Better Buddy Program

Better Buddy Program 

 The Buddy Program at St. Carlo’s fosters a caring and connected school community by building supportive relationships between junior and senior students.

We use the Better Buddies framework, an initiative of the Alannah and Madeline Foundation, to help Prep students feel safe, valued, and welcomed as they begin their school journey. Each Prep child is paired with a Grade 6 buddy, and this buddy system extends across the school so that all students from Prep to Year 2 have an older buddy.

The program promotes key values of:

• Caring for others, friendliness, respect, valuing difference, inclusion, and responsibility.

These values are taught through both formal lessons and informal activities. A highlight of the program is the Better Buddies Picnic held in Term 1, where Prep students and their families meet their Grade 6 buddy and their family in a welcoming, community-focused event.

The Better Buddies Program helps to create a positive school climate by reducing bullying and by building strong, respectful relationships. Research shows that both younger and older students benefit—feeling more connected, confident, and supported.

Learn more at: www.betterbuddies.org.au