St Stephen’s Primary students urged to act right under new policy

St Stephen’s Primary School has launched a new discipline policy aimed at setting a positive standard for students and staff to follow.

During a brief launch at the school on Wednesday, Principal Pamela Ifill said the policy was created to help curb the rising level of delinquency among young people in the wider society, and foster a disciplined mindset within the school.

It seeks to establish fair and reasonable social standards, encourage students to comply with school rules and regulations, explain the consequences of contravening school rules, and deal with unacceptable conduct outside of punitive actions. 

Ifill said: “We are at the crossroads in society, where the challenges of discipline are severely affecting school performance and cause disruption both in and out of the classroom. If we want to go forward positively, we must address these challenges head on. We recognise that positive discipline enables consistent effort, goal setting, and the ability to overcome challenges. It helps individuals to remain focused and make better choices, as well as to build the habits that are necessary for long term achievement.

St Stephen’s Primary School students perform an acrostic poem on discipline.

“We have specifically chosen our four Rs based on the challenges and the needs faced here at St Stephen’s Primary.”

The four Rs – Respectful, Responsible, Resourceful and Resilient – are seen as the foundation students should build on in order to become positive citizens. 

The principal spoke about the importance of each student embracing positivity, saying it would help them improve their mindset for when they reached adulthood.

The discipline policy has three tiers. Tier one is a whole school approach to address problematic behaviours; tier two targets behavioural issues on an individual basis within classrooms; and tier three involves external stakeholders intervening with students.

Ifill stressed that participation in the new framework is intended for the entire community, not just students.

“Our policy is a schoolwide plan which encourages not only buy-in, but ownership. To this end, we intend to fully involve families in our undertaking. We welcome the opportunity to share strategies that work. We are aware that when school and home work together, there is a greater chance for success,” the principal said. “Additionally, all friends of the school, our stakeholders, are encouraged to partner with us as we seek to develop and maintain a positive school environment.” (SB)