How do we create positive relationships in schools, with and among students and adults? How do we encourage students to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do? How do we encourage students to take responsibility and be accountable for their words and actions? What is it we want students to learn through our discipline practices when they've caused harm?

Creating a culture in your school or classroom based on restorative principles results in a environment that is welcoming, caring, respectful and safe, allowing optimal learning to take place. Madeline Hunter says "They don't care what you know until they know you care."  Restorative practices move away from more traditionally run classrooms and schools to focus on relationships, belonging, engagement, and when necessary, repairing harm. Participants in this one-day workshop will learn about:

• how restorative principles and practices can be applied in classroom and school settings on a daily basis to strengthen relationships, foster a sense of belonging, prevent conflict, bullying and other inappropriate behaviour;
• what a Community Conference is and how it can be used to resolve conflict in a school setting
• how this approach aligns with Alberta’s Education Act, the TQS and LQS;
• how schools and districts are implementing this approach and the results they are seeing. 

This is not a program but rather a philosophy and approach that complements and enhances work being done with Leader In Me, Positive Behaviour Supports, Developmental Assets, trauma sensitive classrooms, Circle of Courage and many other programs/initiatives. There are also direct ties and links to supporting students' social-emotional literacy and positive mental health.