Connect Changes for 2023

Throughout 2022 we have been conducting a review into the effectiveness of the current well-being structure.

Currently, students in Yr 8-11 are in vertical Connect groups. Year 7 and Year 12 students have been working in Year based Connect group for several years. 

Last year Covid lockdowns provided an opportunity for all students to work in year-based Connect groups. The feedback from students was extremely positive and students felt that year-based Connect groups allowed them to strengthen their connections with peers who they may not have the opportunity to work with in-class time. Taking onboard the feedback from students and reviewing our current practice, we will be moving all students to a Year based connect model from the start of 2023. 

Students will commence Year 7 with a Mentor, who will then follow them on their journey throughout senior school. This provides an opportunity for the Mentor to build a deep knowledge of each student’s learning style and well-being needs and aim to ensure personal growth and academic success throughout their time in Senior School.  

The move to a year-based model will allow us to further strengthen and tailor our well-being curriculum to provide increased opportunities for students to engage in age-appropriate programs with a focus on the developmental needs of students at each stage of their school life.  

Maintaining programs where students can still engage in building connections with students across all year groups remains an important focus and we will be continuing to build and strengthen our current cross-age mentoring programs such as Year 7 & 10 Peer Support program, Year 7 & 10 SALSA program, Year 3 & 4 + Year 8 & 9 Girls and Boys of Hills, Study without Stress, Empathy in Action as well as House, Senior School, and Stage Assemblies and other mixed-age House and Leadership events held throughout the year. 

Students will still maintain connections with older peers in all-year groups and meet regularly with their Head of House during House Group Meetings and Co-Curricular activities.

Further information regarding the appointment of Mentors for students in Years 7 - 11 will be made in Term 4.

Should you have any questions regarding the change to Connect groups in 2023, please feel free to contact me at Kelly.boyd@hillsgrammar.nsw.edu.au

Kelly Boyd | Head of Wellbeing