This month we’re revisiting one of our favourite presentations from the RJ World conference – ‘The Role of Apology in Restorative Conversations’ by Cath Forster and Jo Chamberlain.
Cath Forster works as a Restorative Facilitator in schools within Aotearoa, New Zealand for Te Whai Toi Tangata – part of Te Whare Wananga o Waikato, Waikato University, alongside her own work. She is based on the Kapiti Coast and has a background in secondary teaching – working within Social Science and Pastoral Care. Cath’s Restorative Practice journey began when her school was asked by the Ministry of Education to look at developing this within the College in which she was working. To help staff and students build relationships and a culture based on manaakitanga, caring and kotahitanga, working together within community is a passion she has. The change that occurs allows for engagement in learning and wellbeing for all.
Jo Chamberlain works as a Restorative Facilitator in schools in Aotearoa New Zealand for Te Whai Toi Tangata – part of Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato, Waikato University. Based in Whanganui, Jo has a background in primary education and began her journey with Restorative Practice when working to create safe ways for staff and children when resolving conflicts. Jo is passionate about the power of relationships in transforming education and creating equitable outcomes for all students. Restorative Practice is not a set of questions, but a way of being and being well. Seeing change in one student, one teacher, one school, one community at a time is at the center of her work.
