John Hannah Hostel visits

We can make a difference and learn from one another......

Each week, on a Monday, a  different class is rostered on to visit the John Hannah Hostel at the west side of our school. The John Hannah Hostel was established a number of years ago through the Parish and continues to be a vibrant aged care facility.

 

The students and teacher(s) meet the residents in the Community  Room for about 20 - 30 mins and participate in various activities.   The students might sing a song, may share a card they have made,  play a board game, show their work or simply have a chat. Sometimes our younger students visit with their older buddy class. The benefits  of engaging with the more wise and senior of our Parish and wider community are enormous. We can learn from one another, enjoy each other's company and make a difference in someone's day!

At the end of last year a resident of John Hannah House wrote to me after one of our year 3/4 students gave him a Christmas Card on the rostered visit. I share with you his letter as I think it shows the positive impact that these interactions can have.

 

Dear Principal of St John Vianney's Primary School,

I am writing today to thank you on behalf of all the residents of John Hannah Hostel for your kind gifts and wonderful hand made Christmas Cards.

Your thoughtfulness, warmth and kindness that your students have shown us is much appreciated.

I would personally like to thank the lovely Elly. Her Christmas card made my day. I showed everyone how wonderful her card was!  I was particularly impressed with the high standard of Elly's writing. I remarked that 'I have never seen such beautiful handwriting in all my life' and if I was a future employer I would hire her immediately .

This is a compliment to both Elly and the wonderful teachers of your school.

Thank you sincerely and a very Merry Christmas to all staff and students

(Name of resident supplied)

PS Well done Elly!