Twin Rivers schools win gold

By Lua Ikenasio

Jun 16, 2025

Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School captains Noah Dellar, Logan Czerniawsky, Andrew Nash and Jessie-James Bullock-Moate holding their gold award alongside Echuca Twin Rivers Primary School captains Josie Pitt, Rhianne Gualvez, Samuel Nicart and Billie Joyce. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Echuca Twin Rivers primary and specialist schools have achieved the gold award in the Victorian School-wide Positive Behaviour Support program.

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The annual awards recognise schools throughout the state that have carried out the SWPBS framework to a high standard over the course of a year.

The two schools held a combined award ceremony on Thursday, June 12, where students and staff dressed up in their best gold outfits to celebrate their achievement.

Specialist school assistant principal Ben Ridge congratulated staff and students on their efforts. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Echuca Twin Rivers Specialist School assistant principal Ben Ridge said the award was made possible through the effort of staff and students.

“Over the years, we have worked together to explicitly teach expected behaviours, using consistent language and approaches across out school,” he said.

“Through positive reinforcement and recognition, we have created an environment where every student had the opportunity to succeed and feel valued.

“This success would not have been possible without the passion, dedication and teamwork of our incredible staff and students. (Their) efforts have transformed our school culture and learning environment.”

SEIL Loddon Campaspe representative Damien Jenkins and SWPBS coach Kerry Hammond presented the awards. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

To achieve the SWPBS gold award, schools must achieve the blue, bronze and silver awards first.

Each award has different measures that both students and staff must complete, such as creating an action plan, submitting behaviour summaries and completing the SWPBS self-assessment survey.

As part of the program, the Echuca Twin Rivers Primary School created a SWPBS leadership team, which consists of two students from each class.

Echuca Twin River Primary School SWPBS leaders. Back, Kristina Kadar, Lexi Hammer, Kiara McCann, Hayley Ellery, Chloe Baker and Morgan Kellow. Front, Tyson Mills, Destiny Coe, Taya Douglas, Macey Milton, Frankie Mulcair and Khayle Ponting-Forster. Photo by Jordan Townrow

Echuca Twin River Primary School SWPBS leader Hayley Logie said creating the SWPBS leadership team played a key part in achieving the award.

“Each year we’ve taken the opportunity to reflect on data and engage in thoughtful discussions, allowing us to focus on new areas of development,” she said.

“A big step forward is giving our students a voice and sense of ownership ... it’s been fantastic to see their leadership and input contribute to our whole-school approach.

“While the journey is ongoing, it’s one we’re proud of and one that continues to make a real difference to the way we support and celebrate positive behaviour together.”