Letter writing might not take pride of place in a modern school setting but COVID-19 has prompted students at one local school to pick up a pen and paper.
Students from Springfield’s Chertsey Primary School wrote letters, drew pictures and made cards for the resident of Point Clare’s Orana Aged Care, proving that the kids are alright.
Chertsey Principal, Sarah Baldwin, said the idea was floated to her by a staff member after hearing how hard a time residents were having with the ban on visitors.
“One of my staff, Donna Knee, wanted to do something special for people who were vulnerable and in isolation, like the residents at Orana.
“After discussions between Donna and myself and then with students, the idea flourished from cards to thoughtful messages and letters,” Sarah explained.
And students let their creativity and kindness flair, creating a dozen letters containing cheery pictures and messages of support.
Once they were completed, Sarah scanned and emailed them to staff at the nursing home to ensure there were no risk health risks.
The messages were so well received that, Sarah has since sent copies of the letters to Kingswood’s embattled Newmarch House, where 19 residents have so far died from coronavirus.
She said she wanted residents of Newmarch to feel that same connection and empathy that Orana residents felt.
“The feedback was so incredibly positive.
“Residents and staff were touched by the thoughtful nature of the students.
“The students put in such care and paid particular attention to what words and pictures would convey their compassion to the residents.
“As a response, we were sent amazing photos of the wonderful residents of Orana looking happy and content, smiling whilst holding the scanned letters and cards of hope and kindness in front of them,” Sarah said.
The thoughtfulness of the messages has also touched Sarah, who holds high hopes that the children of Chertsey will grow to become compassionate young adults.
“This initiative has provided an authentic environment or learning experience that allows our students to develop their social and emotional skills.
“They have had the opportunity to exercise empathy, compassion and independently think, then brainstorm with their peers to create text and artwork that evokes emotions in the recipient to feel valued, known and cared for.
“The letter writing was purposeful, allowing students to think of text features that will help to connect with the reader,” Sarah said.
“This has also empowered our students to see a negative and find a way to give to someone else, to help make another person who may be having a hard time, feel better.
“To turn something not so great into something great.
“Initiatives like this provide opportunities for our students to be scaffolded, to learn about ‘community’ and about being ‘community minded’, so they are excellent community members at school which will flow into being wonderful community members as adults.
“Chertsey may be a relatively small school, but we have a wonderful community feel.
“I know that we have a terrific school filled with children who are thoughtful, creative and kind.
“The messages were another reminder of how our school and all our members from students, staff, parents, carers and volunteers have all come together to create a positive and caring culture,” Sarah said.
Source:
Email and interview, May 27
Sarah Baldwin, Chertsey Primary School
Reporter: Dilon Luke