Our Year 11 Buddy Leaders play a significant role in supporting students as they transition to Craigslea State High School. These students are selected during Year 10 and receive training in peer-support and leadership skills to help guide and welcome our Year 7 students commencing in the new year.
Working closely with Year 7 Form Classes throughout the year, Buddy Leaders assist with transition activities, relationship-building and day-to-day support. They help create a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, making connections and becoming involved in school life.
Through regular interactions, Buddy Leaders provide encouragement, model positive behaviours and help foster a strong sense of community and belonging. Their presence ensures that Year 7 students feel supported, connected and confident as they navigate their first year of high school.
Year 11 Buddy Leader Roles and Duties
The role of a Year 11 Buddy Leader is to undertake the following responsibilities:
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Welcome and support Year 7 students as they transition to high school.
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Assist with Year 7 orientation and transition activities.
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Attend scheduled Buddy Leader meetings and training sessions.
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Support relationship-building and inclusion within Form Classes.
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Encourage participation in school activities and events.
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Model positive behaviour and uphold the school's values and expectations.
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Provide guidance and peer support to younger students when required.
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Work collaboratively with Form Teachers and Year Level Coordinators to support student wellbeing.
- Be available to participate in key Buddy Leader commitments, including Orientation Day (Term 4, Week 10), Induction Week (Term 1), two days of Peer Skills Training in Term 4 of the previous year, the ANZAC Day ceremony in March, and lunchtime activities on a rostered basis.
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Always wear the correct school uniform, as outlined in the School Dress Code.
Year 11 Buddy Leader Qualities
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Display exemplary behaviour and leadership qualities.
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Demonstrate empathy, kindness and respect for others.
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Possess strong communication and interpersonal skills.
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Show initiative and a willingness to assist others.
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Demonstrate reliability and commitment to the role.
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Foster a positive and inclusive school culture.
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Maintain exemplary school uniform standards.
Year 11 Buddy Leader Selection Process
- Interested Year 10 students should download and print the Pledge Form, complete the application, and return it to the student counter.
- Additionally,
complete the online Microsoft Forms application sent via email by the
Year Level Coordinator. This form will allow you to provide details of
your three teacher references.
- Applications are reviewed by the Year 7 and Year 11 Leadership Teams.
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Successful applicants participate in Buddy Leader training before commencing their role.
Leadership Expectations and Accountability
Year 11 Buddy Leaders are expected to actively engage with their allocated Form Class, attend required meetings and training sessions, and consistently demonstrate the values of Craigslea State High School.
All Buddy Leaders are expected to actively fulfil the responsibilities associated with the role and demonstrate an ongoing commitment to supporting younger students throughout the year. Failure to meet the expectations of the position, including attendance requirements, participation, conduct or commitment to the role, may result in a review of the student's appointment and could lead to removal from the position.
Any instance of academic misconduct, a major breach of the Student Code of Conduct, or failure to uphold the school's values and expectations will result in the student being stood down from their leadership position and required to hand over their badge and leadership responsibilities.