Te Kura o Tititea Mt Aspiring College (MAC) has introduced a peer support programme to help its Year 7 students make a successful transition to high school.

MAC head of counselling and peer support programme coordinator Michael Multhaup said the programme, in its first year, had helped to build stronger relationships between senior and junior students.

“Using fun activities and games, the programme provides a structured introduction to life at MAC for our new Year 7 students,” he said.

“The senior students act as role models to provide guidance and support to the students just beginning their high school experience.”

Senior students gain skills in organisation and whakawhānaungatanga, as well as people and time management, and Year 7 students gain a structured induction to school under the guidance of senior students who have undertaken training as leaders, he said.

“Following the success of this year’s programme, we plan to run it at the start of each new school year.”

Year 13 student Debora Vieira said she joined the programme because she wanted to create bonds with younger students.

“I can remember the younger me and how I would have loved the chance to work with the big kids in the school,” she said. “A highlight of the programme has been seeing the energy of the Year 7 students and how excited they are to be involved.”

Year 7 student George Cruden said the programme allowed him to grow and learn about friendships.

“I learned about how people show their emotions in different ways and we took part in games where we had to work as a team. Being able to form connections with seniors has been really beneficial as it makes me feel like MAC is a safe place to be.”

PHOTO: MAC