Eston students and seniors are better together
By Joan Janzen
The Grade 6 students from Eston Composite School, along with their teacher Ms. Vanessa Friesen, recently enjoyed a visit with the residents at the Eston Manor, as part of the Better Together initiative in Eston. Kim Cooper first introduced the new initiative to the School Community Council (SCC), by sharing a presentation by Deb McNabb, co-founder of Better Together.
Ms. Friesen volunteered her Grade 6 class to start the project, and Stephanie Mills became the Better Together ambassador. The SCC purchased Better Together t-shirts, after which Eston Manor was asked if they would like a visit from the Grade 6 students. The residents were excited to accept the offer!
The group recognized the advantage of having a student to match up with each resident in the manor, and off they went for their first visit. Students introduced themselves to their senior partners, as well as providing the names of their family members. Many of the residents would have had family connections within the small community. Students and residents spent their time together playing card games.
“Watching the kids connect and laugh with the manor residents was incredible!” Ms Friesen said. “Everyone had so much fun, and the idea behind Better Together is so powerful! I look forward to seeing more besties shirts around town!”
As for the students, they all enjoyed meeting their senior match, and also liked their new t-shirts. Overall it was a great way to bring people together and have some fun.
The new-found group in Eston doesn’t have any more events planned as yet, but they have plenty of ideas and plans on how to share the Better Together initiative in their community.
