Opotiki College

PO Box 146, St John Street, Opotiki, New Zealand Phone:(64)07 315 7022 Fax:(64)07 315 5639 Email: admin@opotikicol.school.nz

Te Hinengaro Te Tohu - The mind is the measure of the man!

Restorative Justice at Opotiki College

At Opotiki College we follow the principles of restorative justice when managing student behaviour issues.

The focus, therefore, is on the student acknowledging what they have done, exploring the reasons for their behaviour, realising the impact of their actions on a wide range of people and coming to an agreement on how the harm can be repaired. All of those involved in behavioural incidents are involved in the discussion and agreement.

Teachers use strategies in the classroom which are designed to avoid conflict and escalation and keep the focus on learning. Teachers will offer students restorative ways to deal with misbehaviour and from time-to-time will call on senior staff to assist with a restorative solution.

If students do not engage with the restorative process by refusing to accept responsibility, by not carrying out any resulting agreements or by continuing with the misbehaviour they will then be dealt with in a more traditional, punitive manner.

While a punitive pathway still exists, the school and its staff will do all within their capabilities to encourage students to accept a restorative solution.