Clonmel High School introduces restorative practice into every day school life

“The fundamental premise of restorative practice is that people are happier, more co-operative and productive and more likely to make positive changes when those in authority do things with them rather than to them or for them.” (Ted Wachtel - International Institute for Restorative Practice ).

Restorative practice is a values-based philosophy that aims to build positive relationships throughout a community and beyond.

It also helps to respond to conflict and arguments in a healthy way that moves us away from blame and towards connection and healing.

We ask questions such as What happened? What could you have been done differently? What do you think needs to happen next to move forward?

The intention is to learn how to ask, listen and share in a way that honours relationships and cultivates a positive learning environment for the whole school community. Restorative practice aims to support the well-being of schools and cultivating a shared language around respect, growing empathy as a skill set

At present over half of the staff of the Clonmel High School are engaged in various stages of restorative practice training.

This year the TYs will receive a specialised 10 week training module in mentoring/well-being which will enable them to facilitate and encourage restorative behaviours amongst their peers and can also be used to link in with 1st year initiatives such as the Friends programme/ Buddy System.

The High School prides itself on developing students in a holistic environment that allows students the opportunity to engage in a whole host of activities that support their learning and development both in class and as part of their extracurricular activities.

Mens sana in corpore sano…a healthy mind in a healthy body is a philosophy the High School ascribes to. The students who this year achieved maximum points in their Leaving Cert, all managed to balance their studies with their extra- curricular pursuits, from swimming to running to gaelic games, making valuable contributions to a whole host of school committees and volunteer- led initiatives.

The school believes in fully supporting students as they carve out their path in life and build healthy and rewarding connections through relationships, work, family and engagement in the opportunities that life brings their way.

High School teachers pride themselves in offering the students support and opportunities to engage in all manner of extracurricular activities from musicals to leadership initiatives such as Mentoring and Green Schools to name but a few and in numerous competitions that take place throughout the year.

Guest speakers and workshops hosted in school respond to the social and cultural issues that arise in society, from consent to navigating social media distractions. Dedicated care team, guidance counsellors, chaplain and classroom teachers work together to support students interests and development.

Using restorative practice within the school creates positive relationships throughout the school, community and beyond.

In speaking to each other from a place of kindness and compassion we support the well-being of schools and the community we serve by engaging in relational practices that promote repair and restore connection and belonging.

The connections we make with our students last a lifetime and we look forward to following the journeys of our students as they forge their life-paths, hoping that they look back on their time in the High School with fondness and a sense of belonging, knowing that they are valued members of our close-knit community.

High School Open Night will take place on October 11 6-9pm.