Pakenham Consolidated School provides an educational environment which recognises, values and builds student wellbeing and develops students who are physically and emotionally healthy. The emotional and physical wellbeing of our students is pivotal to their success at school, as adolescents, and in their future lives. Physically and emotionally healthy students are happy, able to deal positively with life’s challenges, experience a sense of connectedness with the school and others, and are well placed to develop into well-balanced and successful young adults.

Staffing
At PCS our Wellbeing Team consists of a Complex Case Manager and a Primary Welfare Officer. We also have access to psychologists and speech pathologists through the Education Department.

Whole school approach

The foundation of our positive school is the active participation of all members of the school community so they feel valued, safe and secure; are provided with meaningful opportunities to contribute to the school; and have every opportunity to meet their personal and educational potential. A key component of the school’s approach to prevention is teaching positive behaviours. This is achieved through the use of role modelling, having clear expectations of appropriate behaviour, relationship restoration through Restorative Practices, and logical consequences to address inappropriate behaviour.

Programs

The school community is supported by programs that support a safe environment and encourage open discussion.

Bucket Fillers

Bucket Fillers is a whole school approach. The strategies aim to both develop resilience and promote kindness. The students participate in weekly Bucket Filler sessions which aim to build a common language, understanding and approach to Bucket Filling practices across the school community.  

It's Cool To Be At School
At Pakenham Consolidated School we understand that full attendance is the key to engagement and maximises every student's ability to learn and our teachers' ability to teach effectively. The school has actively embraced the "It's not OK to be away!" and "It's COOL to be at school!" approaches, and awards the grade with the highest attendance rate at assembly. The school has established an expectation that students attend on a regular basis, by developing checks on attendance patterns and that teachers follow up on all unexplained absences. The school community is reminded in the newsletter about the value of sctudent attendance and processes employed at the school for monitoring attendance.




Positive Reinforcement
A culture of positive reinforcement and encouragement will permeate all facets of our school. Student work and achievements will be regularly showcased and publicly recognised. Students who receive a 'CLASS STAR' or 'BUCKET FILLER' award will be presented with their award at assembly. Positive phone calls are also made each week.