End Of Peer Support

Every Friday mornings, the year 9 students of Pakurunga college have been having peer support. Getting to know one another, playing games, discussing in a group about the various topics (smoking, drugs, alcohol), ways of improving in our learning, building confidence, and all kinds of things. Sharing and knowing about all this knowledge helps us in so many ways.

So this Friday (16th of march) was our last peer support. ‘Ohhh,’ as I groaned. In a group we decided to have a shared lunch to celebrate the last few moments of peer support.

If I had to choose what was the best thing about peer support that I learnt about would have be: getting to meet and know more about my peers in my colour (Pohutakawa), getting some advice on mixing with the right crowd (people you can trust), and just having FUN!

In the morning we strolled down near the swimming pool, set the tables and food out. Then digged in, everyone taking piles of food and at the end a majority of food was leftover. Anyone could take whatever they wanted. So many great memories we had and I can’t wait to see if I will be a peer supporter?

This Is It

‘Really, do I have to!’ Mixed emotions is what was running through my head. Starting fresh at college, I didn’t know what to expect. Though I did hear some rumours that high school was a jungle and, that it’s filled with plenty more of students then primary and intermediate had. I was pretty upset that none of my friends were going to the same college as I was. So really it was a challenge, seeing as I stayed at Pt England for both primary and Intermediate.

All dressed in my uniform and already hopping on the bus (by the way not an expert at it), I had the butterflies, but I managed to stay calm. Reaching Pakurunga College I thanked the bus driver as I stepped foot on the pavement. Walking around not knowing anyone, made it more awkward. Luckily as year 9 students we were placed into colours (red, orange, yellow, green, blue and purple), so I was able to mingle with a few pupils in my house colour.

A powhiri was organized by the year 13 students and the staff, which I found really entertaining. Part of the staff introduce themselves and welcomed us into their school. Divided into our house colours (Pohutakawa- Orange my house) and then split into the different rooms we were put in. Along with all of my peers, teachers and year 13 students in our house.

We were then selected into our peer support groups. Now peer support was suppose to help the year 9 in my group to get to know each other, and share a bit my about ourselves. Touring around the school which at first I found completely complicated, because I’m not use to such a massive school and area such as this.

Eventually as I was educated on the way and memorized where all my classes were. Day by day I managed to find my way around and I’m so glad! Currently I’m taking the core classes like, maths, social studies, english, gym, technology and maori. I’m just really eager for when the sports trial finally arrive. So far I’m alright, I’m hanging in there. I really miss Pt England intermediate!