Year 9 students have been supported and guided by their Peer Support Leaders.  During Kotahitanga Day the Year 9 students enjoyed solving problems, and having fun, through different mental and physical activities.  In the video below, our Peer Support Leaders share how they have accompanied the Year 9 students to build relationships and feel integrated in their first year at Rangitoto College.

Peer Support gives senior students the opportunity for self-development and provides junior students with security and friendship to help them adapt successfully to college life.

As a Peer Support Leader, you will support and care for a specific Year 9 tutor class.  You are not expected to solve their problems or counsel them, but you can help the students by leading discussion groups and activities where they can learn to understand people around them a little better, develop the skills to get along with each other and make sound decisions about their lives.

The support that you give the members of your group is important – do not underestimate it.  Knowing enough to support each student means that you will need to learn about them, help the group to become aware of the needs and feelings of others, and help them to develop a sense of responsibility for one another.

Through the skills and learning they gain as you work with them, the students will develop friendships and relationships, together with the confidence to look after themselves at school and develop their own individuality.

Benefits to you:

• The chance to give something back to the school.
• Leadership training and experience.
• An addition for your CV. The Peer Support Programme is known all over the world.
• The chance to make a positive difference to Year 9 students coming here next year.

Students are in Year 13 when they apply to be a Peer Support Leader and complete training. They are in Year 13 when they take part in the leadership segment of the programme.

Year 12 students interested in participating in the  Peer Support will submit an application in Term 3 2024.

If this application is successful commitment to the programme is essential and includes

• attendance at two separate trainings in December (after completion of NCEA exams)
• attending  two Year 9 Orientation Days (January 2025)
• minimum of two lunchtime meetings during the term (negotiated with other team members).
• contributing to preparation/organisation for Peer Support sessions
• attending and fully participating/contributing to weekly Peer Support Sessions with allocated Tutor class

Rangitoto Summit Diploma is not applicable for Year 12 and Year 13 students.  Participation will be captured in your student records.