Students from Mittagong’s Explorers Learning Academy have been making trips to visit nursing home residents at Harbison since last year.

It’s a beautiful partnership where everyone benefits – for some residents whose families don’t live close by, the children offer an exciting break in routine and something to look forward to. For the kids, the chance to show off their latest drama performances and dance moves is a big highlight.

From the time they clamber out of their mini-van singing ‘The Wheels on the Bus’ to when it’s time to head back to pre-school, the youngsters are full of beans.

Explorers Learning Academy teacher Helen said the visits were an important way to build the students’ community relationships.

“The children are able to have interactions with the aged residents on an ongoing basis,” she said.

The visits take place once each month and the students show off a range of new skills each time.

On their June 14 visit, the students gave a well-rehearsed presentation of The Three Little Pigs, complete with props. Laughter and smiles were aplenty between residents and staff as one little wolf used all his breath to blow down his playmates’ wall. After applause from the residents, the students performed a variety of songs and dances before getting stuck into craft time with the residents.