Marja Mikkola, Principal of Töölö Upper Secondary School, enlightens us of the importance of community in everyday high school life. She highlights the role of guardians in fostering a sense of community and offers practical examples of how high schools can create an atmosphere that promotes the well-being of the entire school community. 

HY+: What is the significance of community for high school students, and why is it important in today’s high schools? 

Marja Mikkola: Our society today is highly individualistic, which can place significant pressures on young people as individuals. Young people may not yet have the skills to cope with these pressures alone. That’s why it’s crucial for them to feel like they are part of a community. It’s also important to remember that human well-being isn’t limited to mental and physical health; social well-being is equally essential. 

HY+: How do you think a sense of community helps students prepare for the future? 

MM: Very few adults can or want to live and work entirely alone. Essentially, we all need the skills and experiences of being together, working together, and learning new things together. A sense of community in high school helps to shape these skills, which remain valuable well into adulthood. 

HY+: What role do parents and community members play in fostering a sense of community in high school? 

MM: Parents and other adults in the community play a crucial role in shaping the school culture. Every school is unique, and everything starts with the character of the school community. It is beneficial for the adults in the community to take time to reflect on and discuss the values that are important to us as a community. They should have a clear understanding of how we work together, how we interact with each other, and how we treat one another. All of this is reflected to the students. 

HY+: Could you describe some practical examples or methods that have successfully supported a sense of community in high school? 

MM: Breakfast gatherings are a great way to start the day together. Parents are also welcome to join these gatherings. 

Parent-teacher evenings are also important. They can be scheduled on the same day as student information sessions, so that both the student and the guardian are focused on the same topics during the day and can discuss them together at home. 

The activities of student welfare groups bring students together for shared activities. Examples include coffee breaks with board games, ice cream socials, various events, and playing games that support mental well-being. 

Tutor activities are also essential: the tutors welcome new students into the high school community. In this way, they pass on the culture, practices, and sense of community to the next group of students. 

HY+: What areas do you believe should be strengthened to improve community in high school? 

MM: Human interaction is at the core of this. It’s important to consider how, where, and how often we meet, and the topics around which these meetings happen. We should also think together about what our high school represents, what goals we have, what values we want to promote, how these values are reflected in our everyday activities, and what we want to achieve in the future.