Restorative Practice at Te Māhuri Mānuka Hornby Primary

Kia ora whānau

Over the past two years we have been doing a lot of work as a staff, responding to the research and government mandates about how we support children at school. We have looked at how our brains (and especially those of our students) work under stress, pressure, anxiety, fear - all of the emotions that cause us to not be at our best.

As a school we have adopted a restorative approach when children have conflict with their peers. This has been proven to be more successful than old methods because it is proactive rather than reactive and the children feel seen and heard. This means that we have a conversation, where everyone is heard, the harm is acknowledged, and the relationship is restored. If appropriate there will be consequences for the harm that has been done.

The teachers have been trained in this approach and we all, children included, find this a powerful and positive approach. This is because the children know that the full story will unfold and that they will be listened to. If they do not agree with what has been said by another student, they will get the chance to say. It is a calm and quiet approach as everyone is given the opportunity to say how they have been effected. A way forward will be found that works for everyone. Reparation will be made in the form of apologies if appropriate or whatever is decided at the time and if appropriate, consequences. Sometimes this may be restricted play areas or restricted play for a time. Once the consequence has been carried out, the slate is wiped clean and there are no 'grudges' held. The conversation or 'restorative chat" is not over until everyone feels that the problem has been addressed. In all cases this is a mana enhancing rather than a shaming (mana reducing) conversation as it is not about who is right and who is wrong but about how to restore the harmed relationship. Often it is found that the child first thought to be harmed was actually the one who started the issue. Often apologies are spontaneous and genuine.

In most cases the parent is informed if there has been a restorative chat involving their child. The parent will not be informed if their child was part of the chat as an observer offering their information. In some cases if the problem was pretty low level, the parent may not be informed. (eg an argument that did not involve swearing or fighting).

In any cases of fighting, the children know that the rule is that they will be out of the playground for a period of time. In the most extreme cases the child will be sent home or stood down depending on the severity of the situation. Please support your children in not swearing at school as this will result in rubbish duty. (You foul the air - you clean up).

Over subsequent newsletters I will tell you more about the work that we have been doing to support our children at school.

Please contact me with any questions.

Maire

principal@hornbyprimary.school.nz / 03 3497238