Hoofies stands for Head Of Our Families
Cross-grade families exist at our school. Each family is made up of one pupil from Grades 1 to 7.
These families meet every third week for an hour to discuss issues presented on an agenda. This agenda is designed by the Head: Student Affairs. Training is given to the Grade 7’s prior to the HOOFIES meeting. Each class teacher has 4 HOOFIE families under her/his supervision.
- Grade 7 pupils become Family Leaders.
- There are 128 families in the school.
- 32 adults in the organisation become HOOFIES (Heads Of Our Families)
- Seven students in each family led by a Grade 7.
- It forms a good support system
- Pupils get to know another adult in the building
- There is an increase in comfort levels at school
- Self-esteem increases
- There are relationships across the Grades
- There is continuity - each family stays the same, as a Grade 7 exits the Grade 6 becomes the family leader when Grade 7 is reached and a new Grade 1 is allocated.
- Connections are created across age groups
- Guidance and advice is given
- There is a sense of acceptance
- Increased resilience is created
When people feel heard - they calm down!