Peer Power & Restorative Approaches
Peer Power and Restorative Approaches offer support at every stage along the spectrum of restorative practice processes, from prevention to intervention. With the guidance of skilled facilitators, our services provide students with opportunities to expand their communication and conflict resolution skills to help build safe and inclusive school communities and opportunities to repair harm to resolve their conflicts with their peers.
Our values
- Mutual Respect
- Embracing the diversity and dignity of all people
- The understanding that with support, people have the capacity to be self reflective, accountable, and capable of change
- The belief that given time and support, conflicts and problems can be resolved and harm repaired
- The feelings, needs, and perspectives of all involved are heard and valued and decisions are made collaboratively
Peer Power
Peer Power helps students in grades 4-12 build communication and conflict resolution skills. Our programs create safe and inclusive school communities by empowering students to help themselves and their peers. We offer:
- Classroom Sessions: These sessions build community and connections among students. By discussing common peer challenges, students develop empathy and learn to give each other a voice.
- Peer Helping Trainings: These trainings boost students’ confidence and communication skills, enabling them to support and empower one another.
- Peer Mediation: This restorative practice trains students to guide their peers through a structured five-step conflict resolution process. The goal is to reach a resolution that meets both parties’ needs, fostering accountability and mutual support.
Is there a fee for service?
There is no fee for the Thames Valley District School Board or the London District Catholic School Board for youth services as there is an existing partnership. Free group programming options are available for youth ages 12 and up from our community at our main office on Dundas street.
How can I request programming?
School personnel are encouraged to contact Peer Power and speak with a member of the team. A conversation will be had to determine which of our programs will be the most effective intervention. The needs of the referral as well as capacity of team will be considered to determine services offered.
Parents/guardians wanting school based programming to be conducted within their child’s school are encouraged to speak to their school Principal and/or Vice Principal. To request youth participation in one of our small group programs available within our Dundas Street Office, please call us directly.
Please contact us at 519-850-3777 x 224 if you are interested in any of our services and we can discuss the best fit for you.
TVDSB StudentI had so much fun and I know the class did too. Our class has been so much better from the first time you came and the last. You taught us a lot. I think everyone liked sharing their feelings. The thing that helped us the most was the talking and the sharing. Thank you!!
TeacherPresenters were positive, respectful, and inclusive. They touched on many topics that were occurring in my class (exclusion, put-downs, negative talk about peers) and discussed many ways to resolve the conflict. I liked the virtual engagement parts too. It allowed the students who chose not to share orally to be able to share their thoughts.
Restorative Approaches
Restorative Approaches provide students with opportunities to engage in positive, supportive work when dealing with conflict and bullying. The program aims to repair harm in a safe environment and create solutions for managing difficult situations. This can include:
- Restorative Conversations: These help students tell their stories, navigate peer relationships, and access supports.
- Student Agreements and Mediation: These assist in bridging relationships, understanding different perspectives, and creating healthy boundaries through collaborative agreements.
- Restorative Conferencing: This involves students, families, school staff, and community partners to repair harm, reduce suspensions, and support meaningful reintegration.
Referrals to the Restorative Approaches team are made by School Administrators. After meeting with students, an appropriate restorative process is chosen to address the specific needs and conflicts.
How can I access this support for myself, my child, or my students?
All elementary and secondary students within TVDSB can access this support. A referral must be made directly to RA staff by school administration. Participation in Restorative Approaches is voluntary.
Students under the age of 18 require parent/guardian consent prior to RA staff involvement.
For further information regarding the RA program contact a member of the team at 519-850-3777 x 224.
What happens next? Will students in conflict always be brought together?
After we get consent to participate, an RA staff member will meet with the student at the school. Every referral is different and the restorative intervention will be decided upon with all parties involved, and may include individual support, student agreements, mediation or conferences. There is never an expectation for students to become friends.
What are the benefits of participating in the RA program?
It is an inclusive approach to problem solving where the feelings, needs and views of all those involved are considered; everyone has a voice in the process of building and promoting respectful relationships, fostering mutual respect and acceptance of diversity.
TVDSB Secondary School AdministratorI am a big believer in and a huge supporter of the Restorative Approaches team at St. Leonard’s and know it makes a huge difference in the lives of kids who sometimes just need the outside third party to help them own their part, make restitution and repair their relationships.
TVDSB Secondary School AdministratorAdministrators, youth, and parents appreciate the neutrality and fairness of this process.
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