Practising restorative justice
This week is International Restorative Justice Week. Restorative justice is a practice that aims to restore relationships and repair harm. Here at Hume, our wellbeing program is underpinned by the idea of relationship. From Prep to Year 12, we aim to instil in our students a keen awareness of themselves and others, and to develop strategies that support positive, rewarding and fruitful relationships.
Of course, human beings cannot be expected to get along with everyone. And as the young students of Hume begin to explore their own identities, they will inevitably experience conflict with others. The School’s use of restorative practices ensures that any party involved in conflict – perpetrator, victim, witness – has the opportunity to express their feelings, and to hear the perspectives of others. At its core, restorative justice repairs harm, builds relationships, and ultimately strengthens community. It is a challenging concept for some; gone are the days of purely punitive approaches to conflict and harm. Instead, it relies on some serious personal reflection, which can be quite confronting.
We are exceedingly proud of the community at Hume, one built on mutual respect, integrity, safety and Christian values. Happy International Restorative Justice Week!