Students helping students
A big thank you to the 91 new Mediators who were trained by the Peace Foundation (22nd-24th March) learning the important skills of how to resolve everyday conflict in a constructive way. These life skills of open communication, relationship building and ‘listening to understand’ are part of the MRGS culture and values of manaakitanga and whanaungatanga … respect, kindness, understanding diversity and aroha for everyone.
A further 64 Advanced Mediators were trained by the Peace Foundation and the LEADR Lawyer /Mediators on advanced mediation skills. The facilitators were blown away by our incredible Mediators and the positive, warm school culture supported by the mediation ‘social justice movement’.
60 Advanced Mediators have also attended further advanced mediation training over the last few weeks from SHINE on the effects of violence and how to be an active bystander; and YOUTHLAW; knowing your rights and responsibilities. Further training is coming up from our PSSP team on embracing sexual and gender diversity; and Race Relations from Julie Watson.
To be the best Mediator you can be, it is important to be as self-aware as possible about your own beliefs and prejudices, so that you can provide the best support to others.
Our Peer Mediation Service is about students helping students. Mediators are ‘Ambassadors of Social Justice’, standing up against harassment, bullying, inequality and exclusion, and supporting students to get the help they need. They provide confidential help to their peers informally in the school environment, or formally in the mediation room at Student Services.
If you are experiencing conflict or being harassed, and would rather speak with an older student, please contact us at Student Services. Confidentiality assured.
“I really enjoyed the full day of advanced mediation training where I was able to hone in on my mediation skills that I will not only be able to use now but later on in life. The LtPM team and volunteers were so inspiring and encouraging to be advocates of peaceful resolutions of conflict between parties which is so extremely valuable and I will remember for the future”
” I hope to take away these skills, to not only use in school but in my personal life now and in the future. I think having better mediating skills can help issues in non – mediated times as well, so I hope to resolve any small or large issues with such skills in my time at school.”
“It will help me read the body language and feelings of others, so I may have an increased situational awareness, and become a better person overall, therefore becoming a good role model to others, convincing them to become better people.”
“Today’s experience will come to use when I get to peer mediate and not only that, but it could also help me when my friends or my parents are disputing and I could use these key skills to help them resolve their problem”.
IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES:
- Advanced Mediation Training with PSSP on embracing our Rainbow community: Tuesday 30th March.
- Race Relations Training with Julie Watson Tuesday 4th May.
- Peer Mentorship Training for 40 Mediators: Sunday 13th & Monday 14th June.
- International Peace Week: August 2nd– 6th.
- Peace Symposium with the Peace Foundation, and other schools for 30 Mediators: Friday 13th August.
Te aroha me te rangimarie
