Peer Listening
Peer Listening offers weekly one-on-one or small group sessions that help students express their feelings and get support from other students. Juniors receive training in basic listening skills that prepare them to lead these weekly sessions when they become seniors.

Peer Mediation
The objective of mediation is to help others resolve anger and conflict. It is a structured process in which a neutral third party assists disputants in reaching a negotiated settlement of their differences. The mediators do not render a decision. Instead, they help disputants make their own decisions. Mediation is similar to problem solving where people talk about their problems without insulting or blaming each other as choices and alternatives are discussed. Most conflicts cause people to feel angry and most people believe that it is bad to be angry. The result: denial that there is a problem/denial of anger. Peer mediators are selected from those students who have received Peer Listening training. These students are then trained in conflict resolution skills.

Student Support Program
This is a support network for students coordinated by the Counseling Center at Pius. Students meet in small groups to share their concerns and questions regarding the pressures and challenges they face during their adolescent years. We recognize that students today have a growing variety of personal, social and family concerns. These include peer pressure, alcohol and drug abuse, divorce, stress, dating, and academics. We believe that many students need assistance in coping with these issues, but are often afraid to ask for help.

First Friends Program
This is a program for to help students who transfer to Pius from another high school. With this kind of initial support, most students perform well academically on their own initiative by taking advantage of the special help Resource Rooms available in all subject areas.

The School Counselor

• This person is an advocate for the student. The counselor:
• Provides counseling services to students individually and in support groups
• Provides consultation, education and support services to teachers
• Facilitates referrals to community support services
• Provides academic, personal, and career guidance to students
• Networks with post-secondary schools