A Culture of High Expectation and Excellence
Our Approach to Behaviour Support
‘Heated discussions in the media of late have centred around the NSW Government’s proposal to make it hard for some young people to get prison bail, with opponents arguing that there are far more effective ways to transform behaviour than prison. In fact, recent studies suggest over 50% of offenders released from state prisons return to prison within 3 to 5 years.’
In some educational settings of the past and present, little was/is done to understand why students were/are misbehaving or to ‘skill them up’ to do otherwise. In some cases, detention systems were/are put in place, resulting in teacher/student relationships being fractured, and boys needing to release energy in the playground and to build social connection unable to do so. With no growth plan in place, consequently, the same students were/are punished repeatedly.
Over time, we have come to understand more about supporting children’s behaviour, both at home and at school. Research, books, and articles, along with the availability of medical, psychological, and allied health resources have allowed us to provide a more informed and comprehensive support network for children.
Our Staff hold some fundamental beliefs about supporting positive behaviour. It will be helpful for you to be aware of them, as we continue to work in partnership with you to support the boys.
Our Belief about Children
- There is no such thing as a bad child.
- Every child wants to succeed. Some require more help than others to develop the skills needed to do so.
- We need to help every child see and believe in their gifts and to know that we believe in them.
- Wellbeing, relationship, and connection form the foundation for students to thrive.
Our Belief about Support
- A deep understanding of our boys is critical to successfully guiding behaviour (knowing the backstory).
- Class teachers need to build and nurture relationships, gaining trust and respect, and guarding against erosion of that relationship.
- Partnership with parents, professionals and colleagues is critical (it takes a village to raise a child).
Our Belief about Education
- Clear and consistent boundaries, predictable structures, and high expectations (personal excellence) are critical.
- Effective learning experiences appropriate to boys, sets them up for success.
- Fear and punishment are not effective ways to change behaviour, teach or to grow character.
- Force and control create resistance, but great relationships build trust and influence.
- Proactive programs are more effective than reactive responses.
- Natural consequences are a part of life and important for children to understand and experience.
- Poor behaviour choices are an opportunity to teach/skill up not to punish.
- When you treat a child with dignity and respect, it changes their heart.
Our Behaviour Management approach seeks to advance the wellbeing, and personal and social development of our boys and to support a culture of high expectation and excellence in learning and social interaction. Working very closely in partnership with our parents and guardians is critical, and something we look forward to maintaining into the future.
Parents who would like to understand in greater depth our approach to supportive behaviour are invited to access the School Policies and Procedures found on our website (under the ‘About’ section).
If you have further questions, please contact via email - Rev. Daryl Diener (Chaplain and Pastoral Care Coordinator) ddiener@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au or myself headmaster@mosmanprep.nsw.edu.au
Train up a child in the way he should go, And when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love. 1 John 4:18
Peter Grimes | Headmaster
