Buddy system gets a boost at Port Douglas State School
Kids News’ first ever Schoolyard Shoutout goes out to students and teachers at Queensland’s Port Douglas State School for their new community initiative that rethinks the school buddy system
Port Douglas State School has put a creative spin on the old school buddy system after reaching out to the local community for some senior buddies.
The school already had traditional prep buddies, as most year 5/6 students might do, but teachers thought it would be a great idea to have some senior buddies in the mix too.
“We contacted the local aged care facilities and hospitals and found an aged care group at Mossman Hospital that were willing to give it a try,” said 5/6KW class teacher Kelda Wray. “We had our first intergenerational session this morning and it was the best thing ever! We played memory games together, made paper planes and had flying competitions. Our senior buddies then showed us one of their favourite games, which was indoor bowls.”
Students served morning tea for their new buddies and had a Q & A session where they asked their new friends questions about their lives.
“It was so great and very interesting,” Miss Kelda said. “We cannot wait for our next get-together.
“We think this would be an amazing story to share on Kids News because how cool would it be if more schools and classes joined forces with our seniors? We think this is an awesome thing for us and the seniors, who absolutely loved spending time with us.”
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