ABSTRACT
Restorative Practice has an agenda about the engagement and empowerment of all parties in meaningful ways. This results in wrongdoers being made accountable and taking responsibility for their behaviour. Teachers know their students best and can judge how good natured and well-intended an apology or promise may be. Exploring an apology should not be intended or used as a punishment, so that wrongdoers feel hammered. Some students at an early age believe that punishment is an acceptable way of dealing with bullying behaviour. It is only natural for them to reflect the philosophy that traditional schools and some communities and their families have taught them. Many teachers have the Restorative Dialogue printed on a small card that they carry with them around their school to refer to when needed. It has no bearing on their competence to facilitate.
