01 Sep 2020
The students at Arawang Primary School have a very special relationship with the residents at Mirinjani Residents Home. Every Friday the year 6 class makes the 20 minute walk, or sometimes they take bikes and cycle, to the Mirinjani Retirement Village in Weston to visit the residents.
The ‘The Mirinjani Project’ has been running for three years and originally focused on students pairing up with a resident who they would visit weekly to catch up with, chat and share baked treats from cooking class.
“Every year the places are filled; the whole school knows about the program and each year the students look forward to year 6 when they have the opportunity to go,” said program coordinator and Year 6 teacher at Arawang, Craig Midgelow.
Although the school has had to change their practices a little since the introduction of COVID-19 restrictions, the students have not let this stop them from connecting with the residents. Recently, the Year 6 Brass Band made a special trip to the home to perform for the residents while safely social distancing from a balcony above the courtyard.
“My band is filled with enthusiastic, dedicated and community minded students. They were very keen to perform for the Mirinjani residents. We played at a socially acceptable distance due to our current climate, however as we are a brass band, I have no doubt our lovely tunes filled the hallways,” said Allyson Gunning, who teaches the Year 6 Brass Band.
The students learnt pieces of music they thought the residents would enjoy, adding tunes such as Surfin’ USA, Locomotion and Chariots of Fire to their repertoire.
Some student also read out updates on their learning and achievements, including how their basketball and soccer teams are faring this season.
The residents enjoyed the performance and the students love the opportunity to catch up with their friends again.
What started out as the school’s desire to give back to their community has become a beautiful example of connection between generations and has provided memorable experiences for both the Arawang students and the Mirinjani residents.
Residents enjoying the Brass Band's performance
In a visit earlier this year, the students got creative with signs to say hello