Each Friday during terms 3 and 4, students from Year 7 visit the Maygrove Rest Home. During these visits students interact with their “elderly buddy” by engaging in conversation, playing board games, cards, going for a walk and sharing life stories and experiences.

The visits build capability in our students to communicate, empathise and work with others in our community.

Students have said that these visits have “changed their perspective of the elderly”, that they “have more respect for the elderly” and that the elderly” have a lot to offer because of their past experiences”.

The Rest Home residents are very excited about these regular visits. Residents have told nursing staff that they really like the one to one interaction with these students. Nursing staff have also told us that because of our visits, scrabble and card games are now in high demand. The students are also creating Christmas gifts for their elderly buddies that include knitting knee warmers and slippers. The visits teach our students how to contribute and make a difference to the Orewa Community.