Peer Mentors

Peer Mentor Program

Scope

The Ignatius Park College Peer Mentor program is a student-driven initiative of the College’s overall Wellbeing framework. The initiative is overseen by the Student Counsellors and a small team of dedicated teaching staff, and aims to equip a select group of students with the skills to respond to everyday issues from their peers. It also aims to build confidence and abilities so that students can respond in the best possible way when helping their peers with a problem. Fourteen Year 11 students across the seven Houses in the College participate in the program with aims of:

• Understanding values and attitudes of young people
• Developing listening and responding skills
• Problem-solving in a variety of situations affecting young people
• Developing self-care strategies and becoming aware of strengths and limitations
• Gaining knowledge of professional resources and services and how to access these services.

Selection of Peer Mentors

Towards the end of Year 10, applications open to become a Peer Mentor. Students can self-nominate, or be nominated by their Homeroom teacher or Pastoral Leader. Peer Mentor Facilitators select two applicants from each house based on the merits of their application, and personal attributes observed by their teachers over their time at the College. Peer Mentors are expected to be examples among their peers by upholding the College values of Integrity, Pride and Commitment.

Training

Falling under the Student Counsellor’s portfolio, Peer Mentor Facilitators (teaching staff) undergo intensive professional development. Facilitators run the retreat attended by Peer Mentor nominees.

Peer Mentor nominees (students) undergo a two-day retreat to develop the skills they will need for the role. Upon completion, they are the new Peer Mentors for the following calendar year.

Roles and College Involvement

In addition to being a member of the student body that peers can access for help, Peer Mentors are involved in the following events:

• Year 7 Orientation & Phoenix Flyers
• Year 7 first day of school
• Child protection week
• Anti-bullying week
• Year 7 PACA lessons

Peer Mentors regularly attend Year 7 homerooms to check in with younger students on their mental health, safety, wellbeing and involvement at the College. They present at House and School Assemblies to showcase their ongoing role at the College. Homeroom Teachers, Pastoral Leaders and Facilitators may call on Peer Mentors to further assist students who are struggling and need assistance.