Representatives Tackle Classroom Behaviour

Justice and Education Representatives Tackle Behaviour in the Classroom

Responding to demand from schools, The Porirua Education Forum led by former Minister of Education Russell Marshall, hosted a ground-breaking forum on classroom behaviour that crossed spectrums between youth justice, community leadership and education.

Marshall and Porirua College Principal Susanne Jungersen aimed to introduce “restorative justice” practices into Porirua schools at all levels and establish the basis for complementary engagement between the justice and education systems.

On Monday 28 June, representatives from school boards of trustees, primary, secondary and tertiary education, youth justice, Porirua City Council and also Mayor Jenny Brash and Hon. Tariana Turia explored case studies in ‘restorative justice’. Restorative justice, (also known as transformative justice), views wrong-doing as a violation of people and relationships. Problem-solving becomes centred around an exploration of the harm that has been done and how to repair it.

The forum covered perspectives from education, justice and specialists, with over 100 people in attendance. Phil Skipworth and Conway Mathews from Porirua College talked about their experiences inside the college and methods based on the principles of pre-emptive action, self-realisation and korero. Specialists from Aotea College also outlined their experiences from a school perspective and presented their research.

Youth court Judge John Walker strongly supported the restorative practices model. Youth Justice Co-ordinator Rees Fox was passionate about the theme and welcomed the initiative of the Education Forum by engaging with Board of Trustees and Principals present that evening.

Rich Matla and Greg Jansen specialise on Restorative Practices in schools and have run workshops for principals and teachers since 2007. Their presentation outlined how restorative practice is crime prevention - it is a powerful tool to connect communities.

The forum finished with two sessions to discuss the introduction of restorative practices into Porirua Schools and the introduction of a memorandum of understanding between schools and youth justice.

“The Restorative Justice approach strengthens the bonds between people to restore social capital, student happiness and engagement in study and emotional well-being,” says Susanne Jungerson, Principal of Porirua College. “This is a powerful tool to manage behaviour.”

The Porirua Education Forum has set an objective to significantly improve outcomes for Porirua students. In its two year existence, the group led by Chair Russell Marshall and Whitireia Chief Executive Don Campbell has brought national education policy makers to Porirua to forge new directions. It is now a key component in city strategy.

ENDS

© Scoop Media