Buddy Up Term 3

On Monday 15 September, we will have our final Buddy Up session for Term 3 before we break for school holidays. Key highlights for Term 3 have centred around the leadership and empathy demonstrated by our Year 11 students who have proactively engaged in the organisation of activities that engage the interests of their buddies.

The students have built trust with their buddies and have been able to encourage our guests to try new things, stretching outside their comfort zones which has been rewarding for all involved. As always, it has been fulfilling to observe the powerful impact our Year 11 student volunteers have had on children and young people with disability in the community who participate as guests.

Many of them share that it is their favourite part of their week and they have all formed genuine connections with their student buddies and with each other. Another key highlight for this term has been the consistent involvement of our generous parent/staff volunteers who have helped Buddy Up to run with ease.

A special thank you to Lisa Foreman, Cleo Cooper, Lucy Johnson and Ed Ruedigar who have brought invaluable positive energy to the sessions and have ensured safety and inclusion are prioritised for all involved. Next term we are inviting a small group of Year 10 students to be involved as crew. This will provide an invaluable opportunity for our Year 11 students to introduce their buddies and to handover the knowledge and advice they have developed through being involved with Buddy Up.

A reflection from John Lucas, Year 11 student. Howard House:

“This has been one of the most rewarding projects that I have been a part of, especially as I have seen my buddy grow over time both in confidence and familiarity. For a long time I simply partook in activities, but now I truly value the importance of spending time helping others.

By directing others to spend their time wisely through leadership roles within the service program, and having now spent over 100 hours of my own time, I realise that our time is even more valuable than our money.

By spending time playing a game with my Buddy Up partner, I have done far more good than simply running a fundraiser. While raising money is important, and essential for programs like these to run, I will continue to encourage others to get out into the community, and help those in need.”

If your son is in either Year 10 or Year 11 and is keen to be involved or if you are interested in discussing our parent volunteer opportunities for Buddy Up Term 4, please reach out to me at J.Gilbert@stpeters.sa.edu.au.

Jessica Gilbert
Buddy Up Coordinator