Social Inclusion
The healthy social life is found
When in the soul of each human being
The community finds its reflection,
And when, in the community,
The virtue of each one is living.
The Nelson Waldorf School is committed to healthy social relationships between students, teachers and all members of the community. This value is reflected throughout the curriculum and implicit in the working of the school. In support of deepening and furthering existing socially inspired practice within the school community, the NWS is now in the second year of implementation of the Social Inclusion program as designed by Kim John Payne, an educator and consultant who is respected world-wide for his work in justice without blame, building self-esteem, and helping children deal with conflict and social issues.
Incidents of teasing and social aggression between students are dealt with primarily by the teachers and, when appropriate, are brought to the Social Inclusion stream of the school. Incidents are brought to the Social Inclusion Coordinator, who works with the students involved in a specifically designed format of discovery and an atmosphere of no blame.
The Class Eight members of the Student Social Action Committee are trained to support students experiencing conflict and attend "ready for change" and "no blame" meetings with the coordinator and teacher. When a student is involved in extended social inclusion work, the parents are notified and consultation occurs.
All students, teachers, and staff are oriented and participate in social inclusion practices. The Social Inclusion Coordinating group is comprised of teachers and parents who are dedicated to bringing this vital work more fully to the school.