Student Life
The Big and Little Sibling Mentorship Program
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The Big and Little Sibling program is one of Lacordaire's most cherished traditions, fostering connection, leadership, and a sense of belonging across all grade levels.
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Lower and Middle School
About one month into the school year, every Lower School student in Pre-K through Grade 4 is thoughtfully paired with a “big” brother or sister from the Middle School. Teachers and program leaders take time to understand each child’s personality, strengths, and interests before making matches. These pairings are intentional, designed to give students the best opportunity to build meaningful and lasting relationships.
Throughout the year, Bigs and Littles participate in a wide range of activities together. Some are lighthearted and fun, like reading stories side by side, turning each other into toilet paper mummies, or trick-or-treating as a team on Halloween. Others are more reflective, such as attending guest lectures or working on projects centered around the school’s mission. In every case, the goal is the same: to give younger students the comfort of a role model and older students the responsibility of mentorship. -
Upper School Bigs and Littles
The tradition continues in the Upper School, where each freshman is paired with a junior who serves as her “big sister.” Modeled on the idea of sisterhood, this program ensures that every young woman feels welcomed and supported as she begins her high school journey. Big sisters often leave small gifts or notes to encourage their littles, and these thoughtful gestures become the foundation of friendships that often last a lifetime.
By the time of graduation, it is common to see big sisters return to celebrate their littles as they walk across the lawn in their white gowns. These moments reflect the deep bonds formed and the values of community and support that are central to Lacordaire.
The Impact of Mentorship
Every Lacordaire student has the opportunity to experience both sides of mentorship, first as a little sibling and later as a big. This progression is more than symbolic; it represents an important transition in a student’s development. Littles learn to look up to a role model, navigate their earliest years at Lacordaire with guidance, and see firsthand what supportive leadership looks like. When they step into the role of big sibling, they gain valuable skills in communication, empathy, and responsibility.
Ultimately, the Big and Little Sibling program is about more than fun traditions. It is a formative experience that nurtures leadership, strengthens confidence, and builds lifelong connections. Students leave Lacordaire with a deep understanding of what it means to guide others, to be guided, and to carry forward a tradition of mentorship that extends well beyond their years on campus.
Ultimately, the Big and Little Sibling program is about more than fun traditions. It is a formative experience that nurtures leadership, strengthens confidence, and builds lifelong connections. Students leave Lacordaire with a deep understanding of what it means to guide others, to be guided, and to carry forward a tradition of mentorship that extends well beyond their years on campus.
From Mentorship to Leadership:
How Lacordaire Students Learn to Lead with Responsibility
Mentorship is vital to responsible leadership because it teaches both practical skills and deeper personal qualities that define effective leaders.
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Modeling Behavior and Values
Mentors demonstrate the behaviors, attitudes, and ethics that define a Lacordaire student. By observing a mentor, mentees learn how to communicate effectively, handle challenges, and make thoughtful decisions. Leadership is not just about position. It’s about how you act and influence others. -
Guidance Through Experience
Mentors share their learned insights, helping mentees navigate unfamiliar situations like a new school or challenging classes. This guidance accelerates learning and allows mentees to grow more confidently. -
Building Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Effective leadership requires understanding and motivating others. Being a mentor or mentee fosters empathy, patience, and active listening: skills that are central to leading. -
Encouraging Accountability and Responsibility
Mentorship requires commitment and follow-through. At Lacordaire, mentors practice taking partial responsibility for someone else’s growth, which is a key aspect of leadership. -
Developing Communication Skills
Good leaders convey ideas clearly and inspire others. Mentorship provides a safe space for students to practice giving and receiving feedback, asking thoughtful questions, and articulating their thoughts. -
Creating a Cycle of Leadership
“Bigs” train “littles” by example to support the next generation of Lacordaire students. Out in the “real world,” leaders who have been mentored understand the importance of nurturing others, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous growth.
Our Mission
Empowering students to become confident decision makers and responsible leaders in a community of belonging, rooted in the Catholic Dominican tradition
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