Responding to Challenging Behaviours

(Thursday 10 Sept 2026 - In-Person - 1pm-4pm)

Course Description

This interative training session equips school Pastoral Care Workers with practical strategies to respond effectively to challenigng student behaviours, while fostering a supportive and inclusive school environment.


Course Overview

This engaging 3-hours session explores the underlying causes of challenging behaviours and offers practical tools to respond with confidence and compassion.

Participants will engage in real-life case scenarios, group discussions, and reflective activities to deepen your understanding of behaviour management.

The focus is on maintaining positive relationships while setting healthy boundaries that support both student growth and staff wellbeing.

Before you click the "Enrol" button

Make sure you only enrol for the course if you can attend, as we have limited spots!

If you have decided to participate, but something
unforeseeable happens, please notify us, as soon as possible, by email (bookings@smg.net.au)

Don't forget to reserve your spot!

Topics

Hours

Comprehensive Exploration

  • 5 Topics
  • 1 Course Evaluation
  • 1 Certification

This training will equip PCWs with useful information on:

Topic 1

Understanding the root causes of challenging behaviours

Topic 2

De-escalation and response techniques

Topic 3

School responses and team work

This training will equip PCWs with useful information on:

Topic 4

Managing personal wellbeing while caring for others

Topic 5

Debrief and reflection

Lisa Hughes

Key Learning Outcomes 

Understand the psychological and emotional drivers behind student behaviours

Learn how to apply de-escalation strategies and maintain safe boundaries

Meet the instructor

Lisa Hughes

Hi, I’m Lisa Hughes and I value the unique experience that Pastoral Care Workers bring to their school communities. These shared insights create a rich discussion environment to support one another in responding to challenging behaviours.

With a background in pastoral care, SSO behaviour support, unemployed youth work, vocational training and facilitating camps for children with challenging behaviours, I appreciate the complexity of the issues faced by front-line workers in schools and the community. Together we will explore various approaches to supporting students through a wellbeing lens while respecting the boundaries of our role.