Mental Health in Primary Schools

Meet our Friend O’Leaders

What is a Friend O’Leader?

Friend O’Leaders are student leaders who act as peer mentors and friendship role models. They are trained in the friendship language, tools, and strategies taught through Friendology, so they can support younger students to manage friendship challenges and conflicts appropriately.

There will be two Friend O’Leaders in Area 1 and two in Area 2 during recess and lunchtime. They wear blue vests so students can easily identify them.

A Friend O’Leader may:

• Model healthy friendship skills.

• Help students use Friendology language such as "Friendship Fires", "Talk-It-Outs", and "Quick Comebacks".

• Support students to solve minor friendship problems independently (not first aid or physical violence issues—these should be referred to the yard duty teacher).

• Encourage inclusion and kindness in the playground.

Students who wanted the role were required to nominate themselves and write a letter explaining why they would be suitable for the position. It was wonderful to see so many of our Grade 5 students apply. Twenty students were selected and will receive ongoing training and support from Ms Holly (our Mental Health & Wellbeing Leader) through the Friendology UR Strong program.

These are our Friend O’Leaders for this year and the beginning of next year:

Vidyu, Charlotte, Riya, Athulya, Lily, Lucas S, Ashley, Arvind, Ella, Benji, Ryan K, Blossom, Hermione, Lilla, Rihaan, Olivia, Juli, Eleanore, Ayrton and Ameyaa.