CARLTON South Public School is expanding its definition of "teaching" to include much more than just reading and writing.
This month the school launched a new project that aims to develop respectful behaviour in and outside the classroom.
"Promoting Positive Behaviour" stems from the "Positive Behaviour for Learning" framework, which enables teachers to reinforce responsibility, kindness, respect and honesty, and make children more aware of the consequences of poor choices through school rules.
Its success depends on strong collaboration between the school and parents, so pupils can turn their focus to academic motivation.
Teachers said the idea was to promote positive reinforcement, as opposed to punishment, when it came to simple activities including politely ordering lunch at the canteen, appropriately crossing the road, walking instead of running in the playground, and washing hands.
Program co-ordinator Ann-Maree O'Donnell said that it was all about reminding pupils of responsibilities.
"We started looking at our school rules two years ago, and we wanted to change them so they helped children become active learners," she said.
"These are basic everyday tasks, but it's about making pupils aware that all teachers expect consistency in the same behaviour."
It also involved expanding the school's merit system, which promoted rewards for pupils who made the right choices.
"If we don't have to manage discipline, we get to the core part of school: teaching."
