ECD Traffic Light Policy
What does the RED light mean for ECD (Electronic Communication Device) use in class?
All ECDs — including iPads and laptops — must be put away and silenced. It means 'Tech-Free and Present'.
True or False: Wearing incorrect shoes to school is considered a low-level misconduct.
TRUE. Dress code and uniform violations are explicitly classified as low-level misconduct in the Behaviour Handbook.
Would you rather sneak a quick look at your iPad during a RED light to check the time, or use it during an AMBER light to play one quick game? Which is the bigger violation?
Both are violations! But the AMBER light game is worse — RED means put it away completely (a quick glance is still a violation), while AMBER means ONLY teacher-directed tasks. Playing a game during AMBER is actively misusing a limited permission. Both = low-level misconduct, verbal reminder first.
You see a student running and shouting in the corridor between classes. Which Code of Conduct value are they breaking, and what should they do instead?
They are breaking 'Be Safe' (and 'Be Responsible'). They should walk calmly and peacefully around the school. Running and shouting in corridors is listed as personal conduct / low-level misconduct.
Teaching 10 years, joined YWIES in 2023
Ms Bianca
What does the AMBER light mean for ECD use?
Limited or guided use. ECDs are only permitted for specific, teacher-directed tasks — for example, one designated note-taker, or looking up a specific term.
According to the misconduct examples in the handbook, what are three things that count as uniform or dress code violations?
Any three of: incorrect shoes, wearing clothes that are not school uniform, and dyed hair colour.
Would you rather wear incorrect shoes to school for a week, or come in with bright neon dyed hair for a day? Which one gets you in more trouble?
Both are low-level uniform/dress code misconduct! Incorrect shoes and dyed hair are both explicitly listed. Neither is 'worse' — both get a verbal reminder first. But repeated violations of either could escalate to mid-level misconduct. So pick your poison carefully!
During group work, two students start arguing and one calls the other a disrespectful name. According to the restorative approach, what should happen first?
A restorative conversation should take place — both students express their feelings and needs, explore how to address the problem, and focus on repairing the relationship rather than just receiving punishment. Questions are asked first to the person who was harmed, then to the student who caused harm.
What does the GREEN light mean for ECD use?
Full access and independent use. Students can actively use their ECDs as they see fit to accomplish their tasks
Why does the school expect students to follow the uniform guidelines? Which Code of Conduct value does this connect to?
To show pride and belonging in the school community. This connects to 'Be Responsible' — the handbook specifically says secondary students should 'follow the school uniform guidelines to show pride and belonging.'
Would you rather have a restorative conversation with the person you argued with, or receive a detention after a conflict? Which one does the school actually use?
The school uses restorative practices, not detention as a first response! A restorative conversation means you talk about what happened, how it affected others, and how to make it right — focus on repair, not punishment. And consequences are NEVER linked to curriculum areas (no writing lines, no extra reading as punishment).
A student is feeling very anxious and overwhelmed before a test. They ask if they can leave the classroom. What support is available to them according to school policy?
They can use a Calm Space — a low-arousal area with soft furnishings, sensory toys, weighted blankets, breathing exercises, and a quiet environment. They can also seek support from a counsellor or a trusted adult. The school offers co-regulation strategies, and only once the student is calm can a restorative conversation happen.
Comfort food: pineapple pizza
Ms Bianca
During a RED light period, a student is quietly checking their iPad under the desk. According to the ECD policy, what must happen?
The iPad must be put away and silenced immediately. This is a violation of the RED light rule. The teacher would give a verbal reminder or warning — this is classified as low-level misconduct (inappropriate use of technology).
A student arrives with brightly dyed pink hair and non-uniform trainers. What level of misconduct is this, and what would the first response likely be?
Low-level misconduct (dress code/uniform violation). The first response would be a verbal reminder or warning, followed by a check-in. If it continues, it could escalate to mid-level misconduct.
Would you rather be late to class three times in one week, or forget your homework once? Which could escalate faster?
Both start as low-level misconduct (attendance/lateness and classroom disengagement). But REPEATED lateness three times in a week could escalate to mid-level misconduct (continued/repeated low-level) faster than a single forgotten homework. First response for either = verbal reminder/check-in on ManageBac. Don't make it a habit!
During a GREEN light ECD period, a student starts playing games and scrolling social media instead of working on their assignment. What should the teacher do, and what level of misconduct is this?
This is low-level misconduct (inappropriate use of technology). The teacher should give a verbal reminder or warning, set a limit with choices ('You can put it away or hand it in to the office'), allow time, and be prepared to follow through on the consequence. If it continues, it may escalate to mid-level misconduct.
Your teacher says: 'I need one person to look up the definition of sustainability on their laptop while the rest of you take notes.' Which traffic light colour is this, and why?
AMBER — Limited/Guided Use. Because ECDs are only permitted for a specific, teacher-directed task with one designated user, not for everyone to use freely.
How does wearing the correct uniform connect to at least TWO different values in the Student Code of Conduct? Explain each connection
1) Be Responsible — following uniform guidelines shows pride and belonging, and taking ownership of school expectations. 2) Be Respectful — respecting the school's rules and the community's shared standards; respecting that uniform creates equality and reduces distractions. (Be Safe could also be argued — proper uniform supports safety in certain settings like PE or labs.)
Would you rather push through a test feeling super anxious and overwhelmed, or ask to go to the Calm Space even if you miss some test time? Which does the school want you to do?
Go to the Calm Space! The school actively encourages students to use the Calm Space when distressed, overwhelmed, or anxious. It has soft furnishings, sensory toys, weighted blankets, and breathing exercises. You can go alone or with a trusted adult. Only once you're calm can you learn effectively — and missing a few minutes of test time is better than having a meltdown. Your wellbeing comes first!
A student has been repeatedly late to class, hasn't completed homework, and now talks back when reminded by the teacher. Walk through the likely escalation of consequences from the first incident to the most recent one, naming the misconduct level at each stage.
Stage 1 (first incident — lateness / incomplete work): Low-Level Misconduct → verbal reminder or warning, check-in, recorded on ManageBac. Stage 2 (repeated lateness + talking back): Mid-Level Misconduct (continued/repeated low-level + defiance) → reflection time out, restorative conversation, community service or educational project, parent contact. Stage 3 (if behaviour continues despite interventions): Serious Misconduct → parent meeting, internal suspension, restorative conference, possibly external suspension. Throughout, the focus is on restorative repair — understanding impact, taking responsibility, and rebuilding trust — not just punishment.