The Restorative Practices process at Worawa College is driven by traditional Aboriginal cultural values and an ethos that emphasizes trust, mutual respect, and tolerance. Students, house parents and teachers, and on occasion and family members are all involved in a process called ‘circle gatherings’, where everyone has the opportunity to talk about what has happened, explain how they have been affected and find a mutually acceptable way forward to repair the harm.
Boarding provides the opportunity for students to have a ‘home away from home’. This other home gives boarders a different opportunity for development and growth. Boarding fosters the development of self-care skills, routine, and structure. Boarding also assists young people with an understanding of group dynamics and life skills, particularly independence.
Boarding environments give students an extra sense of belonging which is important for all young people. A sense of belonging can help to protect against mental health issues, improves learning, and produces happier, more relaxed, and resilient people.
Sense of belonging is enhanced by environments where young people are given the opportunity to feel connected, where they know they are listened to, valued, and supported. Entrusting young people is serious business and this is why the Worawa House Parents are employed based not only on their qualifications and experience, but also on their passion for working with Indigenous youth and their empathetic ability.
Students live in the boarding facilities which are situated in a beautiful natural setting in the heart of the Yarra Valley. Boarding facilities include five cottages which house up to 18 students and one house parent. House parents work as part of a team ensuring consistency in operations of the houses, procedures and consequences. Each house has a Wellbeing Room where a student can withdraw from the ‘house’ to take time out or reflect. Each room is equipped with soft lighting, aromatherapy and mobile phones are banned.
Meals are taken together in the dining hall where all meals are prepared by a qualified chef within a healthy eating plan developed by Deakin University Centre for Health through Action on Social Exclusion (CHASE), which links to a physical fitness program conducted by the College Fitness Instructor.