26 June 2026
It has been an incredible term for Buddy Up. The program doubled in size this term, and we loved welcoming new guests and student volunteers into our growing community. Across every session, our students have shown remarkable growth. They showed up with kindness, patience, and genuine teamwork, while making sure each session was filled with fun and fresh activities for everyone involved.
Watching friendships develop across the semester has been one of the real joys of the term. Our student volunteers have learned to read their buddies’ cues, engagement in varied and new activities has been at an all time high and there have been countless glow moments to celebrate for both students and buddies.
A particular highlight for our final session of the term was an afternoon tea cooked entirely by Year 12 student Max Arkadianos. He treated our guests and volunteers to a spread that was, by all accounts, genuinely delicious. It was a wonderful afternoon of shared food and conversation, and a lovely reminder of how something as simple as a homemade treat can bring a room together. Thank you, Max, for your generosity and effort.
None of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteer supervising team, who have been consistently reliable across terms, they have come to know all the Buddy Up families and create an environment that feels inexplicably relaxed, familiar and welcoming. Thanks go out to Lisa Foreman, Gunin Singhal, Carmel Wilson, Georgia McDonald, Ed Ruediger, Ashleigh Day, Aidan Eaton, Will Foreman and Will Roger.
Here are a two reflections from our Buddy Up guests:
“I really enjoy coming to Buddy Up because I like to make new friends. I love to sing and dance. It is very nice for the boys to come out every time. They’re very kind” – Izzy
“To all the organisers, volunteers and wonderful buddies of the St Peter’s Buddy Up Program, thank you for giving your time, energy, kindness, and friendship to make every session so special. As a person with a disability, I do not always get the opportunity to spend time and have fun with other teenagers my age, so your willingness to include me means more than words can express. I truly enjoy every session we share together, and the memories we create bring me so much happiness & learning. Thank you for making me feel welcome, valued, and part of a great group of friends. Your support and friendship have made a positive difference in my life, and I am very grateful to each and every one of you.“ – Lucas
As we close out the term, I’d like to reflect on how far Buddy Up has come and the impact it has had on everyone who has spent time with us on a Monday afternoon. With the program continuing to grow both in heart and size, we look forward to seeing what Term 3 brings.
Jessica Gilbert
Buddy Up Coordinator
