For over 20 years now we have been running a buddy program at Joeys between Year 7 boys and Year 11 boys. The reason we choose to do the program with Year 11 is because they still have almost two years left at the College. This means that their connection with their Year 7 buddy can be longer lasting and more effective.

In the latter half of the term we had our first get-together with the buddies. It was an opportunity for the boys to meet their buddy and have a good chat to them. The Year 11 boys helped the Year 7s write a letter home (which hopefully most parents have received) which proved a wonderful way for the boys to get to know about each other as the letter prompted them to discuss many things that the boys did.

The boys also travelled together to the Head of the River – again, another chance for the boys to spend some time together and get to know each other a little better.

Throughout the year there will be several formal opportunities for the boys to spend time with their buddies. The hope is that the Year 11 boys will also organise a few informal opportunities to catch up and see how the Year 7 boys are going.

The buddy program has varied successes for different boys. For some, the older connection is very important and helps them greatly in settling in – for others, they may only see their buddy every so often. This is an individual difference and at the very least, the boys have the opportunity to pursue this as much as they wish to.

It was great to see the boys all talking so freely and getting to know each other’s friends – here’s hoping that it is the beginning of a longer lasting friendship that crosses the boundary of age.

Photo 1:  Justin Young (Concord West) getting help with his letter from his Year 11 buddy.

Photo 2:  Jacob Sleiman (Hunters Hill) sizes up with his Year 11 buddy.