Mentors open doors

BURRINGBAR Public School’s Year 6 mentoring program is connecting students with professionals across a wide range of industries, with one student recently training with an Olympic-level skateboarding coach on the Gold Coast.

Year 6 student Jaya Raine Hunt travelled to Burleigh Heads to take part in a session with coach Trev Ward at Level Up Academy and training facility.

The opportunity came through the school’s mentoring network, linking students with experts aligned to their interests.

Burringbar Public School teacher Luke Dennerley, who started the program eight years ago, said the idea came from a shared goal with principal Peter Halloran to better support students in their final year.

“I’ve got to give a lot of credit to our principal Peter Halloran,” Dennerley said.

“We put our heads together a while back around how we could be more impactful for our Year 6 students, as well as maintaining engagement in their last year.”

Dennerley said the program focuses on building connections between students and mentors.

“I’m a big believer in really impactful mentorship, and connecting people, and then the magic happens after that.”

 

Students have worked with mentors including authors, scientists, marine ecologists, zookeepers, carpenters, surfboard craftsmen, chefs, vocal coaches, surf coaches and Olympians.

“It’s been a wonderful little program,” Dennerley said.

He said the program helps build confidence by encouraging students to engage with adults beyond the classroom.

“I think it’s more of a connection piece for them – to link in with some really respected adults,” he said.

The broader community also plays a key role, with parents and local volunteers contributing as mentors.

“Some of the mentors are parents, like singer-songwriter Matty Rogers and Sharmill Films CEO Katharine Thornton,” he said.

Local groups such as the Pottsville Men’s Shed have contributed, working with students on practical projects while teaching skills like safe tool use.

“The Pottsville Men’s Shed have been enormous,” he said.

The program is student-driven, with Year 5 discussions helping shape mentoring opportunities the following year.

“It is student voice completely,” Dennerley said.

“That flexibility allows us to respond to specific interests.”

“One student a couple of years ago was right into meteorology and maps,” he said.

 

“So, we were like, okay we need to find a meteorologist.”

Dennerley and principal Halloran connected with former ABC meteorologist Steve Symonds, who met with the student.

Jaya Raine’s skateboarding session followed a similar pathway, with Dennerley organising the experience with Ward.

“Jaya Raine had been on the board and said she was keen to do this, so I reached out to my friend Trev,” Dennerley said.

“Trev acted as mentor, and he answered some really impactful questions.”

The session also included an opportunity to meet Australian skateboarding star Arisa Trew, the country’s youngest Olympic gold medallist.

“They were so generous, and she was there for three or four hours, having a skate and meeting the crew at this world-class facility,” Dennerley said.