Year 11 Catherine McAuley students spend time every Wednesday morning before school reading with primary school students from Mother Teresa Primary.
Wednesday mornings at Mother Teresa Primary School sees the classroom filled with Year 11 Catherine McAuley students as part of a partnership between the two schools.
The Year 11 students have volunteered to read and listen to Years 1 - 3 students to assist the younger students with their reading. The session runs for 30 minutes every Wednesday before school.
Ms Joanne Xuereb, Leader of Learning Pathways says the program allows senior students who are interested in primary education to gain some insights into the life of a primary educator.
“In addition, with an increasing number of universities offering early entry many of the Year 11 students are looking for volunteer opportunities that can be used with their application”, says Ms Xuereb.
“The students however are volunteering not for what they can get out of it but for wanting to help the younger students with their reading. Many young students may not have someone to regularly read to them at home and the assistance of the older students gives them another opportunity to be read to and listened to, which in turn will develop their reading levels. The program is very rewarding to both the McAuley student and the Mother Teresa student”.
The program will continue into Term 4.
Catherine McAuley Westmead
www.mcauleywestmead.catholic.edu.au
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