Students from Diggers Rest Primary School have been busy perfecting their letter writing skills, through a new pen pal initiative with the Riddell Gardens Aged Care facility.
About 29 students from the year three and four class are taking part in the initiative, which is also helping to improve their writing outcomes and develop a strong sense of community connection.
Wellbeing leader Kelly Bugiera said Riddell Gardens had been in touch with the school about organising the program, and the team thought it would be a good opportunity for the students.
“We got a [biography] on the residents interest and background… so we tried to match this with the kids’ interests,” Ms Bugiera said.
“They’re just finalising the first letters now which we’ll pass on… and it’s something I’ll be following for the rest of the year and may continue in the future.”
Ms Bugiera said she is really impressed with the students enthusiasm and the aim was to make them more aware of who is in the local community.
“[They’re] thinking about their audience and finding ways to connect with a community member… not just doing a letter structure,” she said.
“I’ve really seen a nice side of them coming out with that thoughtfulness… [and] considering what their [pen pal] might be interested in.”
Ms Bugiera said they have tried to cater for the residents preferred communication style and are looking to include emails to the initiative.
Zoe Moffatt
