Restorative Practices in Catholic Schools: Nurturing Compassionate and Responsible Students

As parents and educators committed to guiding young people within a faith-based framework, we recognise the deep value of forgiveness, accountability, and community. These principles are central not only to Catholic social teaching but also to Restorative Practices, a transformative approach to discipline that many Catholic primary and secondary schools in Victoria have embraced. At St Monica’s College, Epping, Restorative Practices have been a foundational part of our culture for decades.

But what does this mean for your child? How does it shape their behaviour, relationships, and personal development? And what do recent findings from the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) and Catholic education bodies reveal?

What Are Restorative Practices?

Restorative Practices are relationship-centred strategies that empower students and staff to:

Accept responsibility for their actions
Recognise and understand the impact of their behaviour on others
Repair harm through meaningful dialogue and appropriate consequences
Strengthen their moral and emotional development

Unlike traditional punitive approaches, Restorative Practices prioritise learning, healing, and reconciliation. Rooted in Catholic values such as mercy, justice, and compassion, this approach helps students reflect deeply and take ownership of their actions.

Key Benefits of Restorative Practices

Fewer Suspensions and Improved Behaviour
According to data from the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria (CECV, 2023), schools that implement Restorative Practices have seen a 30% decrease in repeat behavioural incidents.A study by the MacKillop Institute (2023) also found that Catholic schools using restorative methods, such as mediation and circle discussions, report significantly fewer suspensions.
Enhanced Emotional and Personal Development
Restorative Practices support the development of empathy, self-regulation, and conflict resolution skills — all of which are integral to Catholic teachings.These practices align closely with the VCAA’s Personal and Social Capability curriculum, which promotes respectful relationships and ethical behaviour.
A Stronger and More Supportive School Community
Restorative methods reduce bullying by encouraging honest communication and mutual understanding.In a 2024 CECV survey, 85% of Catholic school leaders reported improved student-teacher relationships where Restorative Practices were actively used.

How Restorative Practices Are Used

Restorative Conversations

Instead of imposing immediate punishments, staff trained in restorative approaches guide students through reflective conversations, asking:

“What happened?” – exploring the incident from their perspective
“Who was affected and how?” – recognising the impact on others
“How can we make things right?” – identifying steps for repair and reconciliation

Circle Discussions

Held in group or pastoral settings, these circles promote open dialogue and help students understand the broader effects of their actions on the school community.

Reparative Actions

Students take active steps to repair harm, which may include:

Writing or delivering a sincere apology
Participating in restorative community service or tasks related to the incident

How Parents and Carers Can Support

Parents and carers are a child’s first and most influential educators. You can support Restorative Practices by:

Encouraging open, honest conversations at home about mistakes, accountability, and forgiveness
Reinforcing Catholic values of mercy, compassion, and responsibility
Engaging with College staff to understand and support the Restorative strategies and processes.

Restoring Relationships, Strengthening Communities

Restorative Practices place meaningful relationships at the centre of school life. Drawing on Catholic traditions, this approach responds to our shared human need for connection and community. When relationships are strong — among students, staff, and families — learning is deeper and more transformative.

At St Monica’s College, our commitment to Restorative Practices is not just about managing behaviour. It is about nurturing thoughtful, compassionate, and accountable young people who grow in integrity, emotional intelligence, and faith. Through this holistic approach, we continue to shape the next generation of learners, leaders, and community-builders.

Miss P Di Maria

Executive Deputy Principal

Latest Principal's Bulletin

Vol 35 No 6 Tuesday, 27 May · 27 May 2025

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