What is Restorative Practice (RP)?
Restorative Practice is a values-based philosophy. It aims to build positive relationships and friendships throughout a community and beyond. It also helps to respond to conflict and arguments, if they do occur, in a healthy way that moves us away from blame and attack, and towards connection and healing. These skills are important for a healthy school and a happy life !
The Values Light the Way!
The RESPECT (post-primary)/FRIENDS (primary) values are a compass to bring RP to life and they inform how we try to think, engage, speak, listen, and approach situations in our everyday interactions. The intention is to learn how to ask, listen and share in a way that honours relationships and cultivates a positive learning environment for the whole school community.
Benefits
This restorative way of being builds skills for a healthy learning environment and also a happy and connected life. Restorative Practice aims to support the wellbeing of schools and the lovely community they serves by:
- Engaging in relational practices that promote connection & belonging!
- Cultivating a shared literacy around the restorative FRIENDS/RESPECT values where we do the right thing even if no one is watching!
- Growing empathy as a skill set.
- Developing emotional and conflict literacy skills.
- Nurturing a collaborative and equitable learning environment.
