Since the inception of the House system at the College, the Pastoral Care team has framed their responses to conflicts within our community around the principles of restorative justice, known at St Edmund’s as Restorative Practice. Based on the work of Howard Zehr, restorative practice can build capacity for empathy and emotional intelligence and focuses on the obligation for wrong-doer to repair the harm that has been done as well as support the engagement of all stakeholders in the situation. It is an authentic approach to repairing relationships in the wake of conflict
In practice, the restorative process has been developed and refined in the way we implement it at the College. Based on a series of questions, all parties are invited to participate, with support, at a level where they feel comfortable. The outcomes of such sessions are increased understanding of the perspectives of others as well as genuine apologies and commitments to changing future behaviour.
Of course, restorative sessions are just one aspect of a whole-school approach that incorporates restorative practice. Many teachers manage their classrooms in restorative ways, which build upon a foundation of respectful relationships and help each of our students develop into a true Eddies Boy who:
- fosters positive relationships within the school and wider community and is committed to justice and peace
- includes marginalised people and cares for the environment
- is characterised by humility, respect, resilience and honour
https://sec.act.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Strategic-Priorities-2017-2020.pdf
For more information about restorative justice and restorative practice see the College Pastoral Care Handbook, available on the website or contact your son’s Head of House.
Anna Blore (Head of O’Brien House)