Greta students spend quality time with St John's buddies

STUDENTS in years three to six at Greta Valley Primary School have been spending quality time with residents from Respect St John's, as part of the school's community intergenerational project. The 17 young visitors have been making the trip into town once a week this term to spend the day with an older friend they have been matched with, enjoying a variety of activities together. Principal Howard Gibson said the program is once again having a positive impact on students, who are improving their understanding, interpersonal and communications skills. He said they take part in different activities each week based on a different theme, including electronics and robotics, cooking, singing, playing with puppies, craft, maths and literacy games, and more. "The relationship they build with their buddy is massive - and I'm trying to encourage the development of empathy within our kids, so they respect the elderly," he said. "One day it may be their parents or grandparents who are in this situation, and I want them to understand they deserve the same privileges, care and respect we do." Mr Gibson said this year he wanted to do something different to challenge his students, taking a select group of kids to visit and take part in activities with residents living with dementia. He said it was amazing - the kids adapting really well and showing a lot of care and empathy. During a recent session, the buddies made photo frames together, which they plan to include in an upcoming celebration being held at Respect St John's on Thursday, 18 September at 6pm. They will also be doing a colour run that morning, with students to be the runners and residents given the task of pelting them with coloured powder as they go past. "It's fun for the kids and the residents, but there is learning there as well," Mr Gibson said. "Last week we had fish and chips together for lunch and it was so much fun." Mr Gibson said the school is aiming to run the community intergenerational project every two years, as it is not financially possible to do every year due to the cost of transportation in and out of Wangaratta. He said the school was delighted to receive support from the Rural City of Wangaratta this year, which provided a community grant of $3,500 to help cover those costs in 2025. "The benefits are far wider than what our students receive from it," he said. "The residents love it - I know there has been positive feedback from family members of the residents involved, and we've even had others join in and want to come to our celebration." In brief Free Farmers Night Out in Moyhu Farmers and their families are invited to come together for a special Farmers Night Out at the Moyhu Hotel on Thursday, 18 September from 5.30pm. This free community event includes dinner and a presentation by Warren Davies – The Unbreakable Farmer, who will share his powerful story of resilience and the importance of mental wellbeing in farming communities. Hosted by the Rural City of Wangaratta and the Wangaratta Livestock Exchange, register for catering purposes at events.humanitix.com/the-unbreakable-farmer-free-dinner-and-talk-6fsgcnwf. * Jump Rope for Heart in Moyhu MOYHU Primary School will hold its Jump Rope for Heart "Jump Off Day" on Friday, 19 September at 1.30pm, before the end of the school term. It promises to be a fun and energetic event, with families encouraged to come along and cheer the students on as they raise money for the Heart Foundation. Students will be wearing red and bringing a gold coin donation, with friends, family and neighbours also encouraged to donate and help the Heart Foundation fund important research. * Moyhu Lions country market returns The next Moyhu Lions country market will be held at the Moyhu Lions Park on Saturday, 20 September from 8am to 12pm. Browse a wide range of stalls, enjoy a Lions breakfast and a freshly brewed coffee and enter the monthly raffle, with the chance to win a $100 fuel voucher, drawn at 10.45am. To book a stall at the market, contact Donna Handcock on 5729 7563.

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