Preps have buddy good time- Preps and Grade 5 students at Narre Warren South P-12 College became new friends during National Buddy Week. (front) Beau, Emilie and John, back, Tejal and Jasiah. 60638

NEW preps at Narre Warren South P-12 College buddied up with older students to help them with their transition into school.
On Monday 21 February, NAB and The Alannah and Madeline Foundation launched National Buddy Week – an initiative developed to highlight the importance of friendships and the need to prevent bullying in Australian communities.
As part of National Buddy Week, Narre Warren South P-12 College held a buddy sports extravaganza on Thursday 24 February.
“This event provided an opportunity for new Prep students to come together and celebrate their friendships with their Grade 5 buddies,” assistant principal Paula Johnston said.
“These buddy friendships started in late 2010 when Grade 4 students submitted an application to become a ‘Big Buddy’. Each successful applicant then went on to complete a buddy training course and worked with the preschool children as they experienced the ‘Step into Prep’ transition program.”
Ms Johnson said that this year the Grade 5 buddies have met regularly with their new Prep friends for organised activities, ensuring the new Preps felt comfortable and familiar with school routine.