Mila

Many students find it very exciting: going to high school for the first time. Will you be able to find your way around? Are your new classmates nice? And what about all that homework? That is why it is nice to have a mentor at the Sondervick College. He or she helps you with all your questions or problems. "I got used to it very quickly."

Mila van der Sanden is in junior high school. She is having a great time at her high school. "I didn't mind elementary school so much," she says. "Just fun, going to a new school. And I already knew quite a few people, which also helped. Actually, high school doesn't disappoint me. The homework is doable, the cafeteria has very tasty sandwiches and the other kids are nice. Only that heavy bag takes some getting used to."

A mentor for every class
Every class has its own mentor. Students can go to him or her (and their parents!) if something is wrong, or if they have questions. The mentor keeps an eye on whether you are comfortable in your own skin and in the right place here at school. Every week there is a mentor lesson. In this lesson, students learn to plan and organize their homework. They also discuss important topics, such as how to get along with each other. "For example, the other day it was the week against bullying," Mila says. "Everyone was allowed to tell if they had ever been bullied. Or had bullied someone themselves. I found that interesting. It's good to talk about that together. Our mentor says: if you are being bullied, you have to come to me right away. Then we'll solve it. If there is something, you can always come to your mentor. That's good to know."