Peer Listeners Launch This January

As of January, our school will be blessed with a new group of Peer Listeners who have trained and committed themselves to being a listening ear for their fellow classmates. Their role gives other pupils the opportunity to speak freely, without judgement or bias, and will provide companionship and support when someone needs a friend to walk alongside them.

In today’s busy world, it is easy to feel unheard or overlooked. Peer Listeners serve as a reminder of the importance of developing and maintaining connections with other people, in order to maintain emotional well-being. By offering time, patience and empathy, they create a safe space where girls can share their worries, joys and challenges. They remind other pupils that they are not alone; sometimes the only thing they need is for someone to listen to them.

They have committed themselves to a great deal of work while preparing and studying for this responsibility and they will be gifted a lapel badge and lanyard so they're recognisable to their peers.

As a Catholic School, we view this Peer Listener initiative as an expression of our faith. Jesus instructed “love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34) and listening with compassion is one way we live out that commandment. The Peer Listeners take this value to heart by being an example of love and kindness. They demonstrate the value of service to others and caring for one another, which is a call from the Gospel. Peer Listeners are also an excellent example of the value of our spiritual friends who walk alongside us in life, offering their support, and recognising Jesus in our friends. We pray that the Holy Spirit will guide our Peer Listeners as they perform their service for the School community, and that they will encourage us all to be more compassionate, attentive, and supportive to those around us.

As they begin their mission in January, let us celebrate their courage and generosity, and entrust their service to God’s blessing.

"I get so much joy from supporting other peoples' growth and am grateful for the opportunity to be a Peer Listener. The training sessions have been such an interesting way to explore how best to be there for someone - I'm looking forward to using the skills I have gained to help others in school."

Saachi (11ω)