Buddies work wonders

THE Woombye State School buddy system has proven a great success, giving Year Six and Seven students the opportunity to take a leadership role.

Last year the school introduced the buddy system to help Year One students settle into a school environment through designating a Year 6 student to be a "buddy".

Principal Rob Edmonds said the system had worked wonders for building confidence in the students.

"The system gives our Year 6 students the opportunity to take a leadership role and build wonderful relationships with the younger students at the school," he said. "We had some Year 6 students who in the past had not shown initiative and through the buddy system, we have seen considerable change."

Mr Edmonds said he had received numerous reports from parents, students and staff praising the benefits of the buddy system.

"The older students are gaining a lot more confidence while the younger students are reassured of safe and friendly environment," he said.

There are now two sets of buddies with years 1/6, and years 2/7.