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In our Behaviour Management Policy, we have a section that talks about the Restorative Approach. Within this section, there is a brief overview of what this means. There is also an outline of some Restorative Questions. So where does this all come from? The Restorative approach and practices that we have adopted come from the concept of Restorative Justice. In a modern context, Restorative Justice was formalised in Canada with additional aspects also being developed in New Zealand. It focuses on restoration and restitution over punishment. These concepts and the processes are being increasingly adopted around Australia. Restorative justice has three key principles: Repair Harm Reduce Risk Empower Community
One of the key parts of this process is building relationships and community. This helps to decrease the likelihood of something small becoming a major problem while also providing a framework to resolve problems when things do go wrong. This is also where our Restorative Practice comes into play. There are three main points that can summarise Restorative Practice: Restorative Practice is a way of thinking and is based on a foundation of caring, collaborative and respectful relationships. Restorative Practice builds and strengthens healthy relationships and community. Restorative Practice provides a supportive framework to prevent, respond to, and repair harm through a continuum of practices.
This framework doesn’t stop things from going wrong, but it certainly helps to resolve and restore relationships when something has happened.
Over the next couple of months, we are going to be talking more about Restorative Practices as a school. Tied in with this, there is going to be a poster competition for students based on the Restorative Questions. Students will receive information about this competition in class this week. Samuel Whittle - Pastoral Care Coordinator
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