The Peer Leader Programme at Wellington College gives our new Y9 students the opportunity to get familiar with the school, its routines and for whakawhanaungatanga – the chance to make new friends but also to bond with a group of seniors or tuakana.

The programme began after the Pōhiri last Thursday. Students met their leaders, their tutor and their new class. Through games and activities the ice was well and truly broken. By the end of day two they continued to bond as a class and also were able to meet with the students in their “bird” class (the class with whom they study for most classes).

On Monday we spent time understanding the school mōteatea and the significance of places that are our House names and part of our haka and waiata. Haka and waiata were learnt. 

We are incredibly grateful for our prefects and Peer Leaders who gave up their last days of holiday to be with our new students. We place real value on this programme and the benefits for our new students, but also it gives an opportunity for our senior students to lead and to live up to our values. 

The programme does not stop here but will continue with our Tuakana Teina programme during Tiaho. The Peer Leaders will be joined by Y12 Tuakana and they will continue to guide and support our Y9 students as the year progresses.