At Brunswick South, we believe that teaching is more than just curriculum outcomes and the development of academic potential, but is also about guiding the social, emotional, and moral/ethical development of each child. We believe that students must be allowed to take responsibility for their choices and actions, and that the ‘right’ choices are made by children owning and believing in certain values and behaviours. Our teachers clearly model and promote honesty, courtesy, responsibility and respect to help develop and extend children’s confidence, self-esteem and ‘connection’ with others in the class and the school. Although we have a clear "7 Step" program for managing inappropriate behaviour, we prefer to recognise, reward and focus on success and positive behaviour, rather than emphasising or punishing the negative.

Our "Start Up Program", which is run in every grade at the beginning of each year, helps our students to focus on their part in the school community. Students work together to establish rules for appropriate behaviour in the classroom and playground, and identify their roles and responsibilities in establishing an effective and supportive learning environment.  They also discuss the meaning and practical demonstration of our school values of respect, tolerance, equality, friendliness, dedication, commitment, achievement and humour. These discussions and activities continue throughout the year, with an emphasis on the development of cooperative skills and problem-solving strategies. We encourage our students to communicate their feelings and ideas, and to discuss social situations and behaviours so that conflicts can be resolved.

We are proud of the way our students take care of each other. One of our most successful programs is our school-wide "Buddy program". All Prep children have a Grade 5-6 buddy, who looks out for them in the playground, helps them to settle into school and works with them on weekly activities. Similarly, new children at any grade level receive a classroom buddy to make sure that they feel comfortable in the classroom and playground and to provide them with an immediate friend to talk to and play with.

Our students also learn to take responsibility for the wider school community through participation in the Junior School Council. Two elected representatives from each class, Prep to Grade 6, form the Council. They take issues discussed at class meetings to the JSC meeting with the Principal, and report back to the class about Council decisions. Issues discussed at JSC meetings are wide-ranging and reflect our students' interest in the school and the wider community. Recent topics have included the fair use of playground equipment, ideas about the bike shed and vegetable patch, and suggestions for fundraising days for particular charities.