Buddy partnerships allow students at school to experience a connection with a variety of pupils at different levels. All students will be given the opportunity to experience being kind, considerate, caring and a valued member of St Anne’s school. Buddy partnerships support students in experiencing a welcome from the very beginning, particularly during times of transition.

The benefits of a Buddy program are twofold; the older children learn to take on responsibility, while the younger children know that they have a fellow student they can confidently turn to for support.

The Buddy program helps to promote relationships and support between older and younger students through regular collaboration between their classes. This fosters a sense of whole-school community and creates friendships that enable both older and younger ‘Buddy’ to bond more closely with their school. This increases the likelihood of more positive school behaviour for all students.

A successful Buddy program lets the children know they are capable of building relationships and capable of showing care with their buddy partner.

Aims of the program

• To assist students in supporting their peers
• To listen to and work with students in a positive, supportive environment
• To develop students’ social skills to enable them to get along with others
• To develop positive relationships for students across the school
• To develop students’ feelings of compassion and empathy with others
• To develop responsible student behaviour
• To develop cross-peer collaboration