NEW POLICIES

THE BCC WAY  (BURDEKIN CHRISTIAN  CHARACTER)

OF RESTORATION  OF RELATIONSHIPS

Introduction

Traditionally, the worldview that underlines the way schools determine their approach to discipline is based on the need to punish offenders.

This approach has arisen from a number of worldviews and subsequent practices.

One worldview in particular is the biblical Old Testament worldview where if codified rules had been broken, punishment is a consequence.

This worldview has influenced our present western criminal justice systems. Precedents established from Courts of Law from these systems have, in large, determined disciplinary practices in schools.

This is why the traditional practice of corporal punishment was a dominant practice in schools, especially as it is part of the Criminal Code and Education Regulations. Other practices such as detention, which really is false imprisonment, also arose from Courts of Law. The practice of the Courts of Law where "the punishment must fit the crime" also has influenced practices in schools.

With the changing of cultural values over the years, precedents set by courts have changed and this has influenced practices in schools, especially where it is no longer included in Education Regulations or part of the Criminal Code.

Despite the shift in cultural values, the prevailing worldview, that if codified rules have been broken, punishment is a consequence, still dominates disciplinary policies in schools. It would also be fair to say there is increasing concern that the behaviour of students is not improving and teaching is becoming more difficult.

Schools are left with two choices. One is to continue with the present worldview and practice, but do it better. Another is to have a different worldview.

Burdekin Christian College has traditionally followed the Worldview that if codified rules are broken punishment is a consequence.

The College's new worldview is if a code of behaviour is broken there is a consequence. The purpose of a consequence is to restore relationships. This worldview is a New Testament Worldview that if a wrong is done in a relationship, the relationship is broken. The purpose of discipline is the restoration of relationships. In fact the ultimate goal is to create a better relationship than before the wrong occurred.

Because this worldview reflects a view that literature tends to refer to as "restorative justice" it is usually referred to as "restoration of relationships".

The College has adopted the name The BCC Way (Burdekin Christian Character) as this flows with the College's motto Character and Discipline for Tomorrow's Leaders.

The BCC WAY (Burdekin Christian Character.)

The BCC Way has the following worldview:

• If a wrong is committed in a relationship, the relationship is broken.

• Strategies need to be implemented to attempt to mend the relationship. These strategies become the restorative plan.

• The ultimate goal is to have a better relationship after the strategies have been implemented than before the wrong was committed.

• The following code of behaviour identifies the key relationships in the College

Students are to dress neatly and in correct school uniform, observing

relevant guidelines for hair style and wearing of jewellery

Students are expected to complete all homework and assessment tasks

to the best of their ability and by the due date

Students are to maintain library books and home readers in good

condition, store in library bags and homework folders and return on

time

Students are to be punctual to school classes and other activities.

Parents/Carers are to notify the office before a student is absent, if at all possible

Students are expected to display classroom behaviour conducive to

learning

Students are expected to respect equipment, other student feelings

and staff on duty outside the classroom

Students are expected to model exemplary behaviour in extra curricular activities

Students are expected to obey, respect and honour adults

Students are to model compliant behaviour travelling to and from school

Families and students are to be supportive of the College's Healthy Eating Pattern policy

Students are to demonstrate acceptable hygiene practices.

Principles of Burdekin Christian Character include:

• The root cause of wrong behaviour is more important than reacting by imposing punitive measures

• Harm as the result of a wrong being committed affects more than the wrong doer and the victim

• Positivity as expressed in restoration or honouring good behaviour is more important than negativity as expressed in punishment

• Good behaviour is to be recognised. Green awards will be awarded for consistent exemplary behaviour. Silver awards will be awarded to those who maintain a green level for a term. Gold awards will be awarded to those who maintain a silver behaviour standard throughout the year

• Levels of inappropriate behaviour need to be developed to help students distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate behaviour

• Because of engagement of wrong doer and victim, ownership of restoration plan is evident

• Opportunities for creative restoration plans are opened

• A forum for the wider community to come together is provided

• An opportunity for all affected by the wrong to come together is provided

• Justice is seen to be done

• Involves involvement of time rather than a quick fix

• Involves working with students rather than doing to students

It is important that these principles are exercised in a supportive College environment. The College endeavours to do this by:

• Providing opportunities to develop the personal and social competencies of students, teachers and even parents so daily interactions are positive

• Providing a positive, pleasant, healthy environment arising from its sustainability policy

• Providing structures so that extra support is available as needed

• Providing a framework to help students develop the BCC way

This framework is called C.A.R.E.

C refers to courtesy - I respect others.

A refers to attitude - I Can Do It.

R refers to Resilience - I Can Overcome

E refers to Excellence - I Can Do My Best.

The College believes this Burdekin Christian Way of behaviour arising from its relational worldview will lead to fewer wrongs and enhance relationships within the College community.

  Download the .pdf of The BCC Way