The Buddy Program : Welcome to SIS!
By Julie Hwang and Helaine Lee
Edited by Julie Hwang
Design by Helaine
Edited by Julie Hwang
Design by Helaine
SIS receives numerous student applications every year. The teachers, recognizing the challenges of new students adapting to a new environment, decided to launch the “Buddy Program” for the middle schoolers a couple years ago. Starting this year, the HS counsellors decided to launch the “Buddy Program” for the high schoolers too.
“The buddy program is intended to help new students connect with someone, because when you go to a new place, and you don’t have someone to talk to, it might be a little uncomfortable. So just having someone to communicate with over the summer, ask questions, and become comfortable, and build other connections through other students is what we are seeking through the Buddy Program.” said Ms. Jesudass. Does the Buddy Program actually work, and is it helpful to the new students of SIS? “They lead me through classes, showed me around the school, and I was able to meet other students and new friends through my buddy in the Buddy Program.” said Anna Ganus (8). “Yes, she actually really helped me, and it was really helpful. I got used to the school system faster by my buddy’s help.” said Andrea Kwon (8). Through the interview, it was proved that the buddy program actually did work, and that the new students was able to receive help. Without the problems worried about, the new students answered that the Buddy Program helped them get accustomed to the school environment. Their buddies supported them when they were still unorganized and unstable through the first few weeks of the school year. “I was told to help my buddy get around the school for the first few days, and helped them get to know people, teachers, and friends. I think it was really helpful for the new students to just grow used to the school because each new student had somebody to help them and support them whenever they were not sure about something or was having a hard time adjusting to the school,” said Michelle Lee (8). As more and more students tend to send applications to SIS, the times when new students need more attention and help from their school peers are increasing, and the Buddy program proves to be a great method to provide help for the new students for them to become accustomed to the new school environment. |
Ms. Thompson, (left) and Ms. Jesudass (right) are the HS Counsellors who launched the Buddy Program for the new students. Photograph by Helaine Lee (8)
The buddy nominees who wanted to participate in this program had to write down their hobbies and their personality so they could partner up the buddies with the new students.
Photograph by Helaine Lee (8) (Left to right) Helaine Lee (8) was a buddy for Junie Kah (8). Junie said she was glad that Helaine helped her out during her first year of school.
Photograph courtesy of Helaine Lee (8) |