Heathmont Gazette

Restorative Practice: Strengthening School Communities

At Heathmont College we undertake a model of Restorative practice when it comes to dealing with bullying. 

Restorative practice is an approach designed to repair relationships damaged by bullying by encouraging offenders to reflect on their actions and take responsibility, while allowing victims to express their feelings and find resolution.

 

Why It Works

This method promotes:

Offenders feeling remorse and changing their behaviour.

A focus on correcting actions, not labelling individuals.

A positive school environment that enhances learning.

 

How It Works

Restorative practices include:

Restorative Conversations: Restorative practices can be undertaken in a variety of forums. It may be conducted with just those students most directly involved in bullying or in some circumstances a whole class.

Guided Conversations: Structured discussions where both parties reflect on the incident and its impact.

Reintegration: After a successful restorative process, parties rejoin the community. This is important, as the restorative process will establish how impacted parties will move forward post an incident.

Commitment to Change: both parties agree on solutions and prevent future issues.

Ongoing Support: Continuous monitoring and intervention if necessary by staff.

 

Impact

When supported by the school community, restorative practice is highly effective, with studies showing it resolves bullying in about two-thirds of cases. It fosters healthier relationships and a positive school culture.

At Heathmont College, we do not tolerate bullying. Unfortunately, in today’s digital age, bullying occurs outside of the classroom, school grounds and areas in which the school has more control. We urge parents and guardians to discuss any issues that may arise with the school to ensure a unified approach to stopping any bullying that a young person may be experiencing.

 

If your child is experiencing bullying, please get in touch with a year level coordinator. The YLC team consist of the following:

  • Year 7 Coordinators: Brooke McDermott and Joanne Ganis
  • Year 8 Coordinator: Shane Hunt
  • Year 9 Coordinator: Christine Walshe
  • Year 10 Coordinator: Brett Niven
  • Year 11 Coordinator: Garth Hardwick
  • Year 12 Coordinator: Joshua Chappell
  • Head of Middle School: Geoff Matheson
  • Head of Senior School: Lachlan Hunter

 

Together, we can stop bullying at Heathmont College.