Counselor’s Corner – June 12, 2019

Official Peer Mediators Trained at BIS!

On June 10th and 11th the members of the secondary student council (STUCO) underwent intensive training to become Peer Mediators, able to assist others in conflict to resolve their problems peacefully. The mediators learned the four main origins of conflict- freedom, power, belonging, and fun, and the three most typical responses people have to conflict- soft, hard and principled. The students learned how to guide disputants through a six step process for gaining points of view, finding underlying interests, brainstorming solutions, and ultimately, coming up with win-win solutions and agreements that benefit both parties.

The peer mediation program is just one of the many ways we are working to safeguard children and educate them on effective communication techniques and self-advocacy. Our newly trained peer mediators will launch the mediation program at the start of next year, letting other students know what mediation is, how to use it, and that mediations are always voluntary and confidential. The goal is to make mediation part of the ethos of the school, where students choose peaceful resolutions to their conflicts and not violence. Congratulations to our Peer Mediators and Peacemakers: Raihan, Alba, Jae Yeon, Kiara, Malikha, Lucie, Natasha, Laura, Seung Gun, Ralvian, Selina, Amieca, Tata, and Charlotte!

Happy Summer Everyone!

Thank you for welcoming me into this lovely community this year. While settling in was hard, you all made it easier with your bright, friendly smiles, kind words, and support of my work as the school counselor. It has been a joy to work with your kids this year, teaching them mindfulness, helping them through the university application process, supporting them in their social and emotional lives, teaching them health lessons, and just spending time with them each day. Enjoy your time together to the fullest- rest, relax, restore, and re-connect. See you in August!

Rachael