By Ms Marilyn Dias for BIS Mumbai

A staff enrichment session on "Understanding Students’ Behaviour and Educational Needs" was conducted by Br Bryce Fernandes at St Joseph’s High School, Wadala on July 18, 2026. The session commenced at 9 a.m. in the school hall with a prayer and reflection led by the Rector, Manager and Principal, Fr Solomon Rapol. Fr Solomon warmly welcomed Br Bryce, introduced him to the staff, and felicitated him before inviting him to conduct the session.

Br Bryce began with a lively and engaging activity titled "The Weather Conditions in School." The staff members were divided into groups, and each group was assigned a different weather condition. He explained how these weather conditions symbolically represented the emotional climate and behavioural patterns commonly experienced in schools. This interactive icebreaker encouraged participation and set the tone for the thought-provoking session that followed.

The workshop focused on helping teachers understand the reasons behind students' behaviour and respond to them with empathy and care rather than immediate discipline. The major topics discussed included:

• Understanding the adolescent mind and the unique challenges faced by teenagers.

• Teacher Translation: Interpreting students' behaviour and responding effectively instead of reacting impulsively.

• Understanding how the adolescent brain functions and how it influences behaviour, emotions, and decision-making.

• Analysing real-life classroom case studies.

• Evaluating these case studies using the Dignity Test, which emphasised preserving every child's dignity while addressing behavioural concerns.

• Understanding the Behaviour Iceberg, highlighting that behaviour is often only the visible part of deeper emotional or personal struggles.

• Learning the Practical Classroom Response and Safeguarding Toolkit – Pause, Place and Respond, a simple yet effective strategy for handling challenging situations.

• Exploring the Four Responses, described as a safe action menu for teachers, staff, students, and other witnesses when dealing with concerns related to student wellbeing and safeguarding.

Towards the end of the session, each teacher was given a reflection form without having to mention their name. Once completed, the forms were collected and randomly redistributed among the staff. This anonymous sharing exercise enabled teachers to gain insight into the thoughts, experiences, and reflections of their colleagues, fostering empathy and a sense of shared purpose.

Each participant also received a takeaway card highlighting the "Pause – Place – Respond" strategy as a quick classroom safeguarding reference. One of the key messages of the session was the importance of shifting from "discipline mode" to "safeguarding mode." Teachers were encouraged not to be quick to judge students, but instead to listen attentively, understand the underlying reasons for behaviour, and serve as positive role models.

The informative and insightful session concluded at 12.20 p.m. with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks proposed by Mrs Laila Furtado. The programme ended with a staff photograph alongside Br Bryce Fernandes, marking the conclusion of a meaningful learning experience that equipped the teachers with practical strategies to better understand and support their students.