Student Support | Pakuranga College

Whānau

The transition to high school is a big one – more students, more staff, a bigger campus – students can find themselves asking “where do I fit?”. To help establish those critical relationships with peers and staff early on, Pakuranga College has a Whānau system to support students during this transition.

Whānau unity and belonging is an important part of settling into school. Your child’s Whānau will be their compass point for finding new friends, seeking support from staff and student leaders, and learning about college life.

We have six Whānau, each headed by a Whānau Leader and Assistant Whānau Leader. Within each Whānau students belong to a Whānau Group with other students from Year 9-13. The vertical structure of our Whānau Groups gives students continuity as they progress through the college, with the same Whānau Group Teacher supporting them throughout.

Whānau enjoy friendly rivalry, competing for Whānau Cup glory at our annual Athletics Day, Swimming Sports, and Whānau Arts Challenge events. There is also healthy competition within Whānau, as Whānau Groups compete for bragging rights in their annual benchball and trivia competitions.

Peer Support

Student support - students talking outdoors at lunchtime

Having a buddy to help smooth the transition to high school is essential and our more than 150 Peer Support Leaders are on-hand to do just that. Each Whānau Group has dedicated Peer Support Leaders to help students find their way, answer questions, and show what it means to be a Pakuranga College student.

During Term 1, Year 9 students will meet with the Peer Support Leaders from their Whānau Group and one other, every Friday. This weekly meeting helps to foster new friendships with peers and gives Year 9 students an insight into our college values and the numerous activities available beyond the classroom.

Our 3-day Peer Support Camp is a fantastic way for Year 9 students to start their time at the college. Heading off-campus for fun and bonding with the Whānau Leaders, Peer Support Leaders and other Year 9 students from their Whānau is a great way to break the ice and find new friends.

Peer Support isn’t just a wellbeing programme for Year 9 students, it also offers wonderful leadership opportunities for students in Year 11 and above, who relish the chance to share their knowledge of the college with our newest students.

Careers

Student support - students and teacher discussing career opportunities

Our Careers Department is experienced in supporting students to achieve their goals. Students meet with a Careers Advisor once a year from Year 9, and will continue to be guided throughout their schooling.

Careers Advisors can suggest career pathways based on your child’s strengths and passions. If your child already has a career in mind, our Careers Advisors can help them to work backwards from this point to identify tertiary education, training, or school subject requirements.

As students progress through the college, they will meet with the Careers Advisors more regularly and will be able to attend presentations by universities and training providers.

The Careers Department is also able to assist students with applications for further study, CV preparation, interview skills, and work experience.

Guidance and Counselling

Student support - students and youth worker play Uno

We have a dedicated Guidance Department staffed by counsellors and youth workers, which operates out of the cosy and safe space of Waiora House on campus. The role of our guidance team is to ensure the best possible educational outcomes for students while helping them to develop a clear sense of identity and life purpose.

Youth Workers

Our youth workers are a trusted adult for students in the college to discuss friendship issues, difficulties with classes, and general adolescent concerns. They work with students to create a sense of connection and belonging within the college, acting as mentors and helping students navigate their teenage years. Where appropriate they will refer students to the college counsellors.

Counsellors

Talking with a counsellor at Pakuranga College is seen as a normal thing to do. Our counsellors have contact with approximately 650 students each year. Most students self-refer, but others are referred by school staff or parents. Parents are welcome to contact our counsellors to seek advice or support for their child.

Our counsellors provide brief interventions, with a focus on tools and solutions that will allow students to self-manage issues moving forward. Where necessary, they will also refer students and their whānau to appropriate external support networks. Counselling is a confidential service and our counsellors abide by the New Zealand Association of Counsellors Code of Ethics.

Wellbeing Check

All Year 9 students take part in a digital wellbeing survey. Those identified as needing additional support are invited to participate in Pū Whakarahi, our wellbeing programme run by the college youth workers. New students starting at different year levels will meet with our youth workers for a ‘check and connect’ session.

Health

Student support - a student visiting the nurse

The college Health Centre is available for all students and staff, providing a drop-in service if students are unwell or suffering from acute injuries.

Students who suffer an injury can make an appointment with our on-site physio, available 9am – 3pm on Tuesdays.

Twice a year mobile dental clinic, The Tooth Group, is on-site to attend to the dental needs of our students. Treatment is free for under-18s and includes a yearly check-up with x-rays, any preventive treatment required such as a clean or fluoride, and restorative work as needed.

Student Testimonials

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RubyYear 11
“Peer Support made the transition to high school easier because I got to meet new people and it made finding my classes much simpler. I enjoyed the different activities we did in our Peer Support group, like the respect and trust exercise, it was nice to share my thoughts and ideas with others.

I still have contact with my Peer Support Leaders and when I see them around the school we stop and have a little talk. I would definitely like to be a Peer Support Leader in the future because it is a great opportunity to meet new people and help them be comfortable at school, like how my Peer Support Leaders did for me.”

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AmeliaYear 12
“Having a small group to talk to and form bonds with helped make starting high school less intimidating and stressful. Peer Support was a great introduction to the college and one of the best takeaways was the information about all the extra activities I could get involved in.

I really enjoyed going on the Peer Support Camp, even if it was condensed. So many of my school camps had been cancelled due to Covid; it was awesome that I finally got to do some camp activities! I would like to be a Peer Support Leader in the future, I really enjoy being engaged in the college, and I’d like to go on camp again as well!”

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EmilyYear 11
“Peer Support has made the transition to college so much easier because I made a lot of new friendships. I was able to share how my college experience was going with the group, and it was good to know that most of the Year 9 students were going through similar things.

I still stay in touch with my Peer Support Leaders through different groups I’ve joined, like Dance Academy. If I see them around the college I often have a little conversation with them. I’m definitely inspired to become a Peer Support Leader so I can help future Year 9s with the transition to high school.”

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JosephYear 12
“I’m a Student Whānau Leader for Rimu, which basically entails encouraging and supporting all the students in our Whānau to get involved and setting that example. At the moment our team of leaders is working on ways to get everyone participating in Athletics Day.

As a leader my communication skills have grown and I find it easier to make new friends, which is awesome. At Pakuranga College there are so many ways to lead – lots more than at primary and intermediate – and you lead far bigger groups of people. I really enjoy the challenge!”

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EmilyYear 11
“I loved Peer Support Camp so much! I built a bunch of new relationships and the Peer Support Leaders were so nice. During the activities at camp, they helped me along the way and if I had a problem, they would always solve it with me.”

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LeahYear 10
“My experiences at Peer Support Camp definitely helped with my transition to high school as at camp you make new friends and gain more confidence in an environment where all Year 9s are new and learning. I enjoyed getting involved in the activities, but my personal highlight was getting to know the Peer Support Leaders and everybody in my Whānau. I hope I’ll be able to make a difference as a Peer Support Leader in the future.”

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JosephYear 12
“Abseiling down a 14m cliff face by a beautiful river in the middle of a forest was definitely a highlight of Peer Support Camp for me. I had to push past some fears but as a Peer Support Leader I wanted to make the Year 9s feel comfortable, which meant facing up to the challenge. I don’t have any younger siblings, so I find it very rewarding to be able to inspire younger students through Peer Support and help provide an awesome camp experience.

I remember my own camp as a Year 9. I made lots of other friends, which is key when transitioning to a big high school filled with strangers; it helps you fit in and feel comfortable.”

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VeroniqueYear 11
“I enjoy the quiet and stillness of my Whānau Group each day, it gives me time to catch up on schoolwork or study for an upcoming assessment.

As a Year 11, I also like connecting with younger students to offer support, as well as being able to ask for advice from older students. Having Peer Support Leaders in my Whānau Group definitely helped me settle into the college as a new Year 9.”

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SophiaYear 12
“As a Mataī student, I help bring my Whānau together and build school spirit. Although this is my first year as a Student Whānau Leader, I’ve seen how teamwork and enthusiasm work together to create a strong sense of community. This role has helped me grow in confidence and adaptability. Pakuranga College offers many leadership opportunities, along with plenty other ways to get involved and grow.”

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SiennaYear 12
“At Pakuranga College, there are many different types of leadership, and one role I’m privileged to hold is that of Student Whānau Leader for Kauri Whānau. Through my leadership role, I've experienced huge personal growth. I’ve grown in confidence and my communication skills have improved. I’ve found my voice and have learned to use it to help others.

One of the highlights of this role is going on Peer Support Camp again, this time as a leader supporting Year 9 students. It’s such a special experience and I was able to bond with Year 9 students to help them create new friendships and feel more welcomed at Pakuranga College.”

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AlanYear 12
“I’m a Student Whānau Leader and the highlight of my leadership role is being involved in Peer Support. Peer Support sessions are fun (especially camp) and it's great to guide Year 9 students and influence them to be their best as they move through the college.

As a leader, I've definitely felt more comfortable and confident in communicating with other people. I used to be very quiet and not very talkative but being a leader has put me in positions where I can improve my communication skills.”

Weekly Office Hours
Monday – Friday 8am – 4pm

Phone: (09) 5347159
Fax: (09) 5342365
Email: info@pakuranga.school.nz

Physical Address
Pigeon Mountain Road
Half Moon Bay
Auckland 2012

Postal Address
PO Box 82090
Highland Park
Auckland 2143