PYP Coordinator’s message of the week: 
At WIS our approach to behaviour is a positive and and reflective one where all stakeholders are part of creating decision-making choices within the school and classroom community, such as a restorative justice approach. We focus on mediation and agreement rather than punishment as a response to conflicts within the school community.
In the restorative justice model, the students play an essential part in creating the climate.
Please note that teachers are responsible for the learners in their lesson. Teachers endeavour to support behaviour choices and encourage the students to reflect. A lot of strategies include yoga and breathing techniques, growth mindset activities, a focus on personal, social and emotional development, plus reflection on what the IB Learner Profile means.
This is also an important component of the IB PYP Learner Profile and Attitudes, in which every class creates their own classroom essential agreements which they all agree to model and be accountable to be part of.
Through the application of consistent approaches to positive behaviour modification, the students are able to apply their understandings as they become communicators, reflective, caring and balanced individuals at WIS.
We believe that the “Parents/Guardians as Partners” philosophy is essential to our learning community. Involvement and regular communication with all parties ensure active involvement, a supportive approach and an opportunity for students to succeed.
The underlying belief is that all students have the opportunity to access their learning and develop and thrive successfully with a positive and a supportive approach.
Strategies:
Homeroom teachers keep regular communication with you as parents so you know of any minor incidents that take place in the classroom.
They encourage students to solve problems and make good choices.
If there are actions such as fighting, hurting other students, breaking property, theft or vandalism then this is considered a major incident. This is then scheduled as a Friday “reflection” time with the PYP Coordinator.
This takes place during second break on a Friday and the purpose of this session is to reflect on poor behaviour choices made in class or in the playground. It is aimed to support students in taking appropriate action in how they can participate and be part of learning. The students then bring a reflection sheet home to be filled in with the parents/guardians. The focus is on choosing appropriate action in the future and communicating collaboratively between the school, home and with the child.
Kind regards
Ms Avril van Zyl