Restorative Conversations & Logical Consequences

At Ripponlea Primary School, we believe that every mistake is an opportunity for learning. Through our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) framework, we teach students to make respectful, safe, and responsible choices. But when mistakes happen, as they naturally do, we turn to Restorative Practices.

What Are Restorative Practices?

Restorative Practices focus on repairing harm, restoring relationships, and building a stronger community. Instead of asking “What rule was broken?” we ask, “Who has been hurt, and how can we make things right?”

We use these practices to help students:

Understand the impact of their actions.
Take responsibility.
Learn better ways to solve problems.
Reconnect with their peers and teachers.

Why Do We Use Restorative Conversations?

Restorative conversations are structured, respectful discussions that help students reflect on their behaviour. They are used for small everyday issues and also after more serious conflicts or incidents.

These conversations:
✅ Empower students to problem-solve
✅ Help them develop empathy
✅ Teach accountability without punishment
✅ Rebuild trust and connection

Restorative Conversation Script

Our staff use this script during restorative conversations. It can also be used at home when you want to guide your child through reflection.

1. What happened?
(Encourages honesty and storytelling)

2. What were you thinking at the time?
(Helps your child understand their mindset)

3. What have you thought about since?
(Promotes reflection after the moment has passed)

4. Who has been affected by what you did? In what way?
(Develops empathy)

5. What do you need to do to make things right?
(Encourages responsibility and action)

Reflection Prompts for Parents and Students

Here are some friendly, supportive questions you can use at home to help your child reflect on a behaviour issue or solve a conflict:

Understanding the Moment

What were you feeling when it happened?
Was there a better way to handle that situation?
What was the hardest part about what happened?

Taking Responsibility

How do you think the other person felt?
What part of this do you need to own?
Is there anything you would do differently next time?

Making Things Right

What could help fix the situation?
Do you think an apology would help? What would you like to say?
How can you show you’ve learned from this?

Working Together: Parents/Carers & RPS Staff

When families and our school use the same approach to behaviour and conflict, children thrive. You can support Restorative

Practices by:

Talking through conflicts calmly at home
Encouraging your child to see other perspectives
Reinforcing the importance of making things right
Reminding your child that mistakes help us grow

If your child has been involved in a restorative conversation at school, you may hear about it from their teacher. We encourage open dialogue and your support in helping them reflect and learn.

Understanding Logical Consequences

At RPS, we know that children make mistakes—it’s part of growing up. But what happens after a mistake is what truly matters. That’s why we use Logical Consequences, not punishments, to guide student behaviour.

What Are Logical Consequences?

Logical consequences are reasonable, respectful, and related responses to behaviour. They help children make better choices by:

Encouraging responsibility
Teaching cause and effect
Supporting emotional development
Reinforcing our school’s expectations

They are not about punishment or shame. They are about learning, accountability, and growth.

Logical Consequences vs. Punishment

Punishment	Logical Consequence
Meant to make the child “pay”	Meant to help the child learn
Often unrelated to the behaviour	Directly related to the behaviour
Can cause resentment or fear	Builds responsibility and trust
Focuses on blame	Focuses on problem-solving

Types of Logical Consequences

Here are three common types we use at school:

1. Re-do or Re-do Respectfully

If a student speaks disrespectfully, we might ask them to say it again in a respectful tone or rewrite a message kindly.

2. Loss of Privilege

If a student misuses a space or item (e.g., technology or sports equipment), they might lose access until they can show responsible use.

3. Repair and Restore

If harm is caused (e.g., hurtful words or damage to property), students are supported to repair the relationship or object. This might include writing an apology, helping fix what was broken, or making a plan to do better.

How This Looks in Practice

Example 1
Behaviour: A student refuses to clean up after a group project.
Logical Consequence: The student stays back to clean up, with guidance if needed.

Example 2
Behaviour: A child pushes in line at Snack Shack.
Logical Consequence: The child waits until the end of the line and is supported to reflect on fairness.

Example 3
Behaviour: A student draws on school property.
Logical Consequence: The student helps clean the area and discusses respect for shared spaces.

How You Can Support at Home

You can reinforce logical consequences by using similar strategies:

Stay calm and connected – avoid reacting with anger or shame.
Relate the consequence to the behaviour – “You left your bike outside in the rain, so it’s not safe to ride now. Let’s talk about what to do next time.”
Involve your child in problem-solving – ask, “How do you think we can fix this?”

At our school, we teach students that choices have consequences, but those consequences should always lead to learning, not fear. With your partnership, we help students bounce back from mistakes, repair harm, and grow into respectful and responsible individuals.