As I am sure you aware, the behaviour of almost all of our pupils almost all of the time is very positive and reflects well upon our school community. There are however occasions when we require to respond to inappropriate behaviour and work with specific pupils and parents/carers to bring about change.
Mr Moore, Principal Teacher of Learning & Teaching, along with a small team of staff, have been researching how Restorative Practices might be set within the context of Lanark Grammar School. This has led to the identification of a number of strategies that we shall use to assist pupils in making a more positive contribution to the learning environment in their classes and around the school community in general.
It is anticipated that this joint approach in responding to behaviour concerns will bring about improvements in pupil’s both understanding and subsequent behaviour, recognising the true value of making a positive contribution to learning in all classes and across the school in general.
Should a pupil be involved in inappropriate behaviour in class, the following steps will be taken in response:
- adopting a restorative approach to misbehaviour in class – this will see the removal of punishment exercises and the introduction of a ‘Parental Note Home (1)’ form being sent to parents/carers via pupil post.
At the point that a punishment exercise would have been issued, a Parental Note Home (1) form will be issued to the pupil by the class teacher. Our Office staff will then send out a text message to parents/carers informing them that a ‘Parental Note Home (1)’ form has been issued.
The form indicates the reason for the concern and requests that parents/carers engage in dialogue with their daughter/son about the reasons for poor behaviour, the impact on teaching and learning, and what could have been done differently. This is to be returned to the class teacher the next school day during Tutor period.
- A Parental Note Home (2) form will be issued to pupils by Principal Teachers Learning and Teaching as a result of failure to comply with the requirements of ‘Parental Note Home (1)’, or because their behaviour continues to cause concern.
Parental Note Home (2) form will be returned to Principal Teachers Learning and Teaching the following day during Tutor.
The form indicates the reason for the concern and requests that parents/carers engage in dialogue with their daughter/son about the reasons for poor behaviour, the impact on teaching and learning, and what could have been done differently.
The assistance of parents/carers in supporting the positive behaviour of our pupils is greatly appreciated.