Students from Westernport primary schools have led the way in developing solutions to address issues raised as a result of the COVID environment as part of the Family Life, Map Your World Program.
Family Life gathered student leaders from across three Hastings primary schools to discuss their hopes and their concerns, and best of all, to help find some solutions. Brought together online, the grade six students shared their big worries and fears about the transition to secondary school without any of the usual rites of passage in place to support them, due to the coronavirus.
The students decided that community artwork and a large digital forum could help create a sense of occasion and celebrate their transition. The idea was developed then carried to fruition by community adults in a corresponding Family Life program, Creating Capable Leaders (CCL) and participation from the Mornington Peninsula Shire Youth Services team.
Family Life Project Lead, Rosie said, “The Grade 6 students were concerned their passage from primary school would go unmarked, as gatherings did not allow them to be celebrated by their community of school and family.
“This project has created a wonderful sense of community and camaraderie where 145 students from seven Mornington Peninsula Primary Schools will now experience a unique celebration of their primary schooling, all thanks to these inspiring students.”
The project involved a live Q&A facilitation session shared on big screens in classrooms throughout November. Staff will be available to answer questions and offer wellbeing and support.
In another component of the project, each student’s handprint of hopes, fears and strengths will extend the project from the classroom into the community. Local business owners happily agreed to support the students in a large scale (almost 150 students) arts project, offering to display the ‘wings of hands’ in shop windows, which the graduating students (or anyone) can stand in front of to be photographed.
Creating Capable Leaders participant and ‘Creative Makes’ Hastings business owner, Melissa Cupidon, said, “This project has been incredibly inspiring for the adults involved, on top of the joy of being able to help local primary students and create a flow on for the whole community. The local community is coming together to support these kids who need it for now, and into the future.”
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