On Thursday last week, Onehunga High School’s Year 13 Peer Support Leaders played a key role in Orientation Day, welcoming our new Year 9 students and guiding them through their first introduction to high school life. These senior students have spent time training for this role and demonstrated leadership, responsibility, and care throughout the day.

The Peer Support Leaders worked alongside Kaitiaki teachers and Deans, supporting students in their new Kaitiaki classes, answering questions, and providing reassurance. Their preparation ensured they were confident in guiding new students, modelling positive behaviour, and responding thoughtfully to the needs of those beginning their secondary school journey.

As part of the programme, Peer Support Leaders led tours of the school, helping Year 9 students become familiar with key spaces and routines. Their leadership helped ease first day nerves and created a welcoming environment where new students felt comfortable asking questions and seeking support.

Peer Support at Onehunga High School is grounded in the Tuakana-Teina model, which values senior students guiding and supporting junior students. Through their training and leadership, the Peer Support Leaders strengthened connections across year levels and set a positive tone for the year ahead.

We acknowledge the commitment and preparation of our Peer Support Leaders and thank them for the leadership they demonstrated during Orientation Day. Their work plays an important role in supporting Year 9 students as they begin their journey at Onehunga High School.