WaiCol bursts into life

Only five weeks into the new academic year and Wairarapa College is alive with activity: Geography and outdoor education trips, swimming prelims, athletic sports day, school photographs, prefects' camp, musical and dramatic auditions - as well as all the academic and logistical challenges that are part of a new school year.
The year 13 students have undergone training again this year to help the year 9 students get settled into their new school and get the most out of every activity.
Over 100 year 13 students have year 9 buddies in their group classes.
The older students are now familiarising the year 9s with key people, the layout of the college and important routines.
The older and younger students play games, take part in activities and talk about how to get prepared for the challenges ahead.
The year 13 students know how the younger students are feeling because they have been there too.
Facilitated by Deanne Littlejohn, guidance counsellor and Pam Evans, resource teacher of learning and behaviour, the Peer Support Programme is a joint venture run by Wairarapa College and the RTLB service.
The programme involves all the group class teachers, the deans of year 9 and year 13 and all members of the senior management team.
Positive spin-offs include greater cohesion and sense of family in the vertical group classes and increased confidence for all students involved.