At Barrenjoey High School, fostering student wellbeing isn't just a priority—it's a way of life. Nestled within the vibrant community of Avalon in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Barrenjoey High school is renowned for its strong focus on student welfare and community engagement.
"In an ideal world everyone would have a mentor, so it's good we can chip away with it with the Raise program."
At Barrenjoey High School, fostering student wellbeing isn't just a priority—it's a way of life. Nestled within the vibrant community of Avalon in Sydney’s Northern Beaches, Barrenjoey High school is renowned for its strong focus on student welfare and community engagement.
One of the pillars of their well-being initiatives is the Raise Youth Mentoring Program, spearheaded by their dedicated Student Support Officer, Huzzy Rodríguez. In a recent chat with Huzzy, we delved into the heart of the school's mission and discussed the transformative power of mentoring in shaping the lives of their students and the impact it has on the wider community.
A Portrait of Barrenjoey High School
Barrenjoey High School is more than just an educational institution—it's a nurturing environment where students thrive. With a strong focus on student wellbeing, the school is known for its sense of community, and respect, effort and challenge are its core values.
Empowering Students Through Mentorship
Huzzy's role as a Student Support Officer goes beyond conventional boundaries. Serving as a supplementary role to the school counselor, Huzzy is often the first point of contact for students who may be resistant to seeking traditional counseling services. His role involves tapping into the unique needs of each student, creating a sense of community within the school, and running various presentations and events to support student well-being.
Navigating Well-being Challenges
Anxiety, self-esteem issues, and social confidence are some of the prevalent wellbeing challenges students at Barrenjoey High face. Huzzy addresses these issues head-on, providing a safe space for students to discuss their concerns and build resilience. As students transition into the tricky social landscape of years 8 and 9, the need for mentorship becomes even more critical.
Huzzy meticulously selects students who could benefit from a mentor focusing not on behavioral issues but on the individual needs of each student.
“I want students to go into the Raise program and be inspired by someone else other than a teacher or family member”.
The selection process starts in year 7 where Huzzy starts creating a list of who he thinks would benefit from having a mentor. In year 8 he revisits the list and discusses the students' needs with the Head of year and Head of Wellbeing to ensure he is putting the right group of students into the program. He then tells them about Raise and encourages them to attend a student information session hosted by a Raise Program Counsellor.
The Transformative Power of Mentorship
The Raise Youth Mentoring Program has been a beacon of hope for students at Barrenjoey High School, providing them with invaluable support and guidance. Over the years, staff have witnessed a remarkable transformation in students that took part in the program, with increased self-confidence and a sense of connection to their peers.
Since being part of the Raise program Barrenjoey has seen a profound impact, both within their student body and the wider community. The program's influence extends far beyond its immediate participants, as students enthusiastically share their experiences with their peers, sparking interest and generating a ripple effect throughout the school community.
“Witnessing the organic spread of positivity and curiosity is incredibly rewarding, as it demonstrated the genuine value students perceive in having a mentor”.
The notion of mentorship becomes firmly rooted in the school culture, inspiring a sense of connection and support among students.
“The Raise program has been instrumental in fostering collaboration and support networks within the community”.
The enthusiasm for the program among students and staff has garnered significant attention from school leadership, with the principal expressing a desire to prioritize it for students. The program's impact is palpable, with mentees often expressing a sense of loss when their mentorship comes to an end, underscoring the deep connection and value they derive from the experience. Additionally, positive feedback from parents further reinforces the program's significance, highlighting its ability to create meaningful and lasting relationships that extend beyond the school gates.
Looking Ahead
Huzzy and the Barrenjoey staff were excited about the Raise Program returning to Barrenjoey High School in April for its 11th year and are keen to extend the program to more students who need it. With each passing year, Barrenjoey continues to reaffirm their commitment to student well-being and the Raise program helps with that.
At Barrenjoey High School, Raise Mentoring isn't just a program—it's a lifeline, a source of hope, and a catalyst for change. Together, Barrenjoey High School and Raise are empowering their students to navigate life's challenges with resilience, compassion, and courage. They hope to continue to strengthen the gap between school and community, further enriching the lives of their students and the broader community.
