Student Discipline Policy

Introduction

At The Pal Buddhist School, we cultivate a safe, respectful, and valued learning space for everyone. Our approach to guiding behaviour and student discipline is rooted in fairness and aims to be welcoming, nurturing, informative, and aspirational. This policy ensures all members of our community are treated equitably and without discrimination.

Purpose and Objectives

Our primary aim is to uphold every student’s right to learn in an environment free from bullying and intimidation, where they feel safe and happy. We believe in treating each student with fairness and dignity. Guiding behaviour at The Pal Buddhist School is essential for maintaining the safety and well-being of all students, teachers, and staff, and for fostering a positive and conducive learning atmosphere. This policy and its procedures provide the framework for how we guide student behaviour.

Scope

This policy and its procedures apply to all staff, volunteers, and contractors associated with The Pal Buddhist School.

Responsibilities

Teachers’ Responsibilities

The Pal Buddhist School encourages teachers to actively guide student behaviour. This involves setting clear expectations, addressing issues promptly, and handling situations with fairness and respect. We support our teachers in developing effective behaviour guidance strategies as part of their professional growth. Experienced teachers are encouraged to share their expertise and strategies with colleagues, enhancing our school’s capacity to support positive student behaviour.

Policy

Guiding Student Behaviour

Every student deserves a learning environment free from bullying and intimidation, ensuring they feel safe and happy at school. We are dedicated to treating all students with fairness and respect. Guiding behaviour is integral to maintaining a safe, supportive, and effective learning environment for everyone. This policy establishes the framework for guiding student behaviour at Pal Buddhist School.

Strategies to Foster Positive Behaviour

The Pal Buddhist School is committed to developing a culture of positive behaviour. We achieve this by:

• Clearly defining and communicating behaviour expectations.

• Implementing teaching and learning programs focused on positive behaviour.

• Maintaining open communication with our community regarding these expectations.

• Recognising and acknowledging positive behaviours through praise and awards.

• Keeping detailed records of student behaviour to support consistent and fair practices.

Prohibition of Corporal Punishment

The Pal Buddhist School strictly prohibits corporal punishment. This prohibition extends to:

• Explicitly or implicitly sanctioning corporal punishment by anyone outside the school, including parents or guardians.

• The use of any form of corporal punishment by staff, with violations leading to disciplinary action, possibly including dismissal.

Procedural Fairness

The Pal Buddhist School recognises that students are entitled to procedural fairness in all matters affecting their interests, including behaviour guidance actions. This means:

• Ensuring students are aware of school rules and expected behaviours.

• Guaranteeing decisions are made by impartial and reasonable individuals.

• Informing students of any allegations and providing an opportunity to respond.

• Allowing students to be heard before any decision is made.

• Offering a process for reviewing decisions, without delaying necessary immediate actions.

The Pal Buddhist School is dedicated to upholding these principles of procedural fairness in all behaviour guidance procedures.

School Rules and Standards of Behaviour

Students are required to follow all school rules and the directions given by teachers and staff. These rules are detailed 

• Student Code of Conduct

Consequences

When students do not follow school rules, a range of consequences may be applied. These include:

• Verbal or written warnings.

• Time-outs.

• Assigned clean-up duties.

• Loss of privileges.

• Withdrawal from school activities.

• Detentions.

• Suspension.

• Expulsion.

• Exclusion.

Decisions regarding suspension or expulsion are made by the Deputy Principal or the Head of School.

Individual Behaviour Guidance Plans

For significant or repeated breaches of the School’s Code of Conduct, individual behaviour guidance plans may be developed. These plans are created collaboratively with staff, students, and parents or guardians, and consider the student’s:

• Age.

• Developmental needs.

• Behavioural context.

Each plan will clearly outline expected positive behaviours and detail necessary changes to the learning environment to support the student in modifying their behaviour. The school is committed to providing ongoing support and will regularly review and adjust the plan as needed.

Procedures

Procedures for Suspension, Expulsion, and Exclusion

The Pal Buddhist School has specific procedures in place for considering student suspension, expulsion, or exclusion. These procedures are detailed in our separate “Suspension, Expulsion and Exclusion Procedures” document.