Warragul Primary School ‘High 5 hero’
Each week at Warragul Primary School, a ‘High 5 hero’ is chosen from each class. The class teachers look for students that are being safe, fair, thinking, learning and caring – and it’s hard to choose! The names of the children are announced at weekly assembly and each is presented with a High 5 ribbon and certificate. The school leaders, Toby, Charlee, Emma and Matthew (it’s their photo you see on banners around the town) carry out this responsibility with care and pride. The students that are nominated always have the biggest smiles ready for their photo for the newsletter.
Warragul Primary School began implementing Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) several years ago and just this week, the staff and School Council celebrated the positive change that has now become part of the culture at the school. The program actively promotes positive behaviour, teaching an agreed social capabilities curriculum, based on the Victorian Curriculum, across the school. The High 5 program enables students to develop a clear understanding of required expectations, become responsible for their own behaviour and work together to create a positive, productive and harmonious learning community. The school-wide expectations are known as the Warragul Primary School High 5: ‘Be Safe, Be Fair, Think, Learn and Care’ and every child can tell you what they are.
The positive behaviour for learning is part of the everyday routines in both classrooms and playgrounds. Principal, Rosemary Allica says the best part is the celebrations with the students when they reach individual or class reward time and choose to visit her in her office. ‘As a teacher, I love to spend time with the students, listening to them talking and having fun and learning the whole time. It’s a real pleasure when they choose to come and see me.’
Ms Allica said Saturday School Open Session on 27th May is a great opportunity for new parents to come and see the benefits of the High 5 program for their children. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to enjoy some activities while their parents tour the school and discuss their child’s needs.