Last week, under the guidance of Jayde Tangey, Hannah Keating and Steph Macdonald, over 40 Year 10 students completed their peer support training. This two day course is aimed at preparing a group of students assist the 2024 Year 7 students into their transition to Damascus College.

At Damascus College we understand that the transition to secondary school can create a mixture of feelings and raise many questions from Year 7 students. We believe there is no better way to ease these emotions and answer those questions than to hear from and meet with Year 10 students who have successfully undertaken the journey Year 7 students are about to commence on.

The Peer Support Program is designed to develop physical, social and mental wellbeing. A small group of Year 7 students are paired with two or three Year 10 students who are selected as Peer Support Leaders. They will commence their role in supporting Year 7 students at Orientation day.

On a regular basis throughout Term 1, Peer Support Leaders meet with their group of Year 7 students. The Peer Support Leaders provide activities and facilitate discussions that assist Year 7 students to develop skills that will provide a smooth transition and promote success throughout secondary school. Throughout the program Year 7 students are supported in the areas of responsible social media use, positive and respectful relationships, school engagement and general school concerns that students might have.

The Peer Support Program creates a safer and happier school environment where our Year 7 students are made to feel welcome in our Damascus College from day one. I thank our Year 10 students for giving up a pupil free day to take up the training and for Jayde, Hannah and Steph in engaging them in a dynamic and professional training program.