Buddy Program – Fostering Connection and Belonging

At the beginning of each school year, every Foundation student at Sacred Heart is paired with a carefully selected Senior buddy. This important initiative is designed to support a smooth and positive transition into school life, helping our youngest learners feel safe, welcomed, and connected from the very start.

Foundation and Senior buddies participate in a variety of structured activities together throughout the year. These may include:

  • Art and craft projects

  • Shared lunches

  • Developmental play

  • Story time and classroom visits

These shared experiences help foster trust, build friendships, and create a strong sense of comfort and belonging for our Foundation students.

Our buddy program extends beyond Foundation, with students in Years 1 and 2 also paired with older peers. These relationships are nurtured through ongoing, planned collaborative activities, providing all students with regular opportunities to connect, interact, and support one another.

The Buddy Program is a key part of our commitment to student wellbeing. It helps to:

  • Promote a positive and inclusive school culture

  • Encourage inter-age relationships

  • Support the development of social and emotional skills

  • Ensure every student feels valued, seen, and connected within our learning community

Through the Buddy Program, we strengthen the fabric of our school, creating a safe and supportive environment where all students can thrive—together.