Promoting cross-age connection through Peer Support Buddies

This year UHS sub-schools have expanded the Year 7 Transition Program to heighten connections between our newest students and Year 10 students. This involved a significant increase in the number of students supporting Year 7’s in their first few terms in the UHS community, and the opportunity for older students to lead as ambassadors for our school values.

Notable additions to the program for 2024 have been the training of 20 more Year 10 Peer Support Buddies, partnering with Let’s TALK as an orgnaisation to train students in being a supportive buddy, incorporation of Year 10 students on Year 7 Camps, and an increase in the number of transition classes throughout Terms 1 and 2. 

To get an idea of what impact this has had on our student population, a few reflective comments have been provided…

Year 10 Peer Support Buddy Reflections:

“As Year 10 Peer Support Buddies we had the opportunity to help run the Year 7’s Orientation Day. This allowed us to develop our leadership skills and we were also able to help the new Year 7’s adjust to the new environment of high school. As well as this I was also fortunate enough to attend the Year 7 camp as a Year 10 Peer Support Buddy, This allowed me to grow connections with the Year 7s and encourage them to make new friends with each other. Year 10 Peer Support Buddies were able to host a trivia night for the Year 7s  which was both entertaining for them and educational for us. I think that this program benefits everybody involved and is a great way to help the Year 7s integrate into the new school environment” - Henry Coulson Wiegard

“When I saw the post about volunteering for the Year 7 orientation and camp, I was intrigued by the chance to connect with students and build teamwork skills. During orientation, I used empathy techniques to connect with nervous Year 7 students, fostering meaningful relationships. At camp, I engaged with students and helped one struggling with hearing difficulties to connect. Through various activities, I motivated my group and saw them grow in confidence. Leading my team to success in obstacle challenges was a highlight, earning recognition as the best team member. Hosting a successful trivia event and visiting the Healesville Sanctuary were also memorable experiences. Overall, I'm grateful for the opportunity and the joy it brought me”. Jules-Michael Catanchi

“As one of the Year 7 Peer Support Buddies I had the opportunity to go to Year 7 Camp. This experience taught me so much about communicating with different year levels and showed me the importance of leadership. Going to Year 7 Camp was an amazing opportunity, engaging learning experience and a fun way to engage and connect with some of the younger students. Overseeing and helping the Year 7s was a great experience as it allowed me to utilize leadership skills and develop connections with some of the wonderful Year 7 students.” - Arden Macaulay  

Year 7 Student Reflections:

“At camp we were trying new things, like pushing ourselves and going out of our comfort zones. I think that the Year 10 Buddies really encouraged us and helped make things more fun. They were really friendly and made an effort to get to know us. This is why I believe camp was more enjoyable than others I have been on”. - Kazuma Yamakawa 7T2

“I found Year 7 Camp really fun since we had a whole bunch of new friends to make. We also had the Year 10’s who were a bit more sensible but also funny”. - Lucas Lohr 7T3

“Camp was the best! It was such a good experience spending time with my friends in nature. In camp we were really hyped up doing all of the activities such as damper, night walks, marshmallows, giant swing, low ropes, flying fox, and way more. The Year 10’s were amazing with us and they helped us settle into the environment. They were also funny, kind, and thoughtful”. - Melis Senol 

“Camp was really fun! It was nice to meet other people, I love nature, and the food was great. I enjoyed the flying fox as I felt like I was flying in space. I also found it really enjoyable to connect with an older UHS student, they’re fun and funny. On the final day we went to Healesville Sanctuary, and went to a bird show, got to see a 2m long bird, and I was able to buy souvenir earrings. - Kayla Nguyen 

Coming up next are a number of sessions run by Year 10 Peer Support Buddies to encourage Year 7’s to be kind and empathetic. These will be run throughout Connect Self and other classes and will expose students to positive behaviours to support learning at UHS.

Paul Rogers and Annabel Holland - Head of Year 7 & Year 10 Sub Schools