Connections is the PNGHS peer support programme to welcome and support year nines as they make the big transition to high school.

The guidance department and year 9 form teachers take the year 13 leaders through a training programme before school starts. The leaders then devote themselves to helping the year 9s on their first day at school. They help them decode the timetable, find their way around school, get to know each other, and have a relaxed, fun time. From week two, there is a small group programme held at form time on Wednesdays for the rest of term one. In terms two and three, the Staying Connected programme provides continuity and further encouragement with things like Pink Shirt Day, Rock Da House, and managing all the opportunities school offers.

One big highlight of the Connections programme for everyone is Activities Day. This was held last Friday for all of year nine. Everyone dressed up in house colours and came along prepared to have fun, and get to know each other better. The leaders worked hard to plan, organise and present six activities: Let’s Be Creative (making lei with each student’s name, one of their strengths and how they want the class to treat each other); a scavenger hunt to encourage knowledge of the school environment; a quiz (run by our wonderful Head Girl and other prefects this year); mini challenges (like flipping a tarp while all staying on it); making newspaper costumes; and a maze (make sure the whole class gets through, but go the wrong way and get squirted by the leaders).

After lunch under the trees at the front of the school, we learned about sustainability challenges and started making feathers from upcycled materials for a design challenge later in the term; learned a waiata with actions which created such excitement and joy it nearly lifted the roof off the Huia Centre; then went onto Manawaroa Park to make a koru shape that was filmed by a drone.

As the day progressed, we saw tentative willingness become enthusiasm, friendships and class spirit flourish, confidence grow, and many many smiles and laughs. Connections were promoted, with others, with school, with our values and culture, with the community.

He manu hiringa, he manu ariki, he manu rere ki te rangi

Let the bird flourish