Year 13 students in the community
By Year 13 SHL | Posted: Thursday May 23, 2024
This Monday marked the beginning of a heartwarming and enriching initiative at our school - a buddy programme with Radius Fulton Rest Home.
This innovative programme is integrated into our 13SHL (Student Health and Leadership) classes, emphasizing the importance of community service and the value of intergenerational connections.
Our SHL courses are designed to encourage students to get out into the community and do some community service. Through this programme, students will interact with residents at Radius Fulton Rest Home, providing them with an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, offer companionship, and gain insights from the life experiences of the residents.
On Monday a group went to Radius Fulton and were put on the spot, being asked to sing for the residents! After a hearty (credit to Lachie Hall) singing of our school song, the residents completed our welcome by singing their song, “You are my sunshine”.
The programme's first day was met with enthusiasm. Students arrived at the rest home with a mixture of excitement and nervousness, but these feelings quickly gave way to laughter and a fair dose of embarrassment, when we were quizzed on our rhyme knowledge and were outdone by the residents.
The benefits of this buddy programme extend beyond the classroom. For the students, it provides a real-world application of the values of OBHS, such as leadership, community involvement, and service. For the residents, the programme brings a breath of fresh air into their daily routine, offering companionship and some good laughs.
The buddy programme is not just about service; it's about building bridges between generations and creating a supportive, inclusive community. As the weeks progress, both students and residents eagerly anticipate their time together, making every visit a cherished experience. The school hopes that this initiative will inspire students to continue engaging in community service throughout their lives, fostering a culture of compassion and mutual respect.
In conclusion, the buddy programme with Radius Fulton Rest Home is a testament to the power of community connection and the profound impact of service learning. It exemplifies the core values of the SHL curriculum and highlights the importance of giving back, ultimately enriching the lives of both the students and the elderly residents.
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