During Terms 2 and 3, the Peer Leader Program hosted its annual GLC Summit and Peer Leader Retreat. These retreats kick off preparations to welcome incoming students. 

Faculty members Katherine Carroll, Maureen Pasteris, and Kyle McCaffery moderate the program, which aims to combat the difficult transition into a new school by building a welcoming community for new students. 

Grade Level Coordinators (GLCs) are responsible for leading peer groups and running meetings. As former peer leaders, they understand the mission of the program, bringing experience and enthusiasm to their roles. 

GLC Sophia Valdez shared that the retreat helped her reconnect with that mission. “GLC Summit helped me discover my strengths as a leader alongside my peers,” Valdez said. 

Pasteris especially values the intentional conversations about leadership sparked at Summit. “My favorite part of the Summit is watching all of the GLCs make new friendships with each other and find their team energy,” Pasteris said.

While Peer Leaders may begin unsure of themselves, Pasteris observes that “by the time they finish as a GLC, they are confident in their abilities and how they want to lead beyond Marist.”

At the Peer Leader Retreat, Pasteris hoped students connected deeply with the program’s mission. “The retreats are focused on getting everyone to the place where you believe that you can change our community for the better,” Pasteris said.

Peer Leaders meet their groups and take part in team-building activities that motivate them to show up, not just for their peers but especially for new students, making the program truly effective.

Another core focus is radical hospitality. “You can’t be radically hospitable to the idea of a new student,” McCaffery said. “You have to welcome the actual students, however they show up,” he added.

As the new year approaches, the Peer Leader Program remains committed to making our school a place where every student feels seen and supported.