Trinity’s Aiden Summerfield reading out to Bunyip preschoolers. Photo: Supplied.
Little ones at Bunyip Preschool are treated with the visit of four Year 5 students from Trinity Catholic Primary School every fortnight on a Wednesday as part of the Primary School’s Literacy Learning program.
During the visits accompanied by Trinity’s Acting Principal Carolyn Perryman, Trinity students spend up to an hour reading out-loud to around 20-25 pre-schoolers with the aim of captivating their audience.
The program features an action-research process, which students make conscious choices in the books, seeing if such choices have any impact on their audience.
“There’s aspects that are great for community building but additionally our students are learning at their own level too,” Mrs Perryman said.
“The joy of the little people too. The pre-schooler kids all love them and look forward to the visits.”
Each fortnight prior to reading, Trinity students play various games with the pre-schoolers including musical games, guessing games and even playground games as well.
Afternoon tea is followed after games and reading.
During each visit there are four different Year 5 students, a number of them are former Bunyip pre-schoolers still able to remember their previous environment, such as a certain doll in the classroom.
The program first commenced around two years ago but last year paused due to Covid restrictions.
Since Acting Principal Carolyn Perryman started her role this year she has reignited this program as well as the relationship between Trinity Catholic Primary School and Bunyip Preschool.
Towards the end of each year there is an open house event catered for Bunyip students between the ages of kindergarten to Year 2.
Trinity’s fortnightly visits to Bunyip will continue until the end of this year and the next visit is July 14.
Students usually arrive at the preschool at 2.15pm and leave around 3pm.
Christopher Tan
