At St. Ann Catholic School our discipline policy is based on principles of restorative justice.
This means we believe:
- All people make mistakes and need an opportunity to make up for the harm done and return to full acceptance in a community. Actions have consequences, but instead of generic punishments, we are dedicated to using discipline measures that will help repair the damage done and restore the student to the school community.
- Everyone in a restorative system must commit to being positive, which means dwelling on the positive rather than the negative. We do not label students as “bullies” or “bad kids.” Rather, we offer all students a way to return to goodness.
- Virtue is the opposite/positive aspect of harm and needs to be taught and developed. It is easy to say “do not do this or that.” We are committed to teaching students what goodness looks like. At St. Ann’s we do not just say “do not be mean,” we teach students how to be kind and courteous.
- Prayerful self-reflection must be a part of discipline in a Catholic environment.