Hallam Secondary College acknowledges that student wellbeing is everyone’s responsibility and is a high priority.
Social and emotional wellbeing underpin effective student learning and positive behaviour (Victorian Student Engagement Policy Guidelines, 2010).
The recognition of positive effort, achievement and pro social behaviour will enable staff and students to express their gratitude for members of the school community who demonstrate behaviour that is consistent with our college values. This will lead to enhanced wellbeing and thus encourage positive behaviour of members of the school community.
Gratitude is considered to be one of the most reliable methods for increasing happiness and life satisfaction. It boosts feelings of optimism, joy, pleasure and enthusiasm whilst also reducing anxiety and depression and can lead to increased resilience, stronger relationships and increased teacher satisfaction and sense of accomplishment. (http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/gratitude/definition#how_to_cultivate)
Aim of the positive recognition program
- Increase student connection with the school community
- Encourage staff to reflect upon and recognise a student’s strengths and achievements
- Provide feedback to students and families
- Increase positive school climate and culture through an emphasis on positive behaviours
- Promote the development of ‘gratitude’ as a source of wellbeing for members of the school community
Implementation: Hallam Secondary College Awards
| Award type | How / where recognised | Person / group responsible |
| Sports Awards | Sports Academy October | Sport Health Science Sub School |
| Trades Gala Awards | Trades Gala Term 3 | Trades Sub School |
| Excellence in Arts Awards | ||
| Excellence in Arts Awards | Year 12 Exhibition October | |
| Year 10 & 11 Arts Exhibition November | Arts & Humanitiess Sub School | |
| Science Awards | Science Night of the Notables | |
| May / June | Science/ IT & Commerce Sub school | |
| Sub school Semester Awards | End of semester assemblies | All Sub Schools |
| 1. Outstanding work ethic (Effort merits) | ||
| 2. Outstanding achievement (Quality of work merits) | ||
| 3. Citizenship (Positive Relationship merits) | ||
| High Achievers Awards Semester 1 | End of Semester 1 Awards evening July | YAR & team |
| Year 12 Awards Semester 2 | End of Semester 2 Awards evening December | YAR & team |
| Year 10 & 11 Awards Semester 2 | End of Semester 2 Awards evening December | YAR & team |
All students deserve the opportunity to achieve success and gain positive recognition in the following three areas;
Effort, Quality of work and Positive Relationships.