LCC LION Magazine Spring 2022

(Photo above) Student mentor finally meets his mentee from Ghana

IB attribute: caring

Starting at a new school can be intimidating, but what if you knew that you already had a friend before you even entered the building?

The new student mentor program pairs incoming grade 8-11 students with one or two current student mentors. In the spring, these mentors contact new students to introduce themselves and answer questions about LCC, and virtual meetings are organized to facilitate making connections before the new school year starts. In August, new students attend an orientation session, participate in icebreaker activities with their mentors, and are given a guided campus tour. Once school starts, the mentors continue to support the newcomers by introducing them to peers, helping them navigate the campus, explaining school routines and procedures, and recommending cocurriculars for them to join.

Ice breakers during orientation day

New students eagerly point out that they feel welcomed into the community and supported in their integration into student life. “I was able to make friends quickly thanks to this program. My mentors answered my questions and encouraged me to get involved with the school,” says Angelina Chevrier ’23.

New students and their mentors meet for lunch

Riya Sood ’24, who came to LCC from India, also found the program helpful. “I was reassured because there was at least one person I knew before starting school. My mentor introduced me to the many clubs she was a part of, and I eventually participated as well. She is now one of my closest friends at school.”

LINDSEY WHITELAW, Community Liaison Officer

VERONICA KOST ’09, School Counsellor