“The school has noted skills of value gained by students such as active listening, empathy and the ability to deal with or refer issues to the appropriate person or persons.”
Sue, Secondary School Teacher

“The program is viewed as most effective, and the result of implementation has been a change of culture to a more supportive environment in senior years, and an increased level of “acceptance” of others.”
Carol, Secondary School Teacher

“The school wanted to teach them skills to be better friends as they were losing confidence and some were becoming isolated and lonely.  The school has found that MPower Girls has been very effective and has given girls a platform to talk more openly and be more empathetic with each other.  The program has allowed the girls to talk more openly in a group without feeling frightened or being hurt.  The main benefit has been increased communication skills, for instance girls are able to talk about issues with each other rather than talking behind each other’s back.”
Lesley, Primary School Deputy Principal

“They have found that the year 9’s have taken on the role of Peer Support Leaders extremely well and appreciate the extra responsibility.  The program has been so successful that they will continue the Peer Support program every year.”
Amy, Secondary School Teacher/Team Leader

“Teachers have noted that the school community as a whole have benefited from the implementation of this program in that students have gained vital skills in the form of confidence, leadership and increased levels of self-esteem.”
Carly, Primary School Student Welfare Officer

“Since commencing the program, the peer mediators have actively and successfully utilised their mediation and leadership skills to resolve student conflicts. In addition to this, teachers have noted that many of the students who have been trained as peer mediators have been able to transfer these skills for use within their friendship groups and families, not just with the younger students. Skills developed through the peer mediation training have enabled students to develop active listening and questioning ability, and to further verbalise their feelings appropriately.”
Kate, Primary School Teacher

“…many of the girls are talking more openly and have appeared to become closer. Skills gained through the MPower Girls program include increased confidence, connectedness with other girls and staff as well the ability to speak ones own mind and be assertive in a positive way.”
Jane Secondary School Coordinator

“Teachers noted that the boys enjoyed attending sessions and saw it as a positive experience, particularly the use of fun activities. Students have been heard referring to activities and using certain vocabulary.”
Steve, Secondary School Teacher

“Skills and strategies developed by students attending the program, have contributed to a decrease in yard problems and less hurting of other students. In addition to this, students who display issues of anger management are able to identify with other students who share the same issues, which allows them to understand that they are not the only one’s to ‘lose’ it.”
Raelene, Primary School Principal