Learner Expectations

Academic Excellence and Classroom Learning

At Wairau Intermediate we foster a culture of excellence where students are supported to reach their full potential in all aspects of school life – academically, socially, emotionally and physically. Our goal is to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and study habits necessary for success in high school and beyond.

Our school values of respect, integrity, courage and empathy provide the foundation for the way in which our students communicate, act and care for themselves, each other and the environment.

Students are expected to represent the school with pride. To achieve this, it is necessary to set the following expectations.

Classroom Learning – students are reminded to:

Attend a regularly and arrive at school on time with the equipment they need

so that the can make the most of every learning opportunity

take pride in the presentation of their work – work books must be free from doodles and graffiti
follow class expectations for the layout of handwritten work so that work is presented neatly and clearly

Personal Conduct – students are expected to:

speak positively about others
respect each other’s personal space
use their devices safely, carefully and respectfully for learning
leave phones in their bags, on silent, so that from they are away for the day
include others during our classroom and break times
treat everyone’s personal property and the school property with respect
use language that is kind
respond to requests from adults quickly and positively
ask questions politely
take ownership and responsibility for their actions
look out for others and seek help when it is needed
represent our school positively and with pride

Moving Around the School – students are expected to:

walk inside all classrooms and hallways
take care when running around buildings
be mindful of students and adults who are learning – keeping disruption to a minimum
enter the office area respectfully and politely, then ask for assistance as required
only enter another classroom / Block if asked to do so

only bring items to school that are necessary and safe for learning and extra-curricular activities

Environment – students are reminded to:

clean up their rubbish especially after break times
empty rubbish bins on a regular basis – class monitors assist with rubbish removal
keep shoes, bag us or jumpers away from doorways
take off their shoes if muddy and before entering the library
use toilets responsibly – these are shared between classes and are a joint responsibility
use sanitiser, wipes and bacterial spray daily as part of our ongoing health and safety measures to keep the classroom clean
assist in leaving classrooms tidy at the end of each day so that the cleaners can clean surfaces and carpet areas as required

Positive Behaviour For Learning

At Wairau we adopt a school-wide approach to addressing all types of behaviour. This approach is based upon the principles of PB4L (Positive Behaviour for Learning). This is a long term approach that supports us to create a culture where positive behaviour and learning thrive. Students are taught in very specific terms what behaviours are expected of them. These expectations are aligned with our school values. There is a consistent response to these behaviours across the school.

Positive Behaviour for Learning believes:

Positive behaviour can be learnt and difficult and disruptive behaviour can be unlearnt.
Individual children are not a ‘problem’ – we need to change the environment around them to support positive behaviour.
Punishing and isolating children doesn’t bring about long-term and sustainable changes in behaviour.
We need to concentrate on a small number of evidence-based programmes and frameworks that we know work.
There are no quick fixes. Behaviour change takes time.

The Difference Positive Behaviour for Learning will make:

Positive learning focussed relationships between students and adults.
Children and young people will be more engaged and will achieve at school.
Teachers and leaders will spend more time teaching.
Educators will keep more children and young people at school, will feel confident and will feel supported in addressing behaviour problems.
Parents and whanau will have more positive relationships with their children and home will be more positive and harmonious.
School leaders and Boards will celebrate the learning and achievement of all their students.