Restorative Justice Coordinator Welcome Letter
Dear BNS Staff and Families,
I hope this message finds you well and everyone has enjoyed the much needed break. As we start another journey together this year, Diane and Malika have entrusted me to introduce a new role I am testing out in our school community –Restorative Justice Coordinator.
I have been a BNS Staff member for about eight years, and during this time I have grown to love what our community stands for. I am now also a BNS parent which adds another layer of insight. I have also been working towards my Masters Degree in Childhood Education which is what prompted me to further think about ways to continue keeping BNS such a sacred space for all children. As I have learned over the past few semesters, the education climate in school is a constantly evolving place. Depending on the current climates of the world, we need to make adjustments that will best suit the needs of the population we are working with.
In response to the evolving needs of our diverse student population, I have been brainstorming the role of Restorative Justice Coordinator to further enhance the supportive and inclusive environment that BNS strives to foster. With a deep commitment to positive student behavior, conflict resolution, and community-building, this role will play a vital part in shaping our school culture.
In my role as Restorative Justice Coordinator, I will promote positive behavior among our students, prevent conflicts, and strengthen relationships between students, teachers, and families. Students will gain a better understanding of restorative justice practices and strategies as well as create a safe, inclusive environment where all students can flourish.
Key Responsibilities:
Identifying student behavior concerns and implementing restorative practices will be my primary responsibility as coordinator, working closely with teachers, staff, and students, and of course Diane and Malika. Resolving conflicts and nurturing positive relationships will be achieved by facilitating restorative circles, team building exercises, reflective practices and other strategies. My role will also include facilitating communication and collaboration among the school staff and parents so that students can flourish in an inclusive, safe environment. Additionally, I am hopeful that this role will support our school counselors and administrators to know that student conflicts are promptly being addressed and resolved.
A Collaborative Approach:
I strongly believe that the success of this role depends on our collaborative efforts. I will use all opportunities to connect with our community during the first few months of my position as Restorative Justice Coordinator, including grade level family meetings, grade level team meetings, and individual meetings. We will be able to create a supportive and cohesive learning environment through alignment with our community's values and goals.
I encourage everyone no matter your role in our school to engage with me and explore the many ways in which restorative practices can contribute to the growth and well-being of our students. Any suggestions, questions, or comments you may have regarding the 23- 24 school year are welcome. I can be reached at Amelia@bns146.org. Hopefully, we will be able to work effectively together and achieve positive change in the coming year!
Warm Regards,
Amelia
