Restorative Practices

Sharlene Heaphy — November 6th, 2019

At Bluestone School, Restorative Practice (RP) is based on Restorative Justice philosophy and principles. It involves viewing the wrong doing through relationships - understanding the harm that has been done to people and relationships, understanding that when such harm is done it creates obligations and responsibilities, and focusing on repairing the harm and making things right.

Restorative Chat Questions

In a Restorative Chat conversation we ask these questions:

Wrong doer

Tell us what happened?
What were you thinking at the time?
What have you thought about since?
Who has been affected by what you’ve done?
In what way?
What can you do to make things right?
How can we make sure this doesn’t happen again?
How can I help you?

Victim

What did you think at the time?
What have you thought about since?
How has this affected you?
What’s been the worst of it?
What’s needed to make things right?
How can we make sure this doesn’t happen again?

Circle/Circle Time:

Circles at Bluestone are used for building trust and understanding, establishing and maintaining relationships and to give students the skills and language to express emotions and feelings in a safe and caring environment.

Circles are taken regularly in all classes At Bluestone School. Students sit in a circle, passing a respected "talking piece" around the circle while talking and sharing. Clear rules ensure the process is safe and nurturing for all involved.

Circles can address issues such as:

- getting to know each other (beginning of the year)

-name calling

-resolving conflict

-changes

-co-operation

-problem solving

-friendships

- assertiveness

- racism

Human Rights in Education (HRiE)

Through Human Rights, students at Bluestone School understand that their own rights are linked with a wide range of personal responsibilities.

Students take human rights and responsibilities seriously, as do teachers and school leaders. We make explicit reference to relevant human rights when making decisions on school organisation, and behaviour management. HRiE plays an important part in ensuring rights are respected, promoted and fulfilled in our school.

Rights and Responsibilities agreements are negotiated and you will find them in classrooms and teams.