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Stronger Relationships, Stronger Schools: Creating a Culture of Connection in School Behaviour Policies

In contemporary education, fostering positive relationships within school communities is pivotal for student success and wellbeing. Schools are increasingly adopting strategies such as Restorative Practices, Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) and Relationship-based Behaviour Management to nurture these relationships. These approaches not only enhance the educational experience but also cultivate environments where students thrive both academically and personally.

Illustrated hands holding each other on a textured background with colorful shapes, symbolizing unity.

Restorative Practices

Restorative Practices emphasise repairing harm and restoring relationships rather than punitive measures. This approach encourages accountability, empathy and constructive dialogue among students and staff.

  • Chinchilla State Primary School: The 2025 Student Diary includes a page on Restorative Conversations, reinforcing the school's commitment to fostering strong, positive relationships among all members.

Pages of a Student Diary titled 'Restorative Conversations' with a table: Person Responsible, Person Harmed, Moving Forward. Includes a circular graphic for Restorative Practices.

  • Clairvaux MacKillop College: Their 2025 Teacher Planner dedicates two pages to Restorative Practices, outlining methods such as 'How to Work Restoratively' (from 'Real Schools'), the Restorative Practice Continuum, Operating Domains and their interrelations.

Pages of a Student Diary titled 'Restorative Practices' with text on improving student behavior, empathy and relationships. Includes diagrams and steps for engagement.

  • Our Lady of Mercy College, Burraneer: The 2025 Student Diary features a comprehensive page detailing how the philosophy of Restorative Justice underpins their Student Management processes, including the aims and outcomes of these practices.

Pages of a Student Diary titled 'Restorative Practice' detailing aims, practices, outcomes, and Student Code of Conduct.

  • Sacre Coeur: The Years 7-8 Student Diary for 2025 integrates Restorative Practices as a core component of their Student Wellbeing Policy, highlighting the school's dedication to holistic student development.

Pages of a Student Diary titled 'Student Wellbeing' at Sacré Cœur, detailing restorative practices, learning principles and staff roles in student development.

These instances highlight how Restorative Practices are effectively integrated into school environments, fostering a culture of empathy, accountability and strong interpersonal connections.


Social-Emotional Learning (SEL)

Social-Emotional Learning focuses on developing students' abilities to understand and manage emotions, set positive goals, show empathy, maintain positive relationships and make responsible decisions.

  • Calrossy Anglican School: The 2023 Student Diary includes a full page dedicated to Social and Emotional Learning, emphasising the school's commitment to students' holistic development.

Pages of a Student Diary titled 'Social and Emotional Learning' with a diagram outlining components of self-awareness, self-management, decision-making, social awareness and relationship skills.

  • Loreto Mandeville Hall: Their 2025 Student Diary features "Respectful Relationships and SEL" information as weekly insights throughout the date section, integrating SEL principles into daily student life.

Planner Pages of a Student Diary titled for April-May 2025. Includes homework sections, gratitude prompts, wellbeing actions and a battery-check exercise.

  • Mater Christi College: The 2025 Student Diary offers a comprehensive page on Student Wellbeing, outlining the RULER program as a framework for promoting positive behaviors and Social and Emotional Learning.

Pages of a Student Diary titled 'About the College' about Student Wellbeing. Details RULER program tools and includes a colorful mood meter chart.

These examples demonstrate how integrating SEL into school policies and materials can enhance students' emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.


Relationship-based Behaviour Management

This approach centres on building and maintaining positive relationships to guide and manage student behavior effectively.

  • Frederick Irwin Anglican School: The 2025 Senior Student Diary emphasises positive relationships within their Behaviour Management Matrix, reflecting the school's focus on relationship-based strategies.

Pages of a Student Diary titled 'Secondary School Behaviour Management.' Categorizes behaviors from positive to highly offensive, with consequences at each stage.

  • Our Lady of Mercy College, Heidelberg: Their 2025 Student Diary includes sections on Inclusive and Respectful Relationships within their Student Management Protocols, featuring pages titled "Respectful Relationships – Anti-Bullying Policy," underscoring the importance of a respectful school culture.

Pages of a Student Diary showing policies on student behaviour and anti-bullying, highlighting core values, principles, and definitions.

Implementing Relationship-based Behaviour Management strategies fosters a supportive environment where students feel valued and understood, leading to improved behavior and academic outcomes.


Conclusion

The integration of Restorative Practices, Social-Emotional Learning and Relationship-based Behaviour Management into school policies and daily routines significantly contributes to nurturing positive relationships within educational communities. The examples highlighted demonstrate the practical application of these approaches, offering valuable insights for other schools aiming to enhance their environments. By prioritising these strategies, schools can create inclusive, supportive settings that promote the wellbeing and success of all students.



Further Resources

For those interested in exploring this topic further, here are some helpful resources:

  • Real Schools – A platform dedicated to improving school culture through Restorative Practices. Visit here.

  • RULER Program (Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence) – A research-based framework for teaching emotional intelligence. Learn more here.

  • Australian Student Wellbeing Framework – Guidelines and resources to support student well-being in Australian schools. Read more here.

  • Understanding restorative practices and PBL Fact Sheet – Insights into the implementation of Restorative Practices within educational settings. Explore here.


 
 
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