When students first start at Lourdes Hill College their Big Sister writes them a letter. This letter tells them to be brave, be inspired and explore all LHC has to offer. A LHC Big Sister walks beside their Little Sister during her first few years at the College, guiding her on the LHC journey.
A LHC Little Sister is welcomed to the College under the nurture of their Big Sister, creating a bond that is unique to the LHC Community. Their relationship promotes a supportive network of communication, belonging and connection.
The Lourdes Hill College ‘Big Sister Little Sister’ Program is a special, long-standing tradition of sisterhood that aims to build connections between the youngest members of the College and Senior School students.
This program is built upon the pillars of the LHC Stella Wellbeing Framework that aims to equip students with the strategies to build a flourishing life.
Lourdes Hill College Principal Mrs Kay Gleeson said the LHC Stella Wellbeing Framework is a proactive approach to wellbeing.
“Through the LHC Wellbeing Program, we aim to create a place of joy and love of learning, where students treat each other kindly, talk to staff and seek help when needed, and utilise skills and strategies to manage their own thoughts, emotions, and relationships,” she said.
Additionally, the program provides a unique leadership opportunity for every student in the Year 11 and 12 cohort, allowing all students to be role models.
Lourdes Hill College understands the importance of nurturing the development of students. This program pairs students to enhance peer nurturing between Senior School students and Middle School students.
At its core, this program is about friendship, belonging and comfort. There is often nothing more intimidating to a young person, than their first day at a new school.
“How will I make friends?”
“What if I get lost?”
“Will I fit in?”
These are common questions associated with starting a new school. Finding the place you belong in a community of over 1200 students can be difficult, but the Big Sister Little Sister program provides new students with a mentor in the form of a Big Sister.
Big Sisters and Little Sisters see each other every morning in homegroup, allowing for a designated time to check in and further their connection.
Throughout each year there are also opportunities for Big Sisters and Little Sister to spend lunchtimes together playing games and connecting.
Year 11 student and Big Sister Ava said being a Big Sister to her Little Sister Sofia is one of the most rewarding and anticipated ‘rites of passage’ LHC offers.
“On Sofia’s first day, I made sure to greet her with a gentle smile as there is nothing scarier than the first day of a big new school. Since then, I have been checking in with her daily and providing support wherever she needs.”
“As a Big Sister it really is the small things that count,” she said.
Being a Big Sister is also a positive developmental opportunity for Senior School students as they transition into the leaders of the College.
“I love being a Big Sister, as it has provided me with a sense of responsibility and helped me to develop my leadership skills.”
“By taking a leadership role as a Big Sister, gentle leadership skills of patience, tolerance, understanding and flexibility are learnt,” Mrs Gleeson said.
Year 7 student and Little Sister Sofia said her Big Sister Ava is her role model, friend and supporter at LHC.
“Ava made me feel safe and welcome and is always there for me to answer my questions. I feel happy knowing that I will have Ava by my side for the next 2 years,” said Sofia.
The circular nature of the Big Sister Little Sister program allows Little Sisters to embody the values their Big Sister taught them when they reach Senior School and become Big Sisters themselves.
The Big Sister Little Sister Program is unique to LHC with a priority of holistic education that stems from feelings of belonging, purpose and connection.
When a Big Sister writes her Little Sister a letter, she tells her to be brave, be inspired and feel connected to the welcoming community of Lourdes Hill College.
For more information about enrolling at Lourdes Hill College please visit https://www.lhc.qld.edu.au/ or contact Mrs Colette Duvall, Director of Admission via enrolments@lhc.qld.edu.au.