The second term of the school year can be a challenging period for students, especially those in the pivotal years of 8 and 9. As their students navigate the whirlwind of adolescence, juggling academic pressures, social dynamics, and personal growth, Alfred Deakin High School in the ACT remains committed to fostering resilience and wellbeing.
"Term 2 often brings unique stressors and challenges for our students," explains Julie Gnjec, Executive Teacher of Student Wellbeing "They may face conflicts within friendship groups, struggles with maintaining healthy relationships, experiences of bullying or mental health concerns, all while managing their academic workloads."
To address these complexities, Alfred Deakin takes a comprehensive, multi-layered approach. "We provide a range of interventions, from school-wide education to personalised, one-on-one support services," Gnjec notes.
A cornerstone of their strategy is the Raise Youth Mentoring program, where students are carefully matched with independent, trained and trusted adult mentors for weekly one-on-one sessions. These mentors use their judgment-free active-listening skills so that young people can safely open up about their struggles, process emotions, set goals, and build essential life skills. Through the Raise Youth Mentoring program and a multi-faceted approach, the school provides a strong foundation to help students navigate the unique challenges of this pivotal time of the academic year.
"Our Raise mentors are invaluable," Gnjec says. "They empower students in developing communication abilities, healthy boundaries, and a strong sense of self - all so crucial for navigating this stage of rapid personal growth and relationship complexities. Having an invested, non-parental adult voice can be life changing."
The mentoring complements the social-emotional lessons integrated into classes like Pastoral Care and Health, equipping students with communication abilities, healthy boundaries, and a strong sense of self – all crucial skills to establish during this stage of development.
In addition to mentoring and classroom education, Alfred Deakin provides academic tutoring, counselling services, and platforms for families to collaborate with staff on creating individualised support systems for each student's needs.
Recognising the importance of fostering a sense of community and belonging, the school organises various activities through its House system, from talent showcases to trivia competitions. The Deakin Deadly Mob celebrates the school's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students through cultural lessons and shared community meals.
"Success is truly a team effort between the school, families, and students themselves," Gnjec summarises. "By combining personalised mentoring and mental health services within an inclusive, supportive environment, we strive to equip every student with the resilience and resources to not just survive their teenage years, but thrive."
As word spreads about the transformative experiences of the mentoring program and the school's comprehensive support system, a ripple effect takes hold within the community. More young people become inspired to seek guidance, while the broader community benefits from a generation of youth equipped with greater resilience and emotional intelligence.
Looking ahead, Alfred Deakin High School and Raise remain committed to fortifying this vital link between the school and the surrounding community. The partnership bridges a gap, creating enriching connections and allowing the village to collectively nurture its youngest members during the challenges of Term 2 and beyond. With each new mentoring partnership, they lay another brick in a brighter future for students, families, and the entire community.
The transformative impact at Alfred Deakin High and shared commitment to investing in young people's wellbeing is nothing short of amazing. Raise extend our deepest gratitude to the school for their collaboration in creating this holistic support system that is empowering students to thrive during pivotal years.
Does your school want to join this movement and provide much needed mentoring for young people in your community? Connect with us to explore partnership opportunities. Together, we can build that essential village to nurture resilience and brighter futures for the next generation?
