The College has been running a Peer Support program for a number of years and, as a result, all Year 10 boys will be involved in the training for Peer Support.

The Peer Support Foundation is dedicated to providing dynamic peer led programs which foster the physical, social and mental wellbeing of young people and their community. A longitudinal study conducted by the University of Western Sydney, Self-Concept Enhancement and Learning Facilitation (SELF) Research Centre in 2003 to determine the effectiveness of the Peer Support Program found that it was very successful in meeting these aims.

The program involves one and a half days of training for all Year 10 boys and, on completion of the training, potential leaders will be asked to apply for the position of Peer Support Leader. The appointed Leaders will facilitate activity sessions with teams from Year 7 during Term 1 in 2014. The benefits to the Years 10 and 11 boys will be in the development of their leadership skills. The Year 7s will benefit with improved connectedness to secondary school, resilience, a sense of possibility, as well as the opportunity to make new friends.

The aim of the program is to have the Peer Support Program run in House groups which will allow continued follow up in 2014 during Period B times. This also facilitates a strong connection when the Year 7 boys move into Year 8 in 2015.

An additional opportunity will be given to those who miss out on Peer Support Leadership positions with the Service Learning program. During 2014, Service Learning Leaders will work with Year 8 boys from their House in researching and producing a presentation about the House’s allocated Service Learning organisation.

We trust the boys will approach this initiative positively and we believe that whether or not any of them make themselves available for selection as a Peer Support Leader or Service Learning Leader after the training, they will still benefit from and enjoy the training process.

 Mr Robert Meakin
Deputy Head of Stanmore / Head of Pastoral