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Life is all about our relationships and connections with one another. Whether it be at home, work or school, the way we relate to each other will determine the type of environments we create. However, within every relationship, disagreements will occur at one point or another. This is where restoration comes in! Like the name implies, Restorative Practice (RP) is concerned with repairing, healing and empowering healthy relationships.
School should be a safe place where teaching and learning can take place. However, this is generally determined by the formation of healthy relationships between teachers and students, parents and teachers, administration and staff as well as other stakeholders within the community. Restorative Practice therefore seeks to create a sense of belonging, safety and shared social responsibility across the school community.
Remember we are human first! If we feel rejected and isolated, we are more likely to disconnect, lack motivation or even rebel against the group.
Restorative Practice is rooted in indigenous traditions which prioritizes respect, compassion, dignity and inclusion in the community. When we are able to form positive connections that are supportive, trusting and nurturing, we are more likely to make significant contributions and add value to our environment.
One of the processes used in Restorative Practices to facilitate community building is RESTORATIVE CIRCLES.
Members come together to share, listen and feel heard. Within the circle, values such as respect, honesty, inclusiveness and empathy are promoted. Participants gather together in a circle formation to signify the equal opportunity for sharing on the particular topic or to address an issue between members of the community.
Everyone in the circle has a voice!
All parties involved should be given an opportunity to explain the following:
What happened
What they were thinking at the time of the incident
Describe who they think was affected by the situation
How were those involved affected
What is needed to make things right
Whether someone causes the harm or is the one who has been harmed, both groups need to be given a fair chance to be heard
Bringing the parties together is essential to understanding each one's perspective, holding persons accountable and repairing the relationship
Hold yourself and others accountable for actions
Admit when you are wrong
Determine action steps to repair potential harm caused
Communicate your feelings to others through the use of affective language
Respect the beliefs and opinions of others. Note: Respect does not mean agreement. You can have different perspectives and still show someone respect
Come together and talk it out!
At Siparia West Secondary School, the goal is to promote positive interactions and develop meaningful relationships within our school community in order to build a STRONG COMMUNITY, SCHOOL PRIDE and PRODUCTIVITY. This is where the practice of RESTORATIVE PRACTICE comes in!