Wellbeing

The Peer Support Program

The Peer Support Program is a one of the key components of our KWS Wellbeing Program. The Peer Support Program provides students with a supportive environment where children and young people develop skills, understandings, attitudes and strategies to improve their mental, social and emotional wellbeing. Positive relationships are developed across the school through a series of engaging activities with a range of students of all ages in both the Senior and Preparatory School. Peer Support Leaders who deliver the program also gain leadership skills in the process.

In the Senior School the Year 7 program supports students as they make the transition into High School. It seeks to support their relationship development and assists them organisationally. The program is run by Year 11 students and covers a variety of core skills required for high school such as developing friendships. Recently Year 10 students had the opportunity to participate in Peer Support Training and the feedback from both the students and staff was very positive!

“Peer Support involves people sharing knowledge, experience or practical help with each other. The three day Peer Support training conducted for Year 10's during the Bivouac Cadet Camp helped to further develop leadership skills for those involved. This the training involved problem solving and team building activities as well as talking about issues relating to Peer Support for the Year 7s, both current and incoming next year. Students wishing to become a Peer Support Leader had the opportunity to put themselves forward for selection and were chosen for their ability to help the Year 7's with their transition to high school and their leadership qualities.

I found the training to be both helpful and insightful, to extend my leadership skills and help my understanding of what it means to be a leader. The three days were done in a fun and exciting way that I found to be enjoyable. I look forward to the opportunity to use these skills and activities during peer support with the Year 7's this term.”

Dominic Reilly (10 Brown)

In the Preparatory School the program is also student-led. Year 6 students lead groups of multi-age students, providing a fun and engaging environment for students to address social issues. Run from the early part of the calendar year, it helps encourages peer connections throughout the school and assists students in developing practical skills to enhance social and emotional wellbeing.

“Peer support was an exciting experience for everyone in Year Six. It was fun and showed us what it is like to be a teacher, having to keep all the younger children under control. We learned a lot about respect and personal values, as well as being able to teach them to others. Although it was challenging having to set-up for each lesson every week, and actually presenting it, it was always satisfying to know that the kids enjoyed the lessons. I personally found group activities the most rewarding, as we get to see how all the different kids interacted with each other, and it was fun to bounce between groups and see how they are going completing the tasks we set. Honestly, I think all the Peer Support Leaders have learnt something about personal values and goals, as well as how to teach other children.”

Molly Slack-Smith (6C)

The Peer Support Program is an invaluable component of our overall approach to wellbeing at KWS.

Mrs Emma Bylsma

Head of Wellbeing