A heart-warming intergenerational partnership has blossomed between Sheridan Aged Care and Kyabram P-12 College, bridging the gap between youth and seniors.
On Friday, July 26, Year 12 and Year 6 students from Kyabram P-12 College visited the Sheridan Aged Care facility, kicking off a partnership between the two organisations.
It all kicked off with Sheridan volunteer Alma Limbrick visiting the Year 6 class and offering valuable insights on respectful communication and interaction with the elderly residents.
The Year 6 students eagerly absorbed Mrs Limbrick’s wisdom and were thrilled to put their newfound skills into practice during Friday's visit.
Additionally, at the end of term 2, the residents visited the college to listen to the primary school choir sing a set of five songs ahead of their participation in the Victorian School Spectacular.
The visit to the Sheridan facility was the first of the year, but only the next chapter in the strong bond that the organisations have already fostered.
The Year 6 students came prepared with friendship-making kits, engaging in lively games and sharing a morning tea filled with warm conversations with the residents.
Also in attendance at Friday’s session were the Year 12 VCE Vocational Major students who met with the residents as part of their Unit 4 of Personal Development Skills work.
The Year 12 students have been learning about challenges faced by elderly communities and have been researching ways to engage with different community groups of all demographics.
The students are to continue working with the residents over the next few weeks and will build a living wall for the Sheridan Aged Care facility and residents to enjoy.
Janine Kreymborg attended the facility with the students and watched the magic unfold as students and residents went from familiar to fast friends within a matter of hours.
“I left there with the biggest smile on my face and felt so proud of our students,” she said.
“It was the best day.”
Kyabram P-12 College's principal, Marina Walsh, expressed her delight at the flourishing friendship between the college and Sheridan, recognising its positive impact on both communities.
The students, both in Year 12 and Year 6, will continue their visits to Sheridan and continue fostering the strong bond that has emerged between them.