How to start September strong on behaviour expectations
I've recently started working in a school which honestly is a total mess in terms of behaviour. I joined just after Easter, and this term has felt like an uphill battle just getting kids to sit down, stop talking, and get on with some work.
A major issue seems to be a lack of consistency, and SLT honestly just don't do anything. Whenever I do an SLT on call request (e.g. for kids literally rioting and throwing practical equipment around in a science lab) it takes 20+ minutes for anyone to turn up, if at all. When I issue lunchtime detentions, kids shrug and say they're looking forward to the free pizza. SLT never call home, have proper conversations with students about their behaviour, or give real consequences. It's ridiculous.
I'm looking for tips on how to start things strong in September, bearing in mind that there isn't much support from SLT. I'm thinking more in terms of what routines to establish, what I can do in-class to manage behaviour, how to be firm and issue meaningful consequences but without feeling like I'm having to be that horrible teacher always shouting all the time, etc.
EDIT: While I do really appreciate the sympathy and you all backing me up that SLT do need to be more present, what I'd really love are practical tips and strategies of what I *can* do by myself in terms of establishing routines and expectations in September. Things like a clear list of what to teach as an entry routine to the classroom, or what in-class strategies or sanctions I can use to tackle low-level behaviour before it escalates in the first place. Thank you so much in advance for your insights <3