THIS week around the western region of Port Stephens students were recognised for their positive contribution to the community and their schools through the Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) program.

Sue Holloway, PBL coordinator at Grahamstown Public School, told News Of The Area, “Grahamstown Public School students and staff are proud to be members of the Raymond Terrace Community PBL program.

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“We are a school of respectful, safe learners who always try our personal best,” she said.

“Our school embodies these values and the learning dispositions of persistence, collaboration, engagement and creativity.

“We have fortnightly PBL focuses where students are explicitly taught expected behaviours.

“Students are acknowledged for their positive behaviour by gaining ‘Graham’ tokens, which build to whole-school rewards, and school-merit awards presented at assemblies,” she said.

“All of our students recently participated in a whole school ‘Survivor Challenge’, where students had to demonstrate persistence in some fun, yet challenging events.

“Soon to come is a whole-school collaboration initiative.

“The GPS students proudly participate in community activities where they demonstrate the skills of positive behaviour they have developed at school,” she said.

NOTA congratulates this week’s nominees who received their awards at MarketPlace, Raymond Terrace.

Brandi Bell of Irrawang Public School was nominated for a PBL award for going above and beyond in supporting younger students.

Her teachers said Brandi helps pupils get to school safely and ensures they feel safe and happy. She showed kindness and patience at all times, her teachers said.

Raymond Terrace Public School’s Lucas Cheetham was nominated for valuing and displaying inclusivity for everyone within his leadership roles as a 007 student leader and kinder buddy.

Kayley Brien of Grahamstown Public School was nominated for displaying the school values of respect at all times.

She is polite, cooperative and kind, said her teachers.

Nate Blundell of Irrawang High School (IHS) was nominated for demonstrating school PBL values by handing in earpods found on a bus belonging to a student from another school.

Nate is a wonderful representative of IHS in sport and with his school-based traineeship, his teachers said.

Hunter River High School’s Braiven Megallon was nominated for his committed effort to the school’s Student Representative Council.

Loriah Toan of Salt Ash Public School was nominated for being a respectful community member when visiting a local doctor’s surgery.

She was a polite patient and demonstrated bravery and resilience, while putting her trust in the medical staff, her teachers said.

Medowie Public School student Ellie Wallace was nominated for being a kind and considerate student.

Ellie started her own lunchtime club, so everyone in the school always had someone to play with.

Layla Bridge of Seaham Public School was nominated for upholding the Seaham PBL values of respect and responsibility.

Layla found a valuable item whilst at Starstruck that she secured and handed in so it could be returned to its rightful owner.

And Karuah Public School’s Jimi Nolan was nominated for displaying outstanding sportsmanship, determination, dedication and team spirit during weekend AFL games.

By Marian SAMPSON