Buddy Benefits

Our Primary School Buddy Program continues to be one of the most heart‑warming and impactful aspects of life in our Primary community. Held around four times each term—alternating between Assemblies and dedicated Buddy Sessions—it has quickly become a highlight for both our senior and junior students, and a beautiful way to end each week on a Friday afternoon.

The program gives our older students valuable opportunities to live out our core values of Care and Service in a practical, relational way. Evidence‑based research shows that cross‑age peer mentoring programs help older students develop confidence, empathy, responsibility, and leadership skills, while also giving them pride in their contribution to younger peers. Similarly, the National Mentoring Resource Centre notes that well‑structured mentoring programs improve mentors’ relationships, leadership capacity, and emotional development. Our senior students consistently demonstrate these qualities—embracing their roles with maturity and genuine kindness.

For our youngest learners, having a “big buddy” offers reassurance, friendship, and emotional safety. Research consistently shows that buddy programs foster a sense of friendship, belonging, protection, and positive peer relationships for younger students. Studies also highlight that older‑younger student partnerships strengthen the social‑emotional learning of young children, building their confidence and helping them thrive in the school environment. We see this every day—our little ones waving excitedly to their buddies, and often running over for a hug or a cheerful high‑five during break times. These beautiful interactions show just how meaningful these relationships are.

Buddy programs are widely recognised for their ability to build connectedness and strengthen school communities by reducing social isolation and encouraging positive interactions across age groups. Similarly, research on peer buddy systems shows that both older and younger students develop empathy, understanding, and acceptance of differences, contributing to a more inclusive school culture. At our school, the ripple effect is clear—even our Year 2 students eagerly anticipate becoming a “big buddy” when they reach Year 3!

Across the research, buddy programs are shown to support emotional wellbeing, school connectedness, and leadership development. In our community, this program does all that—and more. It brings joy, strengthens relationships, and reminds students that they are part of a caring, supportive school family.

We are proud of the way this program enriches our Primary School and grateful to all students and staff who make each session such a special experience.