establishing clear and consistent expectations for behaviour helps set the tone for a positive school environment. Rules are communicated clearly to all students, teachers, and staff.

The school rules revolve around four basic premises:

Lead - we lead by caring for ourselves, for others and for our environment

Listen - we listen to and follow instructions

Learn - We allow teachers to teach and students to learn

Safety - we keep our hands, feet and objects to ourselves

Positive Reinforcement:

Encouraging and recognizing positive behaviours through praise, rewards, or other reinforcement forms helps motivate students to maintain good conduct. This positive reinforcement approach focuses on acknowledging and rewarding desired behaviours. We will use our St Matthew’s badges again this year, along with awards that will be presented to students at our Awards Assemblies. 

Consequences for Inappropriate Behaviour:

Clearly defined consequences for inappropriate behaviour provide a framework for addressing breakdowns in behaviours. Consequences will always be fair, consistent, and age-appropriate. They may include warnings, loss of privileges, time off the playground for intentional physical harm or more severe measures depending on the severity and frequency of the behaviour.

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL):

Integrating social-emotional learning into the curriculum helps students develop self-awareness, self-regulation, and interpersonal skills. SEL programs contribute to creating a positive and inclusive school culture. At St Matthew’s, students will participate in “Friendolody” lessons each semester.