Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy

Help for non-English speakers

If you need help to understand the information in this policy, please contact Beaufort Secondary College General Office on 03 53492305.

 

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that all students and members of our school community understand:

• our commitment to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for students
• expectations for positive student behaviour
• support available to students and families
• our school’s policies and procedures for responding to inappropriate student behaviour.

Beaufort Secondary College is committed to providing a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment for all students.  We understand that students reach their full potential only when they are happy, healthy and safe, and that a positive school culture, where student participation is encouraged and valued, helps to engage students and support them in their learning. Our school acknowledges that student wellbeing and student learning outcomes are closely linked.

The objective of this policy is to support our school to create and maintain a safe, supportive and inclusive school environment consistent with our school’s values.

Scope

 

This policy applies to all school activities, including camps and excursions.

Contents

• School profile
• School values, philosophy and vision
• Wellbeing and engagement strategies
• Identifying students in need of support
• Student rights and responsibilities
• Student behavioural expectations and management
• Engaging with families
• Evaluation

 

Policy

• School profile 

Beaufort Secondary College aims to provide a safe and nurturing educational environment that motivates and supports all students to achieve their full potential. We will maximise the individual learning opportunities using innovation and best practice to promote the development of each student’s academic, social, emotional and physical skills. Our aim is for students to become valued, productive and responsible members of the local and wider community.

Beaufort Secondary College is located in the rural township of Beaufort with a population of around 1,600 people. Around one third of students reside in Beaufort, with the remainder travelling to school by Government contract school bus. Beaufort Secondary College is the only secondary college in the Pyrenees Shire and sits half way between Ballarat and Ararat on the Western Highway. Our main feeder schools include: Beaufort Primary School, Trawalla Primary School, Skipton Primary School, Waubra Primary School, Woady Yaloak Primary School (Snake Valley Campus) and Amphitheatre Primary School. Our student numbers have demonstrated an increase of around 30% over the past decade with a 2023 student population of 213. We are currently defying the general rural trend of declining student numbers. Anecdotally, we seem to be picking up more enrolments in recent years from students choosing to come to our school over surrounding schools.

Our school population displays a broad range of abilities and aspirations. Some of our students and their families have high expectations for the educational outcomes of their children but we have to work hard to encourage students to have high aspirations or motivation to achieve their academic potential.

Our school size and a diverse student population mean that providing students with a range of learning experiences from our resource base is a major challenge.  However, we make every effort to cater for student choice in subjects at the senior levels and as a result have very small sizes for many of our VCE subjects. VCE VM has become an extremely popular alternative to straight VCE, whilst up to 50% of senior students undertake a VET subject. We demonstrate a strong moral purpose in engaging our senior students in the pathway of their choice. We also have a seemingly increasing number of students completing straight VCE subjects without any motivation or concern about achieving an ATAR score that will take them further with their education. However, we strongly encourage all students to stay at school for as long as possible and do not allow them to leave unless they are going to gainful employment or further study.

• School values, philosophy and vision 

Our school’s vision is to provide a dynamic learning environment that engages students and encourages them to achieve their personal best in an atmosphere of mutual respect and co-operation. We believe strongly in the development of partnerships between students, staff, parents and local community to achieve quality outcomes for young people - students need to feel a sense of belonging within their school and community. Beaufort Secondary College has high expectations and prides itself on the achievements of its students. Through the use of flexible means of delivery and by making effective use of ICT, we offer an extensive range of curriculum opportunities from year 7 to 12. Senior students have access to an excellent mix of academic subjects and applied learning options, as we work in partnership with the Ballarat VET Cluster, as well as creating community connections through the VCE VM program. This ensures that our students exit to a wide range of pathways that match their skills and interests, as well as preparing them to be productive global citizens. We cater for all students, regardless of ability, and work to ensure that they reach their maximum potential as life-long learners. As a college we embrace the notion that all students can learn and are deserving of every opportunity to experience success in their education.

Our Vision Statement: Nurturing | Inspiring | Empowering

Our Mission Statement: To empower learners for tomorrow to reach their full potential through inclusive and enriching experiences

Beaufort Secondary College identified three key areas for our school to focus on to assist in developing and defining our school culture: Respectful Relationships, High Expectations and Excellence. We worked through a consultative process to define and ‘behaviourise’ each of these areas. In doing so, we created a framework of behaviours for that students and staff are required to exhibit in order to demonstrate they are promoting each of the focus areas.

Our school values were developed using a collaborative and consultative process involving staff, students, parents and the broader school community. Our values to link directly with each of the key focus areas of Respectful Relationships, High Expectations and Excellence. Our focus areas and values provide the basis for a school philosophy to be enacted.

• Wellbeing and engagement strategies

Student Engagement and Well-being is a high priority within our school. The diverse and complex nature of the students and their backgrounds makes a strong wellbeing structure an imperative. We have a strong team which is lead by an Assistant Principal and includes Year Level Coordinators, a Mental Health Practitioner, a School Nurse, a Chaplain., as well as a Doctor in Schools program. We spend a great deal of time following up students and making contact with parents of students that require ‘extra’ attention. Our staff in general has embraced the need for providing support to all of our students and understand that the wellbeing of our students is everyone’s responsibility. Our Student Attitudes to School Survey data has been strong for a number of years and our staff/student relationships are very strong.

Beaufort Secondary College has developed a range of strategies to promote engagement, an inclusive and safe environment, positive behaviour, and respectful relationships for all students in our school. We recognise the importance of student friendships and peer support in helping children and students feel safe and less isolated We acknowledge that some students may need extra social, emotional or educational support at school, and that the needs of students will change over time as they grow and learn.

A summary of the universal (whole of school), targeted (year group specific) and individual engagement strategies used by our school is included below:

Universal

• high and consistent expectations of all staff, students and parents and carers
• prioritise positive relationships between staff and students, recognising the fundamental role this plays in building and sustaining student wellbeing
• creating a culture that is inclusive, engaging and supportive and that embraces and celebrates diversity and empowers all students to participate and feel valued
• welcoming all parents/carers and being responsive to them as partners in learning
• analysing and being responsive to a range of school data such as attendance, Attitudes to School Survey, parent survey data, student management data and school level assessment data
• deliver a broad curriculum including VET programs, VCE and VCE VM to ensure that students are able to choose subjects and programs that are tailored to their interests, strengths and aspirations
• teachers at Beaufort Secondary College use our BSC Instructional Model to ensure an explicit, common and shared model of instruction to ensure that evidenced-based, high yield teaching practices are incorporated into all lessons
• teachers at Beaufort Secondary College adopt a broad range of teaching and assessment approaches to effectively respond to the diverse learning styles, strengths and needs of our students and follow the standards set by the Victorian Institute of Teaching
• our school’s Statement of Values and School Philosophy are incorporated into our curriculum and promoted to students, staff and parents so that they are shared and celebrated as the foundation of our school community
• carefully planned transition programs to support students moving into different stages of their schooling
• positive behaviour and student achievement is acknowledged in the classroom, and formally in school assemblies and communication to parents
• monitor student attendance and implement attendance improvement strategies at a whole-school, cohort and individual level
• students have the opportunity to contribute to and provide feedback on decisions about school operations through the Student Representative Council and other forums including year group meetings and Peer Support Groups. Students are also encouraged to speak with their teachers, Year Level Coordinator, Assistant Principal and Principal whenever they have any questions or concerns.
• create opportunities for cross—age connections amongst students through athletics, swimming and other sports, as well as various house events and our music programs
• all students are welcome to self-refer to the Student Wellbeing Coordinator, School Nurse, School Chaplain, Year Level Coordinators, Assistant Principal and Principal if they would like to discuss a particular issue or feel as though they may need support of any kind. We are proud to have an ‘open door’ policy where students and staff are partners in learning
• programs, incursions and excursions developed to address issue specific needs or behaviour (i.e. Man Cave and Flourish Girls)
• opportunities for student inclusion (i.e. sports teams, clubs, recess and lunchtime activities)
• measures are in place to empower our school community to identify, report and address inappropriate and harmful behaviours such as racism, homophobia and other forms of discrimination or harassment. 

Targeted

• each year group has a Form Group Teacher, as well as a Year Level Coordinator, a teacher responsible for their year, who monitor the health and wellbeing of students in their year, and act as a point of contact for students who may need additional support
•  Koorie students are supported to engage fully in their education, in a positive learning environment that understands and appreciates the strength of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture
• we provide a positive and respectful learning environment for our students who identify as LGBTIQ+ and follow the Department’s policy on LGBTIQ Student Support
• all students in Out of Home Care are supported in accordance with the Department’s policy on Supporting Students in Out-of-Home Care including being appointed a Learning Mentor, having an Individual Learning Plan and a Student Support Group (SSG) and being referred to Student Support Services for an Educational Needs Assessment
• students with a disability are supported to be able to engage fully in their learning and school activities in accordance with the Department’s policy on Students with Disability, such as  through reasonable adjustments to support access to learning programs, consultation with families and where required, student support groups and individual education plans 
• wellbeing and health staff will undertake health promotion and social skills development in response to needs identified by student wellbeing data, classroom teachers or other school staff each year
• staff will apply a trauma-informed approach to working with students who have experienced trauma
• all students from Year 10 and above will be assisted to develop a Career Action Plan, with targeted goals and support to plan for their future
• Beaufort Secondary College assists students to plan their Year 10 work experience, supported by their Career Action Plan
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Individual 

Beaufort Secondary College implements a range of strategies that support and promote individual engagement. These include:

• building constructive relationships with students ‘at risk’ or students who are vulnerable due to complex individual circumstances
• meeting with a student and their parent/carer to talk about how best to help the student engage with school
• developing an Individual Learning Plan and/or a Behaviour Support Plan
• considering if any environmental changes need to be made, for example changing the classroom set up
• referring the student to:
• school-based wellbeing supports
• Student Support Services
• Appropriate external supports such as youth and family services, other allied health professionals, headspace, child and adolescent mental health services or ChildFirst
•  Re-engagement programs such as Navigator

Where necessary the school will support the student’s family to engage by:

• being responsive and sensitive to changes in the student’s circumstances and health and wellbeing
• collaborating, where appropriate and with the support of the student and their family, with any external allied health professionals, services or agencies that are supporting the student
• monitoring individual student attendance and developing an Attendance Improvement Plans in collaboration with the student and their family
• engaging with our regional Koorie Engagement Support Officers
• running regular Student Support Group meetings for all students:
•  with a disability
• in Out of Home Care
• with other complex needs that require ongoing support and monitoring.

Department of Education links and support:

• Student Support Groups
• Individual Education Plans
• Behaviour - Students
• Behaviour Support Plans
• Student Support Services

Additionsal Department programs and services such as:

• Program for Students with Disabilities
• Mental health toolkit
• headspace
• Navigator
• LOOKOUT
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• Identifying students in need of support

Beaufort Secondary College is committed to providing the necessary support to ensure our students are supported intellectually, emotionally and socially. The Student Wellbeing team plays a significant role in developing and implementing strategies that help identify students in need of support and enhance student wellbeing. Beaufort Secondary College will utilise the following information and tools to identify students in need of extra emotional, social or educational support:

• personal, health and learning information gathered upon enrolment and while the student is enrolled
• attendance records
• academic performance
• observations by school staff such as changes in engagement, behaviour, self-care, social connectedness and motivation
• attendance, detention and suspension data
• engagement with families
• self-referrals or referrals from peers
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• Student rights and responsibilities

All members of our school community have a right to experience a safe and supportive school environment. We expect that all students, staff, parents and carers treat each other with respect and dignity. Our school’s Statement of Values highlights the rights and responsibilities of members of our community.

Students have the right to:

• participate fully in their education
• feel safe, secure and happy at school
• learn in an environment free from bullying, harassment, violence, racism, discrimination or intimidation
• express their ideas, feelings and concerns.

Students have the responsibility to:

• participate fully in their educational program
• display positive behaviours that demonstrate respect for themselves, their peers, their teachers and members of the school community
• respect the right of others to learn.

Students who may have a complaint or concern about something that has happened at school are encouraged to speak to their parents or carers and approach a trusted teacher or a member of the school leadership team. Further information about raising a complaint or concern is available in our Complaints Policy.

• Student behavioural expectations and management

Behavioural expectations of students are grounded in our school’s Statement of Values/Student code of conduct. 

 

Violence, bullying, and other offensive and harmful behaviours such as racism, harassment and discrimination will not be tolerated and will be managed in accordance with this policy. Bullying will be managed in accordance with our Bullying Prevention Policy. 

When a student acts in breach of the behaviour standards of our school community, Beaufort Secondary College will institute a staged response, consistent with the Department’s policies on behaviour, discipline and student wellbeing and engagement. Where appropriate, parents will be informed about the inappropriate behaviour and the disciplinary action taken by teachers and other school staff. 

Our school considers, explores and implement positive and non-punitive interventions to support student behaviour before considering disciplinary measures such as detention, withdrawal of privileges or withdrawal from class.

Disciplinary measures may be used as part of a staged response to inappropriate behaviour in combination with other engagement and support strategies to ensure that factors that may have contributed to the student’s behaviour are identified and addressed. Disciplinary measures at our school will be applied fairly and consistently. Students will always be provided with an opportunity to be heard. 

Disciplinary measures that may be applied include:

•  warning a student that their behaviour is inappropriate
• teacher controlled consequences such as moving a student in a classroom or other reasonable and proportionate responses to misbehaviour 
• withdrawal of privileges
• referral to the Year Level Coordinator 
• restorative practices
• detentions
• behaviour support and intervention meetings
• suspension
• expulsion

Suspension, expulsion and restrictive interventions are measures of last resort and but may be used in situations consistent with Department policy, available at:

• https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/suspensions/policy
• https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/expulsions/policy
• https://www2.education.vic.gov.au/pal/restraint-seclusion/policy

In line with Ministerial Order 1125, no student aged 8 or younger will be expelled without the approval of the Secretary of the Department of Education and Training.

The Principal of Beaufort Secondary College is responsible for ensuring all suspensions and expulsions are recorded on CASES21.

Corporal punishment is prohibited by law and will not be used in any circumstance at our school.

• Engaging with families 

Beaufort Secondary College values the input of parents and carers, and we will strive to support families to engage in their child’s learning and build their capacity as active learners. We aim to be partners in learning with parents and carers in our school community.

We work hard to create successful partnerships with parents and carers by:

• ensuring that all parents have access to our school policies and procedures, available on our school website
• maintaining an open, respectful line of communication between parents and staff, supported by our Communicating with School Staff policy.
• providing parent volunteer opportunities so that families can contribute to school activities
• involving families with homework and other curriculum-related activities
• involving families in school decision making
• coordinating resources and services from the community for families
• including families in Student Support Groups, and developing individual plans for students.
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• Evaluation 

Beaufort Secondary College will collect data each year to understand the frequency and types of wellbeing issues that are experienced by our students so that we can measure the success or otherwise of our school based strategies and identify emerging trends or needs.

Sources of data that will be assessed on an annual basis include:

• student survey data
• incidents data
• school reports
• parent survey
• case management
• CASES21, including attendance and absence data
• SOCS

Example school will also regularly monitor available data dashboards to ensure any wellbeing or engagement issues are acted upon in a timely manner and any intervention occurs as soon as possible.

COMMUNICATION

This policy will be communicated to our school community in the following ways:

• Available publicly on our school’s website
• Included in staff induction processes
• Included in Staff Induction Pack
• Included in transition and enrolment packs
• Made available in hard copy from school administration upon request

Our school will also ensure it follows the mandatory parent/carer notification requirements with respect to suspensions and expulsions outlined in the Department’s policies at:

• Suspension process
• Expulsions - Decision

Further information and resources

The following Department of Education and Training policies are relevant to this Student Engagement and Wellbeing Policy:

• Attendance
• Student Engagement
• Child Safe Standards
• Supporting Students in Out-of-Home Care
• Students with Disability
• LGBTIQ Student Support
• Behaviour - Students
• Suspensions
• Expulsions
• Restraint and Seclusion

The following school policies are also relevant to this Student Wellbeing and Engagement Policy:

• Child Safety and Wellbeing Policy
• Bullying Prevention Policy
• Inclusion and Diversity Policy
• Statement of Values and School Philosophy

POLICY REVIEW AND APPROVAL

Policy last reviewed	June 2023
Consultation	Beaufort Secondary College Wellbeing Team Beaufort Secondary College School Council
Approved by	Principal
Next scheduled review date	June 2025