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The buddy system works

Students at Trafalgar Middle School and their little buddies from South Nelson Elementary got together last week to celebrate friendship.
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Mrs. Anast's Grade Six Trafalgar Middle School class with their South Nelson Kindergarten buddies.


Right in time for Valentine’s Day, students at Trafalgar Middle School and their little buddies from South Nelson Elementary got together last week to celebrate friendship.

Trafalgar teacher Ann McDonnell and her Grade 7 class are buddies with Ann Bozek’s Grade 2 class from South Nelson School. Kelly Anast’s Grade Six class are buddies with Ms. Byer’s Kindergarten class.

They have all been getting to know these classes since the beginning of the year.

“What is so cool about this, is how amazing the students are to their little buddies,” said Anast.

“They have developed a nice relationship with their buddy class and every time when we do an activity I have left the planning in the hands of the students. I guide them, but they fly with it and make it happen.”

Last week both classes focused on a friendship theme. They read a story to the buddies about friendship and they looked at different qualities that make a friend. Then the big buddy talked with their little buddy, to find out what they considered to be a friend.

“The best part isn’t necessarily the activity, it’s watching the big kids look out for their buddies... helping them get their coats on and helping them find a bag for their craft to make it easy for their buddy to walk back to the school,” said Anast. “And of course, watching the huge hugs as they say goodbye.

“Being leaders brings out the best in the older kids.”