At Marsden State School, we are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment where every child can thrive. Our approach to behaviour and wellbeing is grounded in two complementary frameworks: Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) and the Reboot program, which together support both skill-building and emotional regulation in our students.
Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)
Marsden is a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) school. PBL is a whole-school approach that focuses on the explicit teaching of expected behaviours to help students succeed socially, emotionally, and academically. Our four school rules guide everything we do:
- Be Safe
- Be Respectful
- Be Responsible
- Be a Learner
Students are recognised and rewarded for demonstrating these positive behaviours through our Dojo points system. Points are tracked via students' online accounts and can be used to purchase rewards from our Dojo Shop. These may include small tangible items (like wristbands) or special experiences, such as lunch with a teacher or extra classroom free time. This system helps reinforce positive behaviour and motivates students to make positive choices.
Trauma-Informed Practice and Reboot
In 2025, we introduced the Reboot program as part of our school-wide commitment to trauma-informed education. Reboot helps students learn about their brain (The 3 Brains) and understand how their brains respond to stress and how they can self-regulate their emotions and behaviour. It supports students in learning to move from a state of emotional dysregulation (such as anger, fear or shutdown) back into a calm, focused "learning brain."
Reboot uses tools such as:
- The 5 Faces – to help students identify their emotional state
- Calm Corners and Visual Timetables – to create safe, predictable spaces and routines
- Power Bubbles and The Positive Change Highway – to teach regulation strategies and develop self-awareness
Reboot works hand-in-hand with PBL by supporting the emotional and physiological regulation students need in order to meet behavioural expectations. While PBL teaches what positive behaviour looks like, Reboot supports why a student may be struggling and how to help them get back on track in a safe and supportive way.
Together, PBL and Reboot provide a holistic, proactive, and inclusive approach to behaviour and wellbeing. They reflect our school's belief that all students can learn, grow, and succeed when we give them the tools and support they need—both academically and emotionally.
Building Resilience and Social Skills
To support students in managing social challenges, we also teach the High 5 problem-solving strategies:
- Ignore
- Talk Friendly
- Walk Away
- Talk Firmly
- Report
These strategies empower students to resolve minor issues calmly and respectfully, while also knowing when to seek help from an adult. They are a key part of helping students build resilience, independence, and conflict-resolution skills.
If you would like to learn more about either PBL or Reboot, please don't hesitate to reach out to your child's teacher or a member of our leadership team.