SWPBS

Our Commitment to Positive Behaviour

Watsonia Heights Primary School is committed to promoting a safe, inclusive and respectful learning environment where every student can thrive. In 2026, our school introduced School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) as a whole-school framework to guide how we teach, acknowledge and support positive behaviour across our community.

This approach reflects our belief that positive behaviour is learned, reinforced and sustained when expectations are clear, consistent and shared by students, staff and families.

What is SWPBS?

School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) is an evidence-based framework used in schools to improve social, emotional and academic outcomes for students. It focuses on:

Clearly defining and teaching positive behaviour expectations
Creating consistent language and practices across the school
Acknowledging and reinforcing positive behaviour
Using data and reflection to continually improve practice

At WHPS, SWPBS provides a common foundation for behaviour expectations in classrooms, specialist areas, the playground and school events, supporting a calm and predictable learning environment.

SWPBS at WHPS

In 2026, WHPS began its staged implementation of SWPBS. This ensures the framework is thoughtfully introduced and shaped by student voice, staff collaboration and community feedback.

Key focus areas in the initial phase included:

Establishing shared behaviour expectations
Introducing consistent acknowledgement systems
Building a strong whole-school culture focused on positive choices

Positive Behaviour Expectations Matrix

As a first step, WHPS introduced a Positive Behaviour Expectations Matrix – Lite version. This initial whole-school matrix outlines a small number of clear, age-appropriate expectations that apply across all school settings through the lens of RESPECT .

The lite matrix:

Provides common language for positive behaviour
Supports explicit teaching of expectations
Ensures consistency across classrooms, specialist lessons and playgrounds

This matrix will be reviewed and refined later in 2026 adding additional values/expectations, with staff and student input, as WHPS develops a more comprehensive SWPBS expectations matrix aligned with our school values.

Positive Acknowledgement System

From Term 2, 2026, WHPS is introduced a new, school-wide positive acknowledgement system designed to celebrate individual, class and whole-school success.

Individual Recognition – STRIVE Points

STRIVE Points replaced House Points as the primary individual acknowledgement system.

Students earn STRIVE Points when they demonstrate positive behaviours linked to the SWPBS expectations.
Points are recorded in classrooms using a visual tally.
Every 10 STRIVE Points converts into one physical STRIVE token for the class jar.
Individual rewards are selected from a class-agreed menu, reviewed in Weeks 5 and 10 of each term.

Class Recognition

Each class has a STRIVE jar or container.
Jars are filled with STRIVE tokens earned through:
- Individual students reaching point milestones
- Whole-class displays of positive behaviour (including in specialist classes)
When the class jar is filled, the class selects a reward from a co-constructed menu.

Whole-School Recognition

Filled class jars contribute to whole-school reward tubes displayed in the Main Office area.
Rewards promote a strong sense of collective achievement and include activities such as:
- Dress Up Days
- Games afternoons
- Icy pole treats
- Sausage sizzles
Whole-school rewards are selected through student voice, with input from student leaders, Junior School Council and Year 6 Captains.
Once a pre-determined target is reached, the reward is celebrated, all tubes are emptied, and the cycle begins again.

Working Together

The introduction of SWPBS at WHPS reflects our shared commitment to wellbeing, consistency and positive relationships. By working in partnership with families, we aim to build a school culture where positive behaviour is noticed, valued and reinforced every day.

We look forward to continuing to refine and strengthen this approach throughout 2026 and beyond, ensuring the best possible outcomes for our students and school community.