Restorative Practices

At St. Mary’s, we’re building a positive school culture where collaboration is a part of everything we do. This week’s 'Ramp It Up' focus is on collaboration, and we believe it’s important for making our school a better place for everyone. Building our restorative culture involves working together across all areas of school life - whether it’s in the classroom, during conflict resolution, or in our everyday interactions.

One of the key ways we promote collaboration is through our circles. Circles are a simple yet effective way for students and teachers to come together, share their thoughts, and work through issues as a group. Whether it’s checking in at the start of the day, addressing a problem, or reflecting on what’s been learned, circles create a space where everyone’s voice is heard, and everyone feels included. It’s not just about solving problems, it’s also building a sense of community and working towards shared goals.

Collaboration also means shifting how we communicate and interact with each other. We encourage the use of positive, affective language that helps students develop strong emotional skills and builds our supportive environment. By working together we can ensure that St. Mary’s remains a place where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to do and be their best.