The first session saw the Year 9 boys spend time with the Year 2 classes in a combined art lesson inspired by First Nations knowledge of the night sky.

Assistant Head of Middle School (Boys), Mr Conrad Starr, said the program is built on the belief that strong relationships help young people grow in confidence, empathy and character.

“The Connection Project is about giving our boys meaningful opportunities to serve others and build genuine relationships within the school community,” Mr Starr said.

“When boys are trusted with responsibility and encouraged to support younger students, we see them grow in empathy, patience and leadership.”

During the lesson, the Year 2 students shared their learning about the Southern Cross and the ‘Emu in the Sky’, part of their literacy and science units exploring how First Nations peoples read the night sky to understand seasons, weather, and the natural environment.

Working together across classrooms, verandahs and outdoor learning spaces, the students created their own artistic interpretations of the Emu in the Sky, using painted dots to represent stars and collaborating with their Year 9 partners to design Aboriginal art–inspired borders for their work.

Year 9 Adviser Mr Ryan Whitton said the experience allows the boys to step into an important mentoring role.

“Programs like this give our Year 9 students the opportunity to lead through service and gives the boys a unique setting to thrive”

“They quickly realise that the younger students look up to them, and that responsibility encourages them to communicate well, be patient and take pride in the example they set. It also allows the students to form ongoing bonds across the different areas of out schooling.”

For the Year 2 students, the presence of the older boys added excitement and encouragement to their learning.

Year 2 teacher Mrs Melanie Wilson said the partnership creates valuable opportunities for younger students to build confidence and engagement.

“Our Year 2 students loved sharing their learning with the Year 9 boys,” Mrs Wilson said.

“It was wonderful to see them working together, asking questions and supporting each other as they created their artwork.”

The Connection Project will continue throughout the year, with Year 9 boys visiting Infant classes every three weeks to support activities in literacy, numeracy and movement-based learning.

Beyond the classroom outcomes, the program aims to strengthen the sense of belonging and shared community across the school, encouraging students of all ages to learn from one another.

As the program develops, it is expected to become an important opportunity for younger students to experience positive role models, while giving the Year 9 boys a meaningful chance to grow in leadership, responsibility and service as they prepare for their senior years.