2024 Buddy Program
From the Prep's very first day, right through to December, the Year 5 buddies have been an invaluable support to our little ones.
Our most recent collaboration saw our Year 5 students assist our Prep students in publishing the information reports they had been drafting and editing during their writing lessons. The project not only reinforced writing skills, but also fostered a sense of teamwork and pride in their work.
First, the Prep students had the opportunity to share their reports on their chosen animals—sharks, crocodiles, and penguins—with their Year 5 buddies. The Year 5s were thoroughly impressed by the Prep students' learning throughout the year. They listened attentively as their buddies read aloud, celebrating their hard work and acknowledging the progress they had made.
Once the reports had been shared, the Year 5 students worked closely with their buddies to help them publish their reports. Using their ICT skills, the Year 5s guided their Prep buddies through the process of formatting and creating digital versions of their reports, adding pictures, and making their work look polished and professional.
The students were excited to see their hard work come to life as they added finishing touches to their projects. The collaboration not only enhanced their writing and digital literacy skills but also reinforced the importance of teamwork and the value of supporting one another in learning.
As our Prep students celebrate their first year of schooling, many highlights of the year that the children fondly remember have been the time spent with their beloved buddies!
Here are some of the Prep students' favourite moments with their buddies from the year:
Meeting our buddies
"When I met my buddy she was very kind to me. She helped me do drawings and made me laugh," Lucy, Prep A
"I remember how my buddy was a bit shy at first, so I asked her a lot of questions and tried to make her feel comfortable. Now I have learned lots about Sailor and she loves spending time with me." Phoebe, 5D
Harmony Day
"On Harmony Day, my buddy walked around all the stalls with me and we both got our faces painted with a butterfly! Poppy also bought me a cupcake." Millie, Prep A
"I helped Oliver win a packet of chips at Harmony Day, by throwing a small beanbag with good aim. He was very happy and ate them all!" Jam, 5D
Buddy Picnics
"I sit with my buddy, Amir, during our picnics. We talk lots and we both like the same sports!" Jack, Prep A
"I like hanging with my buddy and talking with her about her day. It's so nice to spend time outside with all the Preps!" Lara-Rose, 5D
100 Days of Prep
"Frankie helped me make 100 Day Prep glasses! He liked my costume. I dressed up as a ninja!" Tom, Prep A
"It was very fun to celebrate 100 Days of Prep with my buddy. I liked helping Luca to cut out his special 100-Day glasses and see how much he has learned at school so far.' Luca, 5D
Snuggle-up and read
"I loved eating popcorn during Snuggle-up and read with our buddies. Henry read a book to me and Oliver!" Elliot, Prep A
"I really enjoyed the Snuggle-up and read session with my buddy. I read to Gabby and it was nice when she read her book to me too. I can't believe how well she can read already!" Ava, 5D
With just one week left before the school year wraps up, we still have some exciting Christmas activities planned to enjoy together—starting with creating special Christmas cards for each other as a way to say thank you for such an incredible year!
Lisa Mclean
Junior School Leader