Face-to-face greetings, a year in the making, helped mark the end of school for a group of Brisbane students and their “grandfriends”.
St Ambrose’s Primary School Newmarket Year 1 students have met local seniors from Mercy Community Aged Care in person, after catching up with them online weekly as part of a special program at the Brisbane Catholic Education school.
Principal John Hinton said the program, now in its second year, bridged the gap between generations.
“After connecting virtually all year, it is nice to see our students and their grandfriends ‘sleigh-ing’ Christmas carols, exchanging Christmas jokes, crafting jolly decorations and enjoying a morning tea together,” Mr Hinton said.
“For the children, these interactions are more than just visits. It is an opportunity to learn, laugh, and create memories across generations.”
He said the grandfriends, some in their 90s, shared stories from their childhoods and sparked conversations about the past.
“The visits aren’t just one-way. The children, too, get to share their stories, discuss highlights from their week, and ask their grandfriends about life’s mysteries.”
Year 1 teacher Michele Pezzimenti, the driving force behind the program, said the in-person meet-up was a highlight of the year for everyone involved.
Ms Pezzimenti said it turned virtual connections into a heartfelt friendship that the children would remember long after the Christmas season.
“These exchanges foster empathy and help our students see older adults as individuals with rich histories, emotions, and humour,” she said.
“Teachers have observed a remarkable calmness and respect in the classroom after these visits – a testament to the positive impact the program has on students’ emotional and social growth.”
Mercy Community Chief Executive Officer Justin Lorenz said the grandfriend’s project was a great way for aged care residents to build connections with young people while helping to enhance confidence and self-worth, and reducing loneliness that could occur as people aged.
“We are grateful to be part of this wonderful partnership with St Ambrose Primary School, and very much cherish the stories that are told, the laughter created, and the memories that are made when the children come to visit,” Mr Lorenz said.
