In the spirit of the Christian Gospel, St Andrews Lutheran College is committed to using Restorative Practices with all members of our community to build harmonious relationships and resolve issues of concern or conflict, openly and respectfully.

We encourage open communication, preferably face-to-face, and encourage feedback.

We seek, not just to put a stop to unhelpful, harassing or discriminatory behaviour, but also to repair harm, "put things right" and bring about reconciliation between the parties in the spirit of Matthew 18:15.

Restorative Practices form the cornerstone of all policies and procedures relating to behavior management, staff/student welfare and complaints/conflict resolution. Trained staff facilitate the processes.

Through an emphasis on student welfare and positive attitudes and behaviour in relationships, St Andrews aims to promote the emotional, social and spiritual development of the student as an individual within the community.

At St Andrews we are committed to the following:

Pastoral Care

We strive to show care and support equally to every student and parent regardless of their personal beliefs, abilities, behaviour or circumstances.  This derives from our belief that, because God loves us regardless of who we are or what we do, so we should love others. This commitment is the basis of our Student Welfare and Behaviour Management policies and programmes.  It also underpins our Pastoral Care programmes for parents.   

We provide many opportunities for students to experience the joy of life, learning and relationships.   Because we are thankful for the wonderful gifts God has given us, we frequently have special times of celebration, both formal and informal.  These occasions affirm our vision and values, and enhance our sense of community.

Christian Values

In the lives of students and staff we value and promote the qualities of forgiveness, reconciliation, humility and self-sacrifice.  Jesus Christ modelled these qualities in his life and death. The “good news” of the gospel of Jesus is the means and motivation for inviting, encouraging and developing healthy relationships within the school community.  As a Lutheran College we believe living in a community calls us to reflect the characteristics of god through core values, especially love, justice, compassion, forgiveness, service, humility, courage, hope, quality and appreciation.

Celebration

We provide many opportunities for students to experience the joy of life, learning and relationships.   Because we are thankful for the wonderful gifts God has given us, we frequently have special times of celebration, both formal and informal. These occasions affirm our vision and values, and enhance our sense of community.

Partnership with Parents

We value our partnership with parents and consistently involve parents when student welfare or behaviour management issues arise because students benefit most when there is a strong partnership between the school and the families of students.   Behavioural change is most likely where parents and the College have shared expectations.

Relationships Staff and Students

We provide many opportunities for formal and informal social interactions among staff and students.  We want students to enjoy school, to develop friendships and to grow in self awareness, resilience and emotional intelligence.  Positive relationships with peers and adults is a key to healthy social and emotional development.

Specialised Personnel

We involve specialised, qualified personnel in co-ordinating wellbeing and behaviour management programmes.  The Heads of the Junior and Secondary Schools are responsible for Behaviour Management in their areas, assisted by Key teachers and Year Level Co-ordinators.   

Positive Education - Prevention is Better than Cure

We provide a number of programmes to assist students to develop personal character and positive behaviours.  These include parenting programmes, such as Triple P Parenting and How to Drug proof Your Child and student group therapy activities such as Seasons for Growth (dealing with grief and loss).  Our focus on Positive Education and the PERMA framework enhances our students wellbeing by focusing on Positive Emotions, Engagement, Relationships, Meaning and Accomplishment (PERMA)

High Standards of Behaviour

We present and uphold  high expectations of behaviour for staff and students based on Christian values and the normal rules of conduct required for an orderly society.  These expectations are clearly communicated to all members of the community.  

A Productive Learning Environment

 We are committed to creating a secure, success-oriented, empowering learning environment.  We insist that students have the right to learn and teachers the right to teach: both parties should treat each other with dignity and respect.  We aim to ensure that all students have the opportunity to be happy and successful - to be able to participate, to be heard and to work harmoniously with others. (See Anti-Bullying Policy).  

An Effective Behaviour Management Process

We apply clear and fair procedures to manage student behaviour, recognising that individuals are imperfect, even in a Christ-centred community. Behaviour is managed in a loving and caring environment that promotes faith, hope, justice and reconciliation. A consistent philosophy of behaviour management underpins procedures P-12, but specific rules and guidelines are determined for students of different ages with regard to their different developmental needs.  

Application of Consequences

We consistently reinforce positive behaviour and  strive to ensure that consequences for inappropriate behaviour are fairly administered and follow due process. Consequences are applied in an attempt to support  behavioural change and enhanced relationships.  Corporal punishment is not permitted to be used in Lutheran schools; indeed, any physical interaction between teacher and student when implementing disciplinary measures is unacceptable.

A student who chooses to engage in behaviour which places the community at risk, or wilfully rejects advice and opportunities to change unacceptable behaviour, may forfeit his or her right to be part of the community.

Everyone is Someone

We ensure that each student at St Andrews has at least one staff member who knows them well, cares for their welfare and monitors their learning needs. In the Junior School this is the class teacher and in the Middle and Senior school the Care Group teacher.  This person is the first staff member who should be contacted by the parent if there is a question or concern relating to their child.  At St Andrews, each child is cared for and nurtured as an individual.