Something incredible happened this week – and it’s a story worth sharing.
In the days following a recent leadership mentoring session at Baden Powell College, a simple but powerful shift occurred. They didn’t overhaul policies or introduce new programs. Instead, they leaned into relationships and embraced key mindset shifts in their restorative journey.
What followed was a series of behaviour incidents that ended not with punishment, but with reflection, relationships, and learning.
Students were given the space to own their actions using a restorative framework. Instead of being told what they did wrong or what the consequences would be, they experienced the Past–Present–Future process. Connection and empowerment led to recognising the impact of their behaviours. They then chose and developed responses that highlighted their humanness, accountability, and ability to restore relationships through actions – rather than through consequences or punishment.
One standout moment came from Ash, a teacher on yard duty. Five Year 9 boys had run from a class, ignoring her initial directions. Expecting to follow up later, Ash was surprised when office staff told her, “There are five boys here to see you… they said they’ve probably got detention?”
Ash met them, lunch in hand, and calmly used the Past–Present–Future structure. The boys acknowledged their actions, recognised her disappointment at not getting the chance to talk earlier, and – most importantly – chose to make things right. Ash thanked and congratulated them for their maturity, for owning their behaviour, and for their commitment to actions moving forward.
When she shared the story with her colleagues, her words were simple: “IT WORKS!”
And it does.
When we invest in relationships and connection – when we take the time to ask rather than tell, when we move beyond being adversarial – we show students that their actions affect others and that they have the power to make things right. We change school culture.
One conversation at a time.
Let’s celebrate the power of connection. Because when students feel seen, heard, and trusted – they rise to the occasion.
