By ALANA MITCHELSON
A NEW partnership has given Pakenham students the opportunity to mentor and develop friendships with children at a local kindergarten.
St Patricks Primary School students from Grades 4 and 5 visit the Casey Child Care and Kindergarten each week to build relationships with the kinder children.
From the beginning of term two, the weekly visits have involved students embracing “all things kinder” and taking on leadership roles in art and sport programs.
The new mentoring initiative also supports the kindergarten kids’ visits to St Patricks twice a term to take part in prep transition programs.
Casey Child Care and Kindergarten centre manager Debbie Porter said research shows that a smooth transition into school is the best way to ensure a successful transition.
“Our weekly program is providing our kinder children a year-round opportunity to gain confidence in a big school environment while providing wonderful leadership opportunities for our school children,” Ms Porter said.
“We are excited to participate in a new innovative partnership with St Patricks Primary School.”
