Page 1118 - Week 03 - Thursday, 21 March 2019
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Supervision of playgrounds and toilet areas has increased, and the playground areas have been separated for different groups of children. Structured play activities facilitated by staff, including lunchtime clubs chosen by students, are available at recess and lunchtime.
These specific changes are supported by a range of other efforts. ACT public schools are inclusive and strive to provide safe, respectful and supportive environments. Schools are reflective of the community which means complex and challenging behaviours can occur. Schools are well placed to manage these alongside students, parents and carers.
The Education Directorate has policies and procedures in place to help schools appropriately address bullying, harassment and violence and to respond to complex and challenging behaviours.
The evidence-based Positive Behaviours for Learning program is being implemented across ACT public schools, including at Theodore Primary. The program is implemented to provide a comprehensive, integrated whole school approach to student wellbeing and behaviour.
Schools are also able to seek additional support and expert assistance from professionals including occupational therapists, psychologists, behaviour experts and social workers when required.
Theodore Primary is currently receiving additional support to strengthen the Positive Behaviours for Learning implementation and improve parent communication about behaviour management.
The school is also receiving support from a specialist behaviour teacher, an additional learning support assistant, a youth support worker and recruitment is under way to employ a deputy principal who will focus on wellbeing and behaviour management.
Education—student expulsions
Ms Berry (in reply to a supplementary question by Ms Lee on Wednesday, 13 February 2019):
The Directorate does not “expel” students. In accordance with Section 36 of the Education Act 2004, when students exhibit behaviour that threatens the good order of the school or the safety or wellbeing of a member of the school community they may be suspended for up to 20 days, transferred or excluded. In accordance with the Act, during the school absence, the student must be given reasonable opportunity to continue their education.
When a student is absent from school or exhibiting behaviours of concern that may lead to a suspension schools have access to a range of responses to assist the student, their parent or carer and their school. This includes support from within the school, or additional supports available through the Education Directorate. For example, all
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