Discipline Policy

Our Belief

Our student management approach is grounded in the belief that every child deserves to learn in a safe, caring and supportive environment. Discipline plays an important role in supporting students’ character development and overall wellbeing, enabling them to grow not only academically, but also socially and emotionally.

At Yishun Primary School, we believe very student has the capacity to develop self-discipline, make responsible choices and learn from mistakes. Through clear expectations, consistent guidance and strong  home–school  partnership,  we seek to  nurture  positive  values  such  as respect, responsibility and empathy. In doing so, we guide our students to become confident individuals who are able to act with integrity and consideration for others.

What is Bullying?

Bullying involves persistent and intentional hurtful acts, while other hurtful behaviours include once- off insensitive comments and physical fights. Bullying and hurtful behaviourscan take various forms, including verbal, social, physical and cyber:

• Verbal: Name-calling, spreading rumours, or making threats

• Social exclusion: Deliberately leaving someone out, or encouraging others to ignore someone

• Physical actions: Pushing, hitting, or damaging someone's belongings

• Cyber bullying: Using online technology like phones, computers, or social media to hurt or embarrass others on purpose and repeatedly

We take a firm stance against all forms of hurtful behaviours, from once-off, insensitive comments to persistent intentional acts of bullying and physical violence. This understanding guides our school in managing different forms of hurtful behaviours.

We recognise that children sometimes have disagreements or say things they don't mean. We help students understand the difference between occasional disagreements, which are a natural part of school life, and persistent bullying behaviour, addressing each situation with care and appropriate support.

How We Prevent Incidents

• Take a firm stance against hurtful behaviours and bullying

• Foster a caring and enabling school environment, with positive teacher-student relationships and strong peer support structure with trained student leaders

• Conduct Character & Citizenship Education lessons on empathy, conflict management, resilience and cyber wellness

• Have regular communications with staff and students

How to Report Concerns

We want parents and students to feel comfortable coming to us with any concerns. You can reach out to us in several ways:

• Direct reporting to any staff member

• Online confidential reporting form

• Parent contact with teachers/school leaders

How We Respond

• Immediate physical and psychological safety measures for all students involved

• Prompt investigation and timely updates, subject to case complexity

• Safety plans for affected students

• Consequences focusing on learning prosocial skills and restorative practices.

• Restorative support including school counselling, external referrals and community resources

• Partnership with parents throughout the process, including informing parents at the earliest opportunity

An offence is considered serious when a student:

a)   causes serious harm and/or disruption to self, whether physical, psychological or social; and/or
b)   causes serious harm and/or disruption to others, whether physical, psychological or social; and/or
c)   causes serious damage to property or resources; and/or
d)   shows defiance against authorities

Categorisation of Offences

We adopt an educative and restorative approach to student behaviour. We look at each incident holistically, seeking to understand the circumstances, the needs of those involved, and the impact of the behaviour. In addition to appropriate consequences as shared below, we will provide students with structured opportunities to reflect on their actions, take responsibility, repair relationships where needed, and develop the skills to make better choices in the future.

Consequences for Minor Offences

Consequences for *Serious and Very Serious Offences

*Students who commit serious offences or a very serious offence would not be eligible for character-based bursaries, awards, and scholarships. Leadership positions may also be suspended or revoked. However, this does not affect future years, and students are encouraged to continue to learn and improve on their conduct.

How Parents Can Support

Parents play an important role in reinforcing positive behaviour. The school values open communication and partnership with parents, especially when concerns arise. Parents will be informed of significant or repeated incidents and are encouraged to work closely with the school to support their child.

• Talk regularly with your child about school experiences and friendships.

• Teach respectful behaviour and reinforce healthy digital habits at home.

• Monitor your child’s online and offline interactions and activities.

• Share concerns promptly with your child’s Form Teacher or Year Head.

• Work collaboratively with school on agreed interventions.

• Model positive behaviour in your own interactions, such as being calm and respectful in communications.

• Use 'teachable moments' in your daily interactions with your child to explain why certain conduct is inappropriate.

• Reinforce school values (i.e. Gratitude, Care, Resilience, Respect, Responsibility and Integrity) in daily interactions and conversations with your child.

Get in Touch

We are here to listen and help. If you would like to bring an incident to our attention, you can reach out to us via any of the following methods:

• Call: +65 6257 7461

• Email: yps@moe.edu.sg

• Online reporting form: YPS Care Link

• Inform any staff member

We review this policy regularly to make sure it continues to serve our school community well. Your feedback and suggestions are always welcome.

Together, we shape our students’ character, strengthen relationships, and build caring communities.