Throughout the year, students in the school’s Mini Vinnies program attended the aged care home where they traded stories with the residents, learning from each other and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Now, coming together for the last time in 2024 to celebrate the festive season.

The Mini Vinnies program had seen humble beginnings.

Restricted by the pandemic, the students had initially found it challenging to engage with their local community. However, Robert Temesvary, the Religious Education and Mini Vinnies Coordinator at St Paul’s said the determination to make a difference saw the program flourish.

“Ever since I've been at St Paul's, the program has been a big focus for our Year 6 students,” he said.

“At the beginning of the year, the students who want to be part of Mini Vinnies nominate themselves, and then they're officially welcomed into the community at Sunday Mass with the parish around midterm.”

From that point onward, the students are not only ambassadors of the school but also budding philanthropists. In addition to their regular visits to Rutherford Park, they take part in school fundraising, coordinated mission days, and even support the Breakfast Club on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Robert said the idea of the intergenerational program was presented by St Paul’s librarian Katrina Howard and everyone thought it would be meaningful for both students and the residents.

“It took some time for the program to get off the ground, but ever since then it’s really gone from strength to strength.

“The students enjoy going and hearing about their lives and we know they bring some joy and connection while they’re there.

“We sometimes forget the power of slowing down and spending time with others. It’s what life’s all about and it’s so beneficial on both ends,” Mr Temesvary said.

Lara, a Year 6 student, has been visiting Rutherford Park since the beginning of the year. She said it’s shown her and her peers how to befriend people of all ages and walks of life.

“We always have a great time when we visit, and we love talking with the residents and hearing their stories. I know some of the residents don’t have family close by and we feel like we have brightened their day when we leave,” Lara said.

Xavier, another Year 6 student, agreed adding that he feels grateful to have learnt so much.

“It’s a truly special thing to meet new people who have tales you could never dream of. Because they’re older than us they’ve experienced some really cool things,” Xavier said.

I’ve got my own grandma who lives by herself, so I know how important it is to make sure they feel like they are heard, and someone cares about them.”

Rutherford Park resident, Pat Sexton said the Mini Vinnies visits are always a hit.

“It’s good to see them arrive with their smiling faces and I’ve learnt a lot about them, and I love hearing about their families,” Pat said.

“I have a big family, and I’ve always loved having the kids around. I have four children and ten grandchildren, and they were constantly at my place, and we were involved in Scouts and the netball and soccer clubs. It was my life, and the student visits remind me of those times.”

The impact of the program is deeply felt, especially during the festive season where the celebrations can often highlight the absence of loved ones.

“You could be having the most stressful week, but when you see the students interact with the residents and the looks on their faces, it’s just the most bucket-filling experience,” Mr Temesvary said.

“You can see the excitement in their conversation, and some residents bring out pictures of their family, exchanging stories with the students. It’s just a really personal experience. Some residents don’t have family close by, so it’s special for them during the Christmas period.

“Having that connection to the community is a big thing for us as a school.

“I think it’s important to students because in this work, they have pride in what they do. It’s more than school and an activity, it’s bigger than that and that’s what we are about at St Paul’s.”

Follow mnnews.today on Facebook.