Last week saw the relaunch of the Peer Support Program at Joey’s! We are thrilled to be bringing back our peer support sessions, fostering an environment where Year 7 can share, learn, and grow together. Each week, until the end of term, groups of 10-15 students will meet with 2 or 3 Yr 10 Peer Leaders and work through a range of activities that focus on building connections and addressing a range of behaviours. Over a period of 8 weeks students will acknowledge their strengths and learn skills to build resilience, identify how to develop, maintain and repair friendships, develop understanding of a range of behaviours including bullying, and learn strategies in order to respond appropriately in a variety of situations.

Session One - Safe and Sure

This session involved each of the group members getting to know each other by using a range of social skills to promote diversity and engagement. This session was also all about establishing a safe learning environment where each member feels able to join in, share, contribute, develop a sense of belonging and to identify safe practices.

Session Two - Being Strong

This session students have the opportunity to explore the positive things in their lives. Year 7 identified their strengths and achievements and also the people who support them. Consideration was also given to their character strengths and what helps to build a strong sense of self. Character strengths help provide accurate descriptions of their best attributes and in turn can shape how they behave towards others. 

I encourage you to discuss with your child what they have learnt during the last two sessions of Peer Support and encourage and reinforce their character strengths. Some of these may include happiness, kindness, patience, perseverance, honesty and good judgement. The next two sessions will focus on healthy relationships and positive attitudes.

Mrs Brooke Tomajka

Stage 5 PALS Coordinator