This year as part of our Praxis Program the Prep classes have run a Buddy Program. Prep Red was buddied with Class 5/6C while Prep Blue was buddied with 6O. On most Thursday afternoons, for the last 40 minutes, the classes would come together to work on various activities. The big buddies taught the little buddies how to log on to the College Network and then how to access and login to The Reading Eggs program. They helped with craft activities related to the subjects the Prep classes were focusing on that week. They undertook outdoor games and play activities.

While the focus was on play and social interaction the underlying value could be seen in the relationships that were developed between the younger and older students. The Prep students had a familiar ‘older person’ that they saw around our College who they knew, and who they could go to for help and support. The idea of ‘community’ was developed.

"My Buddy helps to teach me things. My Buddy is tricky because she can do a handstand. Maybe she will teach me how to do one." Samantha Spies

"We get to do fun things with our Buddies. My Buddy is funny." Terrence Liang

"My Buddy helped me to skip. I like seeing my Buddy when we are walking around the school." Addie Pocock

"My Buddy helped me to make a pyramid when we were learning about 3D shapes." Sage Southee.

For the older students, it gave them the opportunity to be leaders and to guide by example. They were also given the opportunity to implement their own activities throughout the year.

"I like how we get to lead the Preps in activities and it teaches us how to cooperate with small children." Matilda Paffey

"I like how we get to interact with the Preps and show them how to be responsible."  Jack Simpkins

"I think it is good for the little kids to have some familiar faces around the school." Loretta Carpenter

"I like watching the Buddies succeed and helping them to do so." Penelope Doherty