Restorative Practices

At the College, addressing any problem between student’s focuses on a restorative approach, developing resilience and instilling a culture that promotes support. The restorative approach looks at:

• What happened?
• Who’s been harmed?
• What needs to happen to repair some of that harm?

In this way, the focus is on the harm that has been done and the obligation this brings to those responsible to ‘right the wrong’ as much as possible. It’s an approach that seeks to develop an understanding of the harm caused by the wrongdoer’s behaviour so they can best try to make amends to those most affected. In this way, it’s an educative approach. It also ensures that those who have been most affected by the wrongdoing have the opportunity to be involved in the resolution. 

Research now clearly articulates that short-term ‘solutions’ alone, like punishing students, do not improve the relationships and social factors that can cause bullying. Although the bullying may stop in the short-term, unless these factors are addressed, it is likely to reoccur or become covert.

Mr David Druery, Head of Staff and Students P-5