At St Mary’s, our Buddy Program plays a vital role in ensuring that all new students and families feel warmly welcomed and experience a smooth transition into our school community.
A Welcoming Community
Every Kindergarten student is paired with a senior buddy who will accompany them on their school journey throughout Kindergarten and Year 1. These connections begin during our Kindergarten Orientation Program each October, where new students meet their assigned buddy. If a student joins Kindergarten at another time during the year, a buddy is promptly assigned to support their transition.
On the first day of school, senior buddies greet their Kindergarten peers, offering a friendly and familiar face to help them settle in. This simple gesture fosters a strong sense of belonging and eases first-day nerves.
Over the two years, buddies continue to connect in a variety of settings, building meaningful relationships and providing opportunities for older students to develop mentoring and leadership skills. These interactions promote empathy, responsibility, and a sense of community across all year levels.
