Student Welfare
Restorative Practices allow students to examine conflict and situations from the perspective of others. It assists in the breakdown of common egocentricity of todays students and allows the development of empathy and consequence. It empowers teachers with a system of relationship management rather than discipline management. The class expectations are worded using positive language and allows students to see clearly the consequences for choices they make.
Personal evaluation using the “Reflection & Restoration” questionnaire, is a method to be less complex for students to understand, less time consuming. Students self-assessment is a big focus in the welfare. The need to recognise own behaviours and reflect gives rise to how students approach conflict or situations in the future. Often they need to experience self realisation as many behaviours are learnt and second nature or have become automated. Posters with descriptive words help students identify and verbalise thoughts and feelings at the time.
In the past, a combination of the “Healthy Kids Program” which incorporates the "DET Values in Schools" initiative as well as Social Skills, Friendship Skills, Nutrition, and Fundamental Movement Skills has been used as a framework for a whole-school focus. The introduction of the “Bounce Back” program in 2011 has increased the focus in the area of social and friendship skills.
After an evaluation of the core school rules, teachers developed a minimalistic yet effective summary of the most essential and fundamental rules to suit students across all stages.
RED - Hands and Feet to Self
GREEN - Proud and productive
ORANGE - Listen and Speak Politely
BLUE - Cool and Calm
YELLOW - Fair Play
School and classroom rules have been minimised and colour coded to encompass all previous rules and guidelines in order to be more memorable and quicker and easier to refer to.
School Welfare Policy is based on Restorative Practice and is implemented through the “Healthy Kids Program” and the DET “Values for Australian Schools” Program. (see PE/HEALTH/PD)