At Officer Primary School, we have implemented a buddy program that pairs Prep students with Grade 6 mentors, creating meaningful connections across age groups and fostering a sense of community. This initiative not only helps our youngest learners acclimate to the school environment but also allows older students to develop leadership and responsibility skills. During designated buddy sessions, Grade 6 students guide their Prep buddies through activities such as reading, arts and crafts, and playground games, which enhances social interactions and builds confidence for both age groups. The benefits of this program are profound: Prep students gain a sense of security and friendship, while Grade 6 students reinforce their own learning and develop important life skills such as empathy and communication. This nurturing environment cultivates a supportive school culture, where students feel connected and valued, ultimately enhancing their overall educational experience.
Our Buddy program will run every fortnight, starting in the middle of Term One. We mainly start the sessions in Term Two as this gives the Foundation students an opportunity to understand classroom routine and to not overwhelm them with too many changes early on in their transition. As the year Progresses our Buddies will be more involved with whole school events alongside our Preps specifically around 100 days of school preparation.
