Why Restorative Practice Works at Woodleigh

For adolescents, it’s not a matter of if challenges arise, but when. How we respond makes all the difference. When challenges occur at Woodleigh, our focus is on understanding and taking action, rather than imposing punitive punishments. It’s not a case of ignoring what’s happened and there are consequences, but they’re thoughtful and fair.

As educators working closely with adolescents, we seek to understand their behaviour and address it, rather than focusing on the student as the 'problem'. Students are at the heart of everything we do. We work with them, not on them, guided by the belief that “If it’s about me, then it’s up to me.” Adolescents will push boundaries and make mistakes on their journey to adulthood and our role is to work with them. 

If a Woodleigh student were to impact others through lashing out, exclusion or acts in frustration, we don’t rush to judgment. Our approach is to pause, listen and talk with everyone involved and work with students through this considered process. We help students explore how they are feeling through warm, open conversation and talk through what led to the moment. The discussions we have aren’t just about behaviour, they’re about the person behind it.

Restorative Practice empowers adolescents to take accountability without fear of humiliation. It builds emotional awareness and capacity for healing. In contrast, traditional punitive methods may suppress behaviour temporarily but leave behind shame, disconnection and missed opportunities for growth.

Restorative Practices are used at Woodleigh to repair relationships that have been damaged. Restorative conversations allow those involved to share how they have been impacted and for those who have caused harm to hear this. Additionally, it provides the harmed person with an opportunity to hear the other person’s plan to make amends, reflect on their actions and, with guidance, identify steps to take to repair the relationship. It is not about letting go or being coerced to forgive, it is about being part of a process where they feel safe, supported and listened to. This process is not a quick fix; it takes time, and we need to ensure all voices have been heard. This approach encourages students to act with compassion.

Imagine two Year 9 students have had a verbal altercation. There’s a history of tension between them and on this particular day, one student walks away more hurt than the other. A traditional disciplinary response might involve shutting it down with a suspension or detention - without conversation. Punishing the behaviour without addressing any underlying cause is going to leave anger and tensions simmering on both sides, avoiding accountability, so the unresolved problems continue.

What if the same two students are invited into a healthy, guided conversation? They can speak up, each can listen and begin to understand how and why they have hurt or been hurt by the other person. These students may never be friends, but the next time a similar challenge arises, the cause and effect may unfold quite differently. Both students walk away with dignity, and this has benefits well beyond the isolated incident.

Sustainable Restorative Practices are designed to achieve genuine results, rather than quick fixes, and all parties play a role in resolving the issue. Along the way, students become more aware of how their actions impact others, how to manage their emotions and how to move forward. This process allows students to become kind, compassionate and resilient members of the Woodleigh community. As they grow and develop beyond their school years, they take these skills with them into their personal lives and workplaces.

Our staff are trained and skilled in having restorative conversations with students, as we believe that these lessons are as valuable as academic achievement. A restorative approach helps students reflect on, deeply understand and respond mindfully and compassionately to the complexities of real-world experiences and relationships.

Respect for self, others and the environment is embedded into daily teaching and learning. Affectionately referred to as the '3Rs', these values live within our Woodleigh community. Cultivating open minds and empathy helps to develop kind humans who can work toward a better future.

At Woodleigh, we live this each day.

Connection and relationships are at the heart of what we do at Woodleigh. When students feel safe, seen and heard, they’re in a better position for their learning and growth to flourish.