Growing Together Through Alpenglow’s Behaviour Expectations Matrix

When students step into the halls of Alpenglow School, they’re greeted by more than just teachers and classmates. They enter a space where kindness, safety, and curiosity guide every interaction, and even the rustling of leaves or the calm of a rock whisper lessons about how to move through the world. Deeply rooted in a learning community that promotes shared values and a profound connection to nature, students thrive in a supportive, consistent environment, thanks in part due to Alpenglow Schools’ Behaviour Expectations Matrix.

Drawing inspiration from Elizabeth Rummel School’s (ERS) prototype, Alpenglow’s Principal Annabel Preece said adoption of the matrix was born out of seeing a need for a shared framework to address challenges that often arose in common spaces.

“With a K-6 school, having one tool that all our teachers and staff can use is invaluable,” she explains. “It creates one language that everyone understands and ensures consistency for students and staff, and that consistency is what builds trust.” 

At its core, the matrix emphasizes three key principles: “I am kind, I am safe, I am a learner.” These values guide expectations for behaviour in every area, from the lunchroom to the playground. To make the matrix accessible to students of all ages, Alpenglow incorporated visual symbols - a heart for kindness, a shield for safety, and a pencil for learning - that align with the school’s Waldorf-inspired emphasis on imagery.  Adding to its uniqueness, the matrix incorporates natural imagery to teach voice levels, using symbols like “rock” for silence, “leaves” for a whisper, “bird” for an indoor voice, and “waterfall” for outdoor volume. 

Preece explained adaptation of the matrix was a collaborative effort. Teachers worked with students to align ERS’ matrix to Alpenglow’s unique philosophy, refining expectations for different settings, from the classroom to the playground. 

“The black bullet points came directly from the students,” says Preece. “Each grade contributed, with younger students sharing ideas verbally and older students engaging in more structured writing activities. Today, the matrix is more than a set of rules, but a living framework shaped by the very people it serves.”

In bringing the matrix to life, assemblies introduced its concepts, while visual reminders were placed around the school. Teachers reinforced these ideas in their classrooms, tailoring discussions to suit the developmental needs of their students. They will also begin to wear lanyards featuring the symbols on laminated cards, which will help to build consistency across the school.

Assistant Principal Jody Keon said students are already using the language of ‘I am kind, I am safe, I am a learner,’ and it’s clear they understand what these mean in practice.

“During recess, when we ask, ‘Are you being kind? Are you being safe?’ it becomes a reflective tool for the students,” says Keon. “That simple question empowers them to self-regulate.”

The impact is visible in everyday moments. At the morning bus drop-off, students sometimes rush to greet friends with exuberant hugs. These acts of kindness, though well-intentioned, can lead to tumbles on icy mornings. Using the matrix’s language, staff gently remind students of the balance between kindness and safety. “We acknowledge their intent and guide them to channel it in a safer way,” Keon shares. This approach not only resolves immediate concerns but fosters long-term growth in emotional awareness.

Parents are encouraged to support the matrix at home, where its principles can guide family conversations about kindness, safety, and learning. Reflection sheets sent home help bridge school and home life, giving parents insight into how the matrix supports their child’s development. “When teachers include the matrix in conversations with parents, it creates a shared understanding that benefits the child,” Preece said.

Alpenglow’s Behaviour Expectations Matrix is more than a tool - it’s a reflection of the school’s commitment to nurturing the whole child. By integrating shared values, natural imagery, and consistent expectations, it fosters a learning environment where every student feels supported and inspired. At Alpenglow, the principles of kindness, safety, and learning are more than words - they are the foundation for a thriving community where students grow, lead, and discover their potential.