Students’ visits shine a light on small acts of kindness

By Wendy Shaw

Kindness, empathy and human connection underpin a special new partnership between a Catholic primary school and an aged care facility.

Every class from St Thomas More’s Catholic School in the Launceston suburb of Newstead will visit residents of Calvary Sandhill Aged Care facility this year.

It’s a shining example of the school’s commitment to social justice and living out the faith through action, according to principal Casimir Douglas.

Each class takes part in an hour-long visit, with activities tailored to the age group and interests of the students.

Pupils sing, read, share poetry, dance or drama and then interact with residents—interviewing them, sharing art activities or playing games.

“At St Thomas More’s, we speak often about helping our students understand that faith is not simply something we learn about, but something we live,” Mr Douglas said.

“Opportunities such as this allow our students to step beyond the classroom and encounter others with compassion, dignity and respect.

“Our partnership with Calvary Sandhill provides a powerful, real-world context for this. Through these visits, students are not only offering companionship and joy to residents, but are also receiving something deeply meaningful in return: perspective, wisdom and a sense of connection across generations.”

Staff members Ms Hayley Riley and Mrs Belinda Taylor have worked tirelessly to bring the initiative to life. The idea came after teaching assistant Ms Riley visited her grandmother’s nursing home and was struck by residents’ delight at a school choir singing Christmas carols.

The pair explained that while the visits are filled with joy and connection, there is a significant amount of planning behind the scenes. This includes arranging bus transport, liaising with Sandhill’s lifestyle coordinator, Candace Harper, over dates and times, and organising parental permissions.

Mrs Taylor, who is Instructional Leader: Religious Education and a 5/6 support teacher, also works alongside classroom teachers to design meaningful, age-appropriate activities that foster genuine connection with residents.

Staff members hope that students gain a deeper understanding of empathy, connection and service, recognising the value of building relationships across generations and the impact of small acts of kindness.

The first visit exceeded expectations. A special moment came when the students sang ‘These Hands’ by Andrew Chinn, and residents joined in with both the words and actions.

The second visit included students teaching residents how to play the card game UNO, an activity fostering mutual joy and learning.

Student Mason said the highlight was “meeting my new friend Kerry who shared lots of fun games he played as a child including hopscotch”.

Fellow student Freya enjoyed colouring in with her new friend Claudia.

Bonnie spent time with her great uncle Mervyn and also reported: “I loved it when we sang ‘These Hands’ for our new friends.” 

Jacob said: “I got to spend time with my great-great uncle and he used to be the mayor of Launceston.”

Sandhill’s Candace Harper said quite simply that the residents love the visits.

“It’s a positive thing for them,” she said.

“They enjoy hearing the stories from the students, who do something different each visit. Today they did a dance.

“The smiles from the residents say it all.”