With COVID-19 now largely under control, students from St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School at Woy Woy have resumed their visits to Hillview House Aged Care as they continue to foster intergenerational relationships with their neighbours.
A school spokesperson said as people aged, their social networks generally became smaller.
“Celebrations, events, and story-sharing across generations bring people together,” the spokesperson said.
“It’s these cross-generational moments that have great benefit to everyone involved.
“For older generations, it provides an opportunity for continued engagement with the wider community.
“For our younger generations, it offers wisdom well beyond their own life experiences, and fosters stronger empathy and community connections.
“Year 4 students prepared and presented invention ideas to their older friends at Hillview House recently.
“These ideas included a machine that measures how funny jokes are and a walking aid with 4WD turbo wheels.
“Students absolutely loved this and communicated with residents with great respect.
“Our Year 6 students prepared questions to interview their wise and experienced friends.
“Tilly and Chloe chatted to 84-year-old Doreen and learned that she used to be a singer and an actress, and still plays the piano for a crowd of residents at Hillview.
“Harry, Felix and Max met Peggy, who is turning 100 in two months – she was in the Air Force and once shook King George V’s hand.”
Principal Nicole Davies said the school was thrilled to reconnect with Hillview House after several years of uncertainty.
“Students of all ages will have the opportunity to visit our older friends throughout the year, for discussions like this, special events, musical performances, handmade crafts, gifts, or cards,” she said.
A Hillview House spokesperson said residents loved having the local school children visit.
“It brightens their day and provides for meaningful and fun conversations and reflections in the days that follow,” the spokesperson said.
St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School in Dulkara Road, Woy Woy, will hold open days on March 23 and 24.
Registrations can be made at www.sjbwwdbb.catholic.edu.au/enrol/opendays/.
Source:
Media release, Mar 14
St John the Baptist Catholic Primary School