MATES mentoring is ‘back’ at Pyramid Hill College with a new group of Year 9 student-mentor matches recently signed up to be part of the program.
Mentors, students, families and staff came together on Wednesday 30th March over a delicious pizza dinner (made by staff at the Pyramid Hill Bakery Café) and fruit platters (provided by the College and the North Central LLEN) followed by a range of fun games organised by Yr 10 students, Ellesha Fergusson, Kaitlin Broad and James Hercott. Competition between teams to win the Trivia Competition was fierce and teams erupted in excitement when they recognised the Pictionary words drawn on the whiteboards.
Barb Bear (MATES Mentoring and Career Pathways coordinator, from the North Central LLEN) welcomed new mentors to the MATES program, now in its sixth year of operation, and thanked mentors for giving their time and commitment to support a Year 9 student through until the end of Year 10.
College Principal, Fiona Moon agreed that Pyramid Hill College is very fortunate to have caring people in the community who are positive role models, willing to be matched with a young person. Mentors obviously enjoy the satisfaction of supporting students through the final years of school. Young people are encouraged to stretch themselves out of their comfort zone, set goals with their mentor that they can aim to achieve together, share common interests and take on a project.
Through mentoring, young people can broaden their networks, take up possible work experience opportunities and learn about different career options.
MATES Mentors are given an application form and mentor training modules to complete and apply online for a WWC Check. It is up to mentors and students to arrange regular times to meet that suit them, outside school hours, once a fortnight or at least once a month. Group events like the recent Games Night are held once a term. For more information contact email b.bear@ncllen.org.au or call 0477 242 485.