Community
3 April, 2026
School rewarded for wellbeing support
“This recognition reflects our school’s commitment to implementing the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) with fidelity, establishing leadership structures and foundational practices."
ST ARNAUD Primary School has been putting strategies in place to encourage positive behaviours in their classrooms.
It’s this hard work that has earned staff an award.
“Last week we were informed that our school has been recognised for achieving the Blue Level award,” principal Melissa Mitchell said.
“This recognition reflects our school’s commitment to implementing the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) with fidelity, establishing leadership structures and foundational practices.
“Our efforts in promoting consistent, evidence-based behaviour support practices will continue to make a significant difference to our school community.”
The SWPBS awards celebrate excellence in the implementation of the framework to improve student outcomes.
These recognise schools that demonstrate a sustained commitment to creating positive, inclusive learning environments through the effective use of systems, data, and evidence-based practices.
Ms Mitchell said staff had spent the time going through training over the last few years, which has allowed them to come up with a system they can use to cope with difficult behaviours.
“Sometimes it’s as simple as each student having a cup on their desk and each time they display a desired behaviour, they will get a coin,” she said.
“We use Australian currency, which is an added layer of learning, and every 10 coins they will get a sticker on their Bronze Award sheet.
“And once those sheets are full, we celebrate them at a school assembly.
“We will then have a rewards lunch, so it’s all about celebrating the good behaviours and having something to work towards.
“They need that so they know they’re not doing it all for nothing.”
Ms Mitchell said it’s also about modelling good behaviour from staff.
“We’re trying to change the language we use in the classroom and around the grounds,” she said.
“Awards like this is validation for all the research and work we’ve done.”
Ms Mitchell said the next step to receiving the bronze award is that staff will be looking into data and narrowing down “hot spots” and times around the school.
“We will really be able to hone in and see when and where we need to put things in place,” she said.
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