Behaviour Guidelines and School Procedures

School Rules

Toowoomba Grammar School strives to be a community that promotes care, respect and cooperation, and values diversity. The School affirms the right of all members of the school community (students, families and employees) to feel physically and emotionally safe, secure and valued. All students have the right to learn and teachers have the right to teach without obstruction. All members of the School community have the right to be treated with respect and the right to be free from harassment, intimidation and violence.

Toowoomba Grammar School actively seeks to promote positive student behaviour whilst at the same time preventing student behaviour that is inappropriate. The Student Behaviour Management Policy affirms the special responsibility that the School has for the pastoral care and wellbeing of students at the School and in boarding by supporting them to engage in appropriate behaviours that facilitate learning (their own and others) and appropriate social engagement with other students and staff.

Students are expected to:

» Develop a sense of responsibility and accountability for their own behaviour » Demonstrate respect for themselves, other members of the school community and the school environment » Behave in a manner that respects the rights of others, including the right to learn » Cooperate with staff and others in authority » Always behave appropriately when representing the

School and in a way, that does not bring the School into disrepute » Recognise that there are consequences for inappropriate behaviour

Parents are expected to:

» Show an active interest in their son’s schooling and progress » Cooperate with the School to achieve the best possible outcomes for their son » Support School staff in maintaining a safe and respectful learning environment for all students » Initiate and maintain constructive and respectful communication and relationships with School staff regarding their child’s learning, wellbeing and behaviour » Contribute positively to the implementation of behaviour support structures that concern their child » Adhere to the statements and expectations as outlined in the TGS Conditions of Enrolment and associated agreements.

Manners

» All members of the Toowoomba Grammar School community are expected to show good manners, speak clearly and use appropriate language. » When talking to staff or visitors, boys are to stand up with hands out of pockets. In formal occasions, such as

Assemblies, meetings and other public occasions, they are to sit tall and keep their attention on the speaker or presenter. » Boys should always stand back at a door to allow an adult to proceed. » It is an expectation that boys tip their hats when acknowledging an adult.

Appearance and Dress

Boys should be proud of their appearance and wear the School uniform with pride. Boys’ general appearance should be neat and clean.

Uniform: Boys are expected to always wear the various School uniforms correctly. In blazer dress, the shirt buttons at the collar and cuffs must be done up. Ties must be worn neatly and correctly. The Akubra is to be worn at all times that blazer dress or blues are worn. Akubras which have holes in them or are out of shape are not permitted. Dayboys when coming into the School out of school hours must wear the same uniform expected of boarders.

Hair: The School’s regulations concerning haircuts are as follows: the hair must not be over the collar, and must be neatly shaped at the back of the neck; the ears must not be obscured and sideburns must not extend past the middle of the ear; fringe must not extend past the eyebrows; extremes of hairstyles are not permitted and the sides must be blended with the length of the hair on top; minimum blade length is a number 2 blade (5mm); hair must not be dyed or coloured. It is expected that student’s hair is neat and presentable at all times. The School recognises that some students will request exemption from these regulations based on their cultural and faith backgrounds. This can be done via parents/guardians in consultation with the School.

Jewellery: Apart from watches, no jewellery (eg. rings, earrings, bracelets etc.) is to be worn. Piercings or tattoos are not allowed.

School bags: The school bag used to carry books and other equipment must be a Toowoomba Grammar School bag. The bag should be in good condition with no stickers or inappropriate writing visible. It should be clearly named. Laptops should be carried in the laptop bag supplied by the School.

Personal belongings: All possessions are to be clearly marked with the student’s name. Boys should not have large sums of money or other valuable items at school. Personal possessions are the responsibility of individuals and they must ensure to make suitable arrangements for their safety. When changing for sport or PE, boys should not leave a mobile phone or wallet in their bag. If boys have something of value and cannot carry it with them, they should arrange with their Head of House or the Deputy Headmaster’s Secretary for its temporary safekeeping. Boys must not tamper with other students’ property and should immediately hand any lost property found to the Student Officer.

Shoes: Only black leather school shoes are to be worn with School uniform. Shoes must be kept clean and laces tied.

Socials: When attending a Social, boys are required to wear covered shoes (thongs are not acceptable), long pants or neat, long shorts and preferably a collared shirt. No clothing is to be ripped and no inappropriate language or images should be visible. If it is a themed Social, dress must still be appropriate As boys are considered to be representing the School while attending a Social, their behaviour should be of the highest standard.

Mobile Phone Guidelines and Technology Use

The following expectations are in place for mobile phone and technology use:

» Should parents wish for boys to bring a mobile phone to

School, it is to be secured in the boy’s locker on arrival to school. » The phone is permitted to be used only after 3.10pm. » Urgent messages to boys and to parents can be directed to Student Services for distribution. » Boarders have no need for mobile phones at School and are expected to keep these secure in the Boarding House. » Laptops are not permitted to be used before school or during breaks, unless in the Library. Boys wishing to use technology for work are permitted to do so in the Library.

Communication

Teachers: Teachers may be called from the Staff Room by the Deputy Headmaster’s Secretary. Teachers are most easily contacted via email both by boys and parents. If you need to see a teacher outside of class time you should email them to arrange a time and place to meet.

Student Notices: Boys should read the notices in Student Cafe, check their emails and diary each day.

Leave

Once students arrive at School in the morning, they are not permitted to leave the grounds without permission. Any boy who needs to leave the School grounds (except on an official excursion) must report out to the Head of Senior School’s Assistant and receive a permission slip. When boys return to School, they must report in to the Head of Senior School’s Assistant. There is no provision for lunch leave.

Classroom procedures

» Boys must arrive on time to class and bring the correct equipment. » At the start of a lesson students should stand quietly outside the classroom until the teacher lets them into the room. » Once inside the classroom, boys are to stand behind their desk until they are invited to sit by their teacher. » Mobile phones should be stored in lockers and must be switched off during the school day. » It is rude to interject or talk whilst the teacher is teaching or during discussion – wait for permission to speak. » A learning culture is one of mutual support. Verbal bullying, such as put-downs, teasing, sarcasm, laughing at others’ mistakes or creating distractions, is not acceptable. » Technology should only be used for learning purposes in the classroom. » Learning is more effective in a co-operative and positive environment. » The lesson does not end until the teacher has dismissed the class. The bell is a signal for the teacher only. » As boys leave the classroom, they are asked to check that it is left tidy. If it is the last period of the day, place chairs on the desks and lock the windows. » School bags should be stored in lockers. Boys should only have with them the equipment required for the lesson, including any technology requirements.

Grounds and Buildings

We have beautiful grounds and all should assist in maintaining their cleanliness. Boys are expected to respect common property, such as the buildings and grounds of the School, and treat them with care and consideration.

Areas Out of Bounds: The following areas are out of bounds to boys at all times unless taken there by a member of staff: staff work and common rooms, School offices, kitchen, workmen’s shed, car parks and the verandahs of the Heenan Building. All ovals, gym’s and the Sports Centre are out of bounds during morning tea. Bicycle racks are out of bounds except when arriving at, or leaving from, School.

Food: Food is not to be eaten in buildings with the exception of the Dining Room.

Litter: Please do not litter. Numerous bins are provided around the grounds. Every boy is responsible for the cleanliness of the School. Where appropriate use the recycling bins.

Tuckshop: Boys are not to be at the tuckshop after the warning bell, between classes, or when classes are in progress.

Lockers: Boys will be allocated a personal locker near their House Office or Year 7 classrooms. School bags and any personal belongings should be stored in the boy’s locker at all times. Each boy will be issued a school lock to secure his locker.

Paths: Boys should walk on the paths and paved areas around the School. Do not track across grassed areas.

Transport and Travel

When travelling to and from School, boys must take the utmost care on the street and on public transport, and be aware not only of their own safety but also that of others. If travelling on public transport or walking to School, they must remember that it is in the public eye and act with restraint and common sense at all times.

Bicycles: Bicycles must be parked during the day in the racks provided and in no other places around the School. Helmets must be worn. Where directed, students must walk bicycles.

Public Transport: On public transport, boys must make sure they are not noisy, and allow adults to board or alight first. Boys should keep bags out of the way.

Use of Diary

Staff may write comments in the Diary. Dayboy parents are asked to initial these comments to indicate that they have been read. Parents of dayboys in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 are also asked to sign their son’s diary once a week.

Behaviour Management

The expectation is that every boy who attends Toowoomba Grammar School will understand the School’s rules and regulations and abide by them. Despite this, the School does sometimes need to utilise a range of disciplinary procedures. The following is an explanation of the more common discipline procedures implemented.

Detentions

Late Slips

This involves a fifteen minute work party, completed from 3:30 – 3:45pm on the day given. They are given to boys who are late to class and can be available for use by the School Prefects.

Uniform Detentions

These are given for failure to wear the uniform as specified in Appearance and Dress above. The boys receive a green slip. Boys who receive a uniform detention will carry out duties from 3:30 - 3:50pm on the same afternoon or the following afternoon. Boys who have a 20 minute uniform detention are still able to fulfil sporting and other commitments after having completed their detention.

Academic Detentions

These are given for failure to complete academic work satisfactorily. The boys receive a green slip. Boys who receive an academic detention will do academic work on Friday afternoon from 3:30 - 5:00pm of the week in which it is given, unless it is given on a Friday, whereby it will be completed the following Friday.

Behaviour Detentions

These are given for behaviour misdemeanours. The boys receive a green slip. Boys who receive a behaviour detention will carry out duties from 3:15pm - 4:00pm on the same afternoon or the following afternoon. Boys who have a 45 minute behaviour detention are still able to fulfil sporting and other commitments after having completed their detention.

Friday behaviour detentions are of 1½ hours duration and commence at 3:30pm of the week in which they are given, unless given on a Friday. They are issued for continual offences, rude behaviour or more serious misdemeanours and are managed in the same manner as a 45 minute behaviour detention.

Headmaster Detentions (Saturday Detentions)

These are given by the Headmaster, Deputy Headmaster or Head of Senior School only. They may be given for a single significant offence or an accumulation of minor offences. The boys receive a red slip which is to be signed by their parents (dayboys) and Head of House (boarders and dayboys). Boys who receive a Headmaster Detention will work for three hours on a Saturday morning (9:00am - 12:00pm). They must also make an appointment to see the Headmaster and are not permitted to be involved in any other School activities (co-curricular, socials) on that day.

Yellow Cards

Boys will sometimes be placed on a yellow card system by the Deputy Headmaster, Head of Senior School or their Head of House. This is a card which is to be signed by the teacher each period of the day. Parents of dayboys and Heads of House of boarders are asked to sign this card each night. Dayboys will show their card to their Head of House each morning.

Notification to Parents/Probation/ Suspension/Withdrawal by Parents

When the previously mentioned sanctions are not having the desired effect, parents may be formally notified of the School’s concern and the boy may be placed on probation. Significant behaviour problems and major breaches of the School rules may result in suspension for a period of time. Any boy who is suspended will return to the School on probation. In some cases parents may be asked to withdraw their son from the School.

Behaviour Management Strategies

Level 1 is inappropriate behaviour that occurs within the classroom or other settings, that disrupts the functioning of the situation. This behaviour impacts on student learning and wellbeing of students, and disrupts the ability of a teacher, as well as other staff, to function in a safe and orderly environment. Behaviour at this level is typically managed by the supervising staff member, teacher or mentor.

Behaviour

» Eating in class » Chewing gum » Untidy appearance » Desk graffiti » Littering » Misuse of technology » Discourtesy or insolence » Disobeying a reasonable request » Teasing » Pushing/shoving » Excessive/inappropriate noise » Swearing » Asking inappropriate questions » Homework not complete » No equipment for class » Disrupting the learning of others » Lack of effort » Minor breach of Academic and Assessment Policy

Communication

Academic matters and general behavioural issues will be managed by the classroom teacher in consultation with the student’s mentor. The teaching staff member is to inform the parents and record the incident.

Action

» Verbal warning » 20-minute uniform detention » 45-minute behaviour detention » Confiscation of equipment

Level 2 is moderate inappropriate behaviour that disrupts the functioning of the situation and demonstrates a lack of respect for themselves and/or the rights of others. This behaviour has an increased impact on student learning and wellbeing of students, and disrupts the ability of a teacher, as well as other staff, to function in a safe and orderly environment. This behaviour may be an escalation of inappropriate behaviours observed previously. Behaviour at this level is typically managed by the Head of Department and/or Head of House or Head of Year 7. Behaviour at this level is typically managed by the supervising staff member in consultation with their line manager.

Behaviour

» Repeated Level 1 misdemeanours » Failure to attend a detention » Non-compliance with a reasonable request from a member of staff » Low-level bullying/harassment » Improper use of social media » Breach of Digital Citizenship Policy » Swearing and abusive language » Minor vandalism » Dishonesty » Breach of Mobile Telephone policy » Absence from school without permission » Academic misconduct » Plagiarism » Failure to submit an assignment or unacceptable level of completion » Consistent lack of effort » Repeated breach of Academic and Assessment

Policy

Communication

Matters at this level will be managed by the Head of Department, Head of House or Head of Year. Consultation may occur with the Director of Studies, Director of Boarding or Director of Sport and Activities. Parents will be informed and the incident recorded.

Action

Support Options

» Parent Meeting

Counsellor referral

Sanction Options

» Friday Behaviour

Detention » Friday Academic

Detention » Loss of privileges » Daily Report (Yellow)

Card » Organisation (Blue) Card

Level 3 is significant inappropriate behaviour that is of increasing concern and may include some form of physical, emotional and/or psychological harm to self or others. These may be one-off incidents or occur as the result of repeated issues over time. They may also include behaviours that are significantly disruptive and impact on the learning opportunities of other students and the ability of staff to function appropriately. Behaviour at this level is typically managed by the Head of Senior School.

Behaviour

» Incidents and activities that bully, intimidate and/or harass individual/s » Repeated inappropriate behaviour » Major vandalism » Unacceptable moral behaviour » Pornography » Racist comments » Major breach of the Digital Citizenship Policy » Theft » Major academic misconduct » Violent physical assault or aggression towards students or staff » Major disruption to the learning of others » Persistent/wilful disobedience » Repeated truancy » Continual failure to follow instructions or rules » Conduct prejudicial to the good order, reputation and discipline of the School

Communication

Director of Studies, Director of Boarding or Director of Sport and Activities to consult with the Head of Senior School. Executive member to inform parents and record the incident.

Action

Support Options

» DOS, DOSA, DOB, HOSS

Parent Meeting » Counsellor referral

Sanction Options

» Friday Behaviour

Detention » Friday Academic

Detention » Saturday Detention » Internal Suspension » Suspension » Behaviour contract

Level 4 are serious wellbeing issues and are the most serious and involve behaviour or incidents that have the potential to significantly affect the wellbeing of one or more individuals or the School. They may be physical, emotional and/or psychological in nature and result in harm to self or others. These may be one-off incidents or occur as the result of repeated incidents over time. Any form of illegal activity would be classified at this level. Behaviour of this type may result in a student forfeiting the right to retain a place at the School. This form of behaviour is typically managed by the Deputy Headmaster and the matter may be referred to the Headmaster.

Behaviour

» Use/possession/sale/distribution of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or vapes. » Unlawful behaviour. » Serious incidents and activities that bully, intimidate and/or harass individual/s causing them serious physical or emotional distress. » Serious breach of the academic misconduct policy. » Extreme anti-social behaviour in class, around grounds or while traveling to or from school or a school venue. » Unwillingness to participate/cooperate in behaviour management plan or strategy. » Verbal, physical or sexual harassment of students, staff, pre-service staff, visitors to the school or members of the community. » Extreme behaviour beyond school, and not necessarily related to a school activity, but which brings the School into disrepute or affects the

School in a direct or indirect way.

Communication

The Head of Senior School will investigate the matter, record the incident and report it to the Deputy Headmaster or Headmaster. The Head of Senior School will communicate with parents/guardians.

Action

Support Options

» HOSS/Deputy/

Headmaster Parent

Meeting » Counsellor referral

Sanction Options

» Saturday Detention » Internal Suspension » Suspension » Behaviour contract » Cancellation of enrolment » Police referral