Joy. It’s a small word with a big meaning. And acts of kindness from students at Our Lady of Grace, Glengowrie, are bringing joy to older members of their local community.
In December, the school came together to create Christmas gift boxes for residents of the Charles Young Aged Care facility. The boxes – containing cards and lollies – were delivered by Year 4 students, who also performed Christmas carols for their enthralled audience.
“The children love sharing and performing, and the residents were just beautiful,” Year 2/3 teacher Carol Sharland says.
That joy has continued since. In February, the Year 2/3 class presented residents with Valentine’s Day hearts and, in May, Year 6 students shared their favourite stories.
“The children are just so engaged. They said, ‘The older people just looked so happy when we were there’,” Ms Sharland says.
“It’s that sense of fulfilment: everyone wants to go back.”
The visits enable students to fulfil the school’s values of service and compassion.
“We’re a small school with a big heart, and that’s something we aspire to live up to,” principal Josette Charles says.
The regular intergenerational interaction is having a profound effect on both young and old.
“There is something about the children’s presence that reciprocates the connection and wellbeing,” Ms Charles says.
“The residents say it’s something they look forward to. They talk about the children with each other, and you just see that excitement about them. For our students, these are real life skills – it shapes them to reach out and to be welcoming, to engage, to respect that older people deserve to be connected.”
Year 5 student Harry helped to deliver the Christmas boxes of joy. “I was sitting down next to a lady and she grabbed my hand and kissed it,” he says. “It was interesting to talk to her.”
Year 3 student Mila presented the Valentine’s Day cards and likes “seeing the smiles on their faces”. And the experience has helped to expand Year 6 student April’s compassionate nature. “I’m now speaking to others more nicely,” she says. “It feels good to be kind to others and see them smile.”
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