Yellowknife (Oct 15/03) - Everywhere Yellowknife Catholic school students go, the eyes of a big, grey dog follow them.

That dog is Lupi, and teachers are quick to remind students that "Lupi's Looking," watching them to make sure they are exhibiting positive behaviour in the school.

The mascot and the slogan are just part of the Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) program Weledeh and Ecole St. Joseph School implemented in February of this year. In six months of operation, the program is really gaining ground, says Simone Gessler, assistant principal at Weledeh. "We've just begun our data collection. We have enough to see that we're getting the results we're looking for," Gessler says.

The schools adopted the program after Liz Baile, student services co-ordinator with Yellowknife Catholic Schools, brought it to their attention.

"It focuses on teaching positive, appropriate behaviour in all areas of the school," says Gessler.

So far, staff have taught students about respect, responsibility, caring and honesty.

The values are broken down into six-week blocks, starting with a kick-off assembly and ending with a celebration rally. Right now Lupi is looking for kids to be honest with themselves and each other, says Gessler.

The celebration rally will be held Oct. 28, with individual students recognized for their good behaviour.

Now that the program is in full force at both schools the program is advancing to the secondary level, where teachers focus on individuals who might be having a tough time with PBS.

"This year we've gone a step further," she says.

Lori Bailey, a teacher at Weledeh, has seen the program working. "I'm seeing them taking more responsibility for their actions," she says. "Kids are buying in because they are being recognized for something positive."

Bailey teaches Grade 7 and 8. Her students are not as excited by the mascot, but are taking another role in the program.

"They take more of a leadership role," she says, adding that younger students look up to them as ambassadors of positive behaviour.

With the success of PBS at the primary and middle school levels, Yellowknife Catholic schools implemented it at the high school level in September.