With the support of the Coolaburoo Community Centre, students were partnered with community members, including individuals in local nursing homes, to engage in exchanging letters about their day and lives.
Assistant Principal Vanessa Stephens says the students are overjoyed to receive their letter each fortnight and eagerly read their pen pals’ stories and adventures as well as answering their questions and riddles.
“After months of writing, reading and immense anticipation, the pen pals finally came face-to-face at a ‘Meet and Greet’ hosted at our school,” she said.
“The smiles on everyone’s faces and the excitement that was bubbling in the room could not be overstated.
“It is hoped that through this program, the students have formed authentic and meaningful friendships that will last a lifetime.
One student said: “My favourite part was visiting the nursing home and getting to meet my pen pal. It was my first time being in a nursing home and they all looked very happy to see us, which made me very happy too.”
Another student wrote: “My favourite part was making a new friend and to write a letter for the first time.”
