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Lux Mea | Winter 2024

One of our favourite programs in the Junior School is the Buddy Program. The relationships that form between the two Year 5 classes and the ELC children is beautiful.

Kinder and PrePrep

It creates opportunities for the older students to be leaders and role models and helps the younger children build connections and strengthen their sense of belonging to Ivanhoe Girls’. 

What a great way to learn about school involvement! We look for opportunities for the Buddies to work together throughout the year. It can be as social as a shared lunch time or participating in one of the many special events held within our school. 

The ELC girls love spotting their buddies as we walk around the School or when watching them rehearse for a special concert. They have also worked together on shared Art projects which were on display at last terms’ ELC to Year 11 Visual Arts Exhibition, they proudly paraded their fancy costumes during Book Week and have practised many fundamental motor skills during their Physical Education classes. 

These are opportunities we know are valuable for all and we consistently see the positive impact it has on each student that has been part of the Buddy Program.

Ms Bernadette Gioia
Director of the Early Learning Centre

Year 5 Students

Year 5 have greatly enjoyed the Junior School Buddy Program this year. Pairing some of the oldest students in the Junior School with the youngest provides great learning opportunities for all students.

In Year 5, it allows students to begin practising the leadership skills that are so essential as they move into Year 6. The Year 5 students greatly enjoy the opportunity to be the 'big kids' demonstrating behaviours, modelling activities and guiding the younger students.

We have seen many students flourish through this opportunity; students who in other situations can be shy, embrace the opportunity to quietly mentor their younger buddy and truly beautiful relationships result. 

The squeals of excitement and big smiles that occur when we announce we are seeing our buddies demonstrate just how much students love this program, and it is one that is always enjoyed by everyone involved.

Ms Sonya Geraets and Mrs Michelle Everest
Year 5 Classroom Teachers