At Warranwood Primary School, we implement School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) — an evidence-based framework used across Victorian government schools to prevent and respond to student behaviour.

 

Rather than using multiple behaviour management approaches, SWPBS establishes a consistent, whole-school system of expectations for all students.

 

At the core of SWPBS is the use of evidence and data to both prevent and respond to behaviour. Research shows that when schools implement SWPBS with fidelity, there are improvements in:

 

• School culture

• Student wellbeing

• Academic engagement and performance

 

Why SWPBS?

 

Improved Behaviour = Improved Learning

 

A positive behaviour environment leads to more engaged learners. When expectations are clear and consistently taught:

• Distractions are reduced

• Students feel safe and supported

• More time is spent on learning

• Students develop important social-emotional skills

 

SWPBS supports students in developing life skills such as responsibility, respect and self-regulation.

 

The Four Features of SWPBS

 

1. Supporting social competence and academic achievement

2. Supporting staff behaviour

3. Supporting decision-making

4. Supporting student behaviour

At Warranwood, SWPBS aligns closely with our RUIn values of Respect, Understanding and Integrity.

 

Our Behaviour Expectations

Our SWPBS matrix outlines 2–3 behavioural expectations across five key settings:

 

• All Areas

• Classroom

• Outside

• Toilets and Taps

• Digital Technology

• Library

These expectations were developed in consultation with staff and are reviewed and refined annually.

 

Acknowledging Positive Behaviour

At Warranwood, we believe in catching students doing the right thing.

 

Gotcha Tokens

 

Students receive Gotcha Tokens accompanied by behaviour-specific praise.

 

Acknowledgement strategies include:

 

• Targeted positive comments

• Verbal recognition

• Individual acknowledgements during morning roll

• Positive Chronicle entries for parents

• Assembly awards referencing SWPBS values

 

Whole School Celebrations & Student Voice

 

Both whole-class and whole-school celebrations occur regularly and incorporate student voice.

 

When a class earns 50 Gotcha Tokens, the process is student-led:

 

1. SRC monitors facilitate a class discussion to select one of three approved whole-school reward options.

2. The class collects a Gold Token from leadership or the office.

3. The Gold Token is placed into the tube representing their chosen reward.

4. The event that reaches the red line first becomes the whole-school celebration.

 

This system:

 

• Encourages teamwork

• Builds collaboration

• Promotes collective responsibility

• Gives students authentic voice in decision-making