St Ambrose’s Primary School students make lasting connections with ‘grandfriends’ ahead of Christmas

6/12/2024

​©Brisbane Catholic Education, St Ambroses Primary School, Newmarket (2024).​​

St Ambrose’s Primary School Newmarket Year 1 students have been making heartwarming connections with their ‘grand friends’ - local seniors from Mercy Community Aged Care – as part of a special school program.  

Now in its second year, the program, which brings students and their ‘grandfriends’ together online every week, has blossomed into something very special — with the opportunity to meet with their ‘grandfriends’ in person on Friday, 15 November, for some festive cheer.  

St Ambrose’s Primary School Principal John Hinton said, “the program bridges gaps 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,” he said.  

“For the children, these interactions are more than just visits – it is an opportunity to learn, laugh, and create memories across generations.  

“The ‘grandfriends,’ some in their 90s, share stories from their childhoods, sparking conversations about the past and highlighting the common joys that connect us all.  

“The visits aren’t just one-way; the children, too, get to share their stories, discuss highlights from their week, and ask their ‘grand friends’ about life’s mysteries.”  

St Ambrose’s Primary School Year 1 teacher Michele Pezzimenti said, “the in-person meet-up was a highlight of the year for everyone involved, turning their virtual connection into a heartfelt friendship that the children will 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.”  

John adds “Michele has been instrumental in making this partnership a success”.  

“Her commitment, along with the support from the Mercy Community Aged Care, has brought this program to life, creating a meaningful bond that benefits both generations,” he said.  

“With the school year wrapping up, we’re already looking forward to bringing this program back in 2025 and seeing these wonderful connections grow even more.”   

Mercy Community Chief Executive Officer Justin Lorenz said “the grandfriend's project is a wonderful way for our aged care residents to build connections with young people while helping to enhance confidence and self-worth, and reducing loneliness that can occur as we age”.  

“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,” he said. 

For more information about St Ambrose’s Primary School Newmarket or to enrol click here. 
 


Top stories