Last week we wrapped up our Peer Support programme, which helps our Year 9 rōpū find their footing at Pakūranga College. Below are some recaps from our Peer Support Leaders.
NĪKAU
I never realised how 10 weeks can go by so fast. It was a privilege to guide the Year 9s in their new chapter of college life. The nervous faces I once saw turned to smiles, the quiet classrooms now filled with laughter, and the hidden talents of each individual started to shine across the room. The sessions we did on Friday brought us close to one another, especially the mafia game, where our trust was being tested. To celebrate the 10 weeks we spent together, we did a special celebration where we cheered one another for our achievements and enjoyed a feast of snacks to treat ourselves.
There were times when not only the Year 9s, but also the leaders had to step out of their comfort zone. Instead of giving up, we kept moving forward together and built the confidence we didn’t know we could have. At the end, we all laughed and wrapped our session with a statement, “Now who’s ready to sleep in on Friday mornings?”.
Jacqueline Oh, Year 13
PŌHUTUKAWA
This term, the Year 9s had an awesome 10 weeks of exciting and character-developing Peer Support programmes. As they transitioned into Year 9, they got more involved and confident within themselves, as well as building valuable connections with others. We learnt a lot about friendships, values, culture and resilience in each of our weekly Friday morning sessions.
One highlight was definitely the “Value Auctions” in Week 9, where the students bid on different values – this sparked meaningful discussions about the importance of all values in their new Pakūranga College journey. A big thank you to all the Peer Support Leaders for being such amazing role models to the Year 9s. The time and energy they have put into these sessions is what has helped the Year 9s become comfortable and confident within the school. They are leaders the Year 9s will never forget!
Stella Lanigan, Year 13
TŌTARA
This term, our Peer Support Leaders have guided Year 9s through Friday morning sessions to help them settle into high school. From team-building activities to discussions on resilience and friendships, these sessions built confidence, connections, and plenty of memories.
Highlights included the lively mock auction, where negotiation (and chaos) ran wild, and mafia games, where accusations flew on nothing but “just trust me.” Most importantly, we formed friendships, whether between Year 9s or within the Peer Support team, that will last beyond these Fridays.
On Friday last week, we wrapped up the term with a special celebration, reflecting on how far we’ve come. We are so proud of all our Year 9s for their enthusiasm, kindness, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones. It has been incredible to see them grow, and we hope they continue to thrive and make the most of their high school journey. A huge thank you to all the Peer Support Leaders for their dedication and to our Year 9s for their energy and openness. We look forward to seeing this team continue to strengthen our school community!
Tanya Xiao, Year 13
