In Week 10 of Term 1, a group of compassionate and community-minded Year 11 and 12 students from our CAS group, Letters to the Elderly, had the heart-warming opportunity to visit Estia Health, where they met their pen pals and other residents of the aged care home.
This visit marked a significant moment for many students—it was the first time they met the elderly individuals they had been writing to as part of their CAS experience. Over the past term, students have been exchanging letters with residents, sharing stories and interests, in an effort to foster connection and reduce loneliness in aged care.
During the visit, students spent time speaking with the residents about their life stories, achievements, and experiences. The conversations were rich with wisdom, laughter, and genuine curiosity. For our students, hearing firsthand about the lives of those from an older generation offered not only perspective, but also deepened their appreciation for the power of storytelling and human connection.
The visit was a wonderful reminder of the positive impact young people can have in their communities, and how simple acts of kindness, like writing a letter, can lead to meaningful relationships.
We are incredibly proud of our students for their empathy, commitment, and willingness to step outside their comfort zones. The Letters to the Elderly CAS group continues to grow, and we look forward to many more shared stories and smiles in the terms to come.
Melissa Mitchell
Science Teaching Faculty: Biology & CAS Coordinator