Peer Mediators
PEER MEDIATION TRAINING
RHS has an awesome team of Yr 12 & 13 students who trained as Peer Mediators earlier this year.
We need more of you to join the Team for next year. You can talk to them to find out what’s involved.
Information for current Yr 11 & 12 students:-
Would you like to train as an RHS Peer Mediator?
If this interests you, read on…..
What is Peer Mediation?
A form of conflict resolution, based on restorative principles.
How does it work?
Two or more students involved in a dispute or disagreement fill in a mediation request form (or their Advisor/teacher fills it in for them). This form goes to the Guidance Counsellors who contact 2 Peer Mediators. Students meet with the Peer Mediators in a safe, confidential setting to develop their own agreement with the assistance of trained mediators.
Why is Peer Mediation at RHS a good idea?
the trained mediators learn new skills and get to use them during mediations.
students are encouraged to resolve conflicts collaboratively.
students are motivated to talk things out rather than fight things out.
senior student mediators become role models for younger students (tuakana/teina).
AND MOST IMPORTANTLY: PEER MEDIATION IS YOUR (THE STUDENT’S) PROCESS.
IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BECOME A MEMBER OF THE RHS PEER MEDIATION TEAM, ASK A TEACHER TO NOMINATE YOU.
Nominations close on 27 Sept (last day of Term 3)
As part of the selection process, there will be a short interview.
If you have any questions, please come and see me in Kahui Rangatahi.
Betsy Smith
RHS Guidance Counsellor
Additional Information:
What Peer Mediation IS:
Impartial
Confidential
Voluntary
What Peer Mediation IS NOT:
giving advice
‘Sorting out’ problems
Making decisions for the parties involved
An opportunity to befriend younger students in an unhelpful way
Disputes SUITABLE for Peer Mediation:-
gossip/rumours
name-calling
friendship issues
teasing
loss of property
exclusion
The following scenarios are NOT SUITABLE for Peer Mediation:-
physical violence
sexual abuse
racism
weapons/drugs
criminal behaviour
NB: Peer Mediation should be used for minor disputes only.
Major issues eg assault or serious bullying are not suitable for this process and should be immediately reported to staff.