PB4L:SW (Positive Behaviour for Learning: School Wide) is a framework used by schools to develop initiatives to 'support students to improve their behaviour, resilience and wellbeing. They (the initiatives) help to create more positive home and school environments and deter bullying. By removing barriers to engagement, we improve students' chances to achieve at school and beyond", Ministry of Education Positive Behaviour for Learning Update 2013.

Otago Girls' High School became involved in PB4L:SW in 2012. Although expectations were high and behaviour generally good, the school believed we would benefit from a united approach and from having a focus on teaching and rewarding desired behaviour, rather than on punishing unwanted behaviour.

We have three core values for PB4L within our school. These are

• Respect

• Positivity

• Integrity

We have two PB4L Prefects, whose role is to promote the initiative among students and to provide the PB4L team with student perspectives. These prefect roles are now highly sought after! 

For further information on PB4L, please refer to the OGHS school website.

PB4L Restorative Practice is "a relational approach to school life grounded in the beliefs about equality, dignity, mana and the potential of all people". It focuses on "building and maintaining positive, respectful relationships across the school community and offers staff best-practice tools and techniques to help restore relationships when things go wrong",  (Ministry of Education, Positive Behaviour for Learning). By working within the PB4L Restorative Practice, issues are more easily managed should something happen. 

All staff at Otago Girls' High School are trained in running a restorative conversation. These take place, when necessary, to help resolve any conflict or misunderstanding that has occurred, and to allow all parties involved to understand how the other person or group is feeling. 

For further information on Restorative Practice, please click on this link.