Article 1. Scope of Application

This policy defines effective methods for resolving conflicts between students at LLC Georgian-German School Skhivi (hereinafter "the School"), prioritizing the interests of the involved parties.

The Mediation Policy is an essential tool for ensuring a timely and effective response to student conflicts, allowing students to participate directly in the resolution process with the consent of their legal representatives.

Article 2. Goals and Significance of Student Mediation

The primary goal is the peaceful resolution of conflicts through early intervention, proactive response, and prevention. This process involves legal representatives, school safety officers, and psychologists (when necessary) to find optimal compromises for all parties.

It is vital that the students themselves reach a resolution. The school representative acts as a facilitator to demonstrate desirable outcomes and lead a constructive dialogue, offering compromise-based solutions when needed.

Article 3. Responsibilities of the Mediator

The mediator is an individual (or individuals) appointed by the Director's decree, working alongside parents, safety officers, and psychologists. The mediator must be able to:

  • Identify underlying tensions and conflicts between students.
  • Effectively manage conflict situations in the students' best interests.
  • Predict potential consequences of the ongoing conflict.
  • Prevent negative outcomes and help students find a way out of the situation.
  • Facilitate constructive dialogue and involve relevant school units.

The mediator is required to maintain confidentiality and impartiality. They must create a comfortable atmosphere for discussing the causes of the conflict and potential solutions. The mediator acts as a neutral party, helping students understand their own interests and the perspectives of others.

Article 4. Grounds for Starting Mediation and Mediator Functions

Mediation begins when a conflict arises or when preconditions for a conflict are observed. The mediator's duties include:

  • Analyzing the relationship between the students prior to the conflict.
  • Investigating the root causes of the dispute.
  • Assessing the current factual situation (its relevance and impact on the students).
  • Helping students realize that the problem is not insurmountable and that a compromise exists.
  • Gathering information on the outcomes desired by each party.
Note: The mediator does not unilaterally decide the outcome; they only facilitate the students' search for a solution.

Article 5. Stages of Mediation

The mediation process consists of the following steps:

  • General Meeting & Introduction: A confidential session held away from other classmates. The mediator delivers a brief opening statement to de-escalate tension (sometimes using humor) and reminds participants of the meeting's purpose. Parents and the school psychologist may attend if requested.
  • Discussion: The most critical stage where students express their views, feelings, and behaviors related to the conflict. The mediator facilitates the dialogue, keeping the focus on the core issue and summarizing positions.
  • Individual Interview (Optional): With parental consent, the mediator may speak privately with a student to help them see the "big picture" and understand the other party's arguments and feelings.
  • Closing Stage: A final evaluation with both parties. The mediator summarizes the findings and ensures a positive atmosphere as students transition back to their pre-conflict relationship.

Article 6. Post-Mediation Measures

If Successful: The class teacher and subject teachers proactively support the restoration of the students' friendship. This can be achieved through group work, joint fun assignments, or being placed on the same team during sports competitions to fully diffuse any remaining tension. Other teachers should be briefly informed to monitor the situation.
If Unsuccessful: The mediator recommends that the School Director refer the case to the Disciplinary Committee.

Article 7. Adoption and Amendments

The Mediation Policy is developed and approved by the Director's decree.

Any cancellations, amendments, or additions to the policy follow the same approval procedure.