What is Peer Mediation?
The process by which the participants, together with the assistance of a neutral person or persons, systematically isolate disputed issues in order to develop options, consider alternatives, and reach a consensual settlement that will accommodate their needs. Mediation is a process that emphasises the participants' own responsibility for making decisions that affect their lives.
I know that this all sounds very serious and technical, however, it is something that we consider to be an important option available to our students at Oak Flats High School when they may be having an argument, disagreement or conflict with other students at the school.
Mediation is helping other people who are in conflict to find solutions.
To allow this option to occur students from Year 10 and 11 have been chosen and trained in the process of mediation so that when students are unable to resolve a conflict on their own, there are students (NOT teachers) available to help achieve a resolution. The student mediators are there to help and have been trained to assist while considering a student’s point of view. When necessary, Mediators will always be considerate of the following aspects:-
- Providing a supportive and casual environment for all students involved.
- Everyone has a turn to voice their opinion!
- We are respectful and non-judgemental
- We help you come up with a compromise to settle the issue.
Peer Mediation is an option, available to all students at Oak Flats High School. If you ever feel that you might need to access Peer Mediation, students can talk to their Teachers, Year Advisors, Deputies or Ms Dianne O’Brien (Head Teacher Welfare) about trying to resolve a conflict and if Mediation might be the solution.
Mr Lyle Elston – Co-ordinator of Peer Mediation
