Building a Strong, Relational School Culture Through Our Partnership with Real Schools

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At Our Lady of Mercy College, we believe that education is about far more than academic achievement. It is about forming young people who feel connected, valued, resilient and capable of making a positive contribution to the world around them.

That is why we are excited to announce our partnership with Real Schools. Real Schools is a collective of passionate educators and leaders dedicated to transforming and enhancing school cultures. They offer a three-year partnership program to implement Restorative Practices, which is the underpinning methodology for building a strong, relational school culture.

Centred on our Mercy Values, this partnership aims to strengthen Pastoral Care across the College by fostering a culture of trust, effective relationships, conflict resolution and student wellbeing.

Real Schools supports educational organisations across Australia, from Melbourne to Kalgoorlie, and works with various systems, including government, independent and Catholic sectors. Their approach is grounded in a deep understanding of human behaviour and the unique dynamics of school environments, ensuring schools are equipped with the support and resources needed to build strong, authentic relationships between staff, students and families.

This process will commence with a staff professional learning day on Tuesday 21 July 2026, facilitated by Merilee Wright. Throughout the day, staff will engage in a range of activities designed to build their capacity to use restorative strategies and strengthen relationship-building practices across the College.

We are excited for the journey ahead and look forward to continuing to build a culture where every student is known, valued and empowered to become the best version of themselves.

If you are interested in learning more about Real Schools, more information can be found here: What is Partnership? | Parent Portal | Real Schools