GRADE 6 student leaders from three Hastings primary schools met online recently to share their concerns about the upcoming transition to secondary school without any of the usual rites of passage because of the coronavirus.
The forum, part of the Family Life: Map Your World Program, discussed their hopes and fears and also came up with some solutions.
The students decided that artwork, and a large digital forum, would create a sense of occasion and celebrate their transition to senior school. The idea was developed and then carried to fruition by adults in a corresponding Family Life program: Creating Capable Leaders, with support from the Mornington Peninsula Shire’s youth services team.
“The students were concerned their passage from primary school would go unmarked, as gatherings did not allow them to be celebrated by their community of school and family,” Family Life’s Rosie Silva said.
“This project has created a wonderful sense of community and camaraderie where 145 students from seven peninsula primary schools will experience a unique celebration of their primary schooling, all thanks to these inspiring students.”
The project will involve a live Q&A session during which staff will answer questions and offer support on big screens in classrooms throughout November.
The students’ handprints of hopes, fears and strengths will be displayed in shop windows, where the graduating students – or anyone – can stand to be photographed.
Creating Capable Leaders participant and Creative Makes, Hastings, shopkeeper, Melissa Cupidon, said: “This project has been incredibly inspiring for the adults involved, on top of the joy of being able to help primary students and creating a flow-on for the whole community.
“The community is coming together to support these kids who need it for now and into the future.”
Details: Rosie Silva 0429 864 693.
First published in the Western Port News – 18 November 2020
