Student Engagement Guidelines

St Clare’s Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) 

In 2021, St Clare’s began to review behaviour management practices across the school, commencing the development of a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) approach. We value an inclusive approach to student behaviour support and our approach is grounded in Catholic values. At St Clare’s, we place great emphasis on the wellbeing of students and staff and we are uniquely positioned to positively influence wellbeing by fostering positive and sustainable characteristics that enable students to achieve. 

Much work has been completed to date and in 2025 we continue to implement and refine our processes to support positive student engagement.  

What is Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) and why is St Clare’s implementing it?

The Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) framework is being introduced to underpin our behaviour support, procedures and data collection by using evidence-based practices and data-informed decision making for safe, respectful and inclusive behaviours. 

We  believe that positive behaviour can be taught and with support, all students can develop self-management skills and social-emotional competence. Positive Behaviour for Learning enables school staff to respond effectively with a continuum of student support at universal prevention, targeted intervention, and intensive personalised tiers.

When we work together to do this well, teachers and students have more time to focus on relationships, teaching and learning. Students and staff benefit from:

• increased respectful and positive behaviour
• increased time focused on teaching and learning
• improved social and emotional wellbeing 
• positive and respectful relationships among students, staff and parents 
• increased adoption of evidence-based practices and supports 
• a predictable learning environment with improved perceptions of safety and increased attendance

We invite you to view the comprehensive St Clare's Student Engagement Guideline which can be downloaded below.

Watch our CLEAR Video here

CLEAR Expectations 

School-wide expectations encourage consistent communications and establish a common language of expectations for all staff, students and  parents across all settings. Agreed upon student expectations promote the school’s Catholic Identity and provide consistency across the staff and school community.

At St Clare’s Catholic School, we continually promote expected behaviours through teaching, practising, re-hearing, affirming, reminding and redirecting by referencing our CLEAR Expectations Matrix. Our CLEAR Expectations Matrix, which can be downloaded below, consists of general and theological definitions and scripture across various school settings using positively stated rules.

Our 5 expectations are summarised by the acronym CLEAR - Compassion, Love, Effort, Appreciation, Respect