21 November 2025
Building on our connection with the residents at Vailima Gardens Retirement Community through our regular Prep visits, we are growing our partnership with our senior students now visiting the residents after-school.
This Service Learning idea was inspired by the ABC TV Show ‘Old People’s Homes for Teenagers’ exploring the power of intergenerational relationships amid an epidemic of loneliness. Years 9 to 11 students are creating connections with the residents through music performances, getting-to-know-you games and the students providing technology support.
These sessions are about learning from each other, sharing stories and experiences and forming new bonds. The aim is for the program to evolve into regular visits in 2026.
Resident Chris said: “The students were very keen to take an active part in discussion with the elderly residents who were present. They certainly made an impression on me. They listened politely and attentively to what was being discussed by the residents. As well as responding with interested, sensible and appropriate follow up questions. One student was extremely helpful, informative and patient in explaining how Artificial Intelligence (AI) appears on the internet. These students are impressive teenagers who demonstrate they are maturing and developing into very nice and impressive young men of our future.”
And students also shared their experience:
“During my time at Vailima Gardens, I surprised myself by realising how diverse each person’s life is and how there are so many people with very different backgrounds.”
– Finn Hillier, Year 11
“I really enjoyed the conversations I had with all the residents. I could see the beginnings of connections between all the boys, and I could tell that the residents at Vailima really enjoyed to connect with us as well.”
– Will Foreman, Year 11
“This experience showed me how simple actions such as talking to someone help a lot.”
– Peter G Demourtzidis, Year 10
Thank you to Mr Stewart Smith and Ms Vanessa Traino from Woodcock House for your support in exploring this new service activity.
Ashleigh Day
Service Learning Program Coordinator
