Student Support Practices
We have many practices in place to support students at Ainslie.
Buddy Classes
Buddy classes- an older year group class is paired with a younger class. This is a supportive and sharing relationship which operates throughout the school year. Buddy Classes foster a sensitive and caring atmosphere within the school. Some of the shared activities are: reading to each other; older students writing and illustrating books to read and present to their younger buddy; helping with science experiments; shared excursions such as Teddy Bear's Picnic.
Class Meetings
Class meetings assist in developing a cohesive and cooperative classroom climate. They are also an important part of the Student Representative Council problem solving and reporting process. Classroom rules are often developed in class meetings. This process of class discussions involves every member of the class in:
group problem solving with the aim of finding creative solutions
open-ended discussion to encourage thinking and communication skills
an open and supportive forum for airing difficulties or concerns
an opportunity to build self esteem and provide support
Aspects of Ainslie's Student Welfare and Management Policy are presented and discussed during class meetings. It is important that each student is aware of the rules and expectations of the school. It is also important that students understand the reasons for these rules and consequences for inappropriate behaviour. All children have rights, which are accompanied by responsibilities.
Students often say that they are unaware of what is meant by 'harassment'. Class meetings can highlight, through practical real life examples, what constitutes harassment e.g. name-calling, exclusion, body language, put downs etc.
Merit Awards
These are issued by teachers and presented to students at School assemblies. Teachers endeavour to recognise all children at one time or another, in recognition of the importance of building self esteem. These awards are seen as recognition and encouragement for the many skills, personal attributes and individual and team efforts that are valued by the school and its community.
New Student 'Buddies'
A small support group or 'buddt' is assigned to assist all new studentsin the settling in process. Everyone understands what being new to a school means and everyone assists in trying to make this time as smooth as possible. The class 'buddies' are an important link for new students in their first week at Ainslie.
Peer Support Groups
Peer Support groups meet at different times from Term 2. Each group of about 12 students from across the year groups is led by two Year 6 students who are trained as leaders in Term 1. These groups provide connections across all ages and enhance relationships right through the school.
Playground Peer Mediators
Senior students in the school participate in leadership training to develop skills with working with students on the playground. These senior students assist on the junior playground at luncgtimes. They are not enforcers of appropriate behaviours- they lead by example and support students to solve problems.
Positive Recognition 'Raffle' Tickets
These are issued by teachers on the playground or in other school situations. They are issued to recognise positive behaviour, for example:
helping others
playing fairly
including other children in their games.
These tickets are issued to individual students to add to their own class tally record. At the end of each term classes have special reward activities.
School Counsellor
A School Counsellor attends Ainslie School each week and is an integral member of the staff and Student Welfare Team. The Counsellor is responsible for providing diagnostic testing whereappropriate as well as advising teachers and parents on the psychological, educational and behavioural difficulties encountered by children at school. The Counsellor is available to discuss with parents any concerns they may have regarding their children. Appointments to see the School Counsellor can be made either through the Front Office or the child's teacher.
Student Representative Council (SRC)
The SRC has two representatives from each class. The SRC meets once a week. It is led by senior class representatives including the school captains and facilitated by the Deputy Principal. The SRC also leads the school in organising fundraising events.
