CONNECT WITH US

CELEBRATING 10 YEARS OF INTERGENERATIONAL CONVERSATIONS AT MCKINNON

When I first introduced this conversation program to Year 11 German students in 2013, many had not heard much of the benefits of intergenerational conversations yet. Now with TV shows catching up on this topic, the researched benefits are more widely acknowledged in our society.

The program engages students in conversations with senior citizens, who are German native speakers, to improve their oral and aural communication skills. At the same time senior members of our community increase their social activities, feel connected and valued by the younger generation for the contributions they make. The program was introduced by Monash University and designed to foster community engagement and social cohesion in our multicultural society. This program also fills a gap in recent trends that show a decline in voluntary work and an erosion of individual connectedness in Australia. 

Ms Ramona Baumgartner, who was then looking for teachers to continue this Monash research program at schools, encouraged me to introduce it at McKinnon. Since then we have had a very committed and reliable group of participants that commit to this program every fortnight for a double lesson. We enjoy conversation topics that are linked to our curriculum and share ‘Kaffee und Kuchen’ (coffee and cake) as a reward for all.

By clicking on an image in the article, you can enlarge it and then scroll through the photos.

We are always looking for more participants as our seniors are quite active and not always available due to other commitments. 

If you are interested in this program and would like to join, please contact Andrea Fowler fow@mckinnonsc.vic.edu.au or call 8520 9000.

Andrea Fowler

Teacher of German

ALUMNI

Alumni are role models for current students. We have opportunities for alumni to share their insights with our students, where they can gain invaluable knowledge about future pathways.

Your presence, skills, or advice can have a lasting impact on our students. If you have a profession or skill you think could be valuable for McKinnon Secondary College students, please get in touch with us. Contact Melanie Lynch via email or connect with us via our social media accounts.