Building Relationships Across Generations: How One School Is Making Connections That Matter

At St Andrew’s School in Walkerville, SA, a long-held hope for school chaplain Rev’d Rachel Chapman is finally coming to life: creating meaningful connections between students and residents of a nearby residential care facility.

This initiative has evolved from the belief that schools can make a meaningful contribution to the broader community. As an Anglican school, St Andrew’s is guided by its core values of Respect, Inclusivity, Integrity, Compassion, and Resilience. These values shape not only what students learn but also how they live their lives. Building relationships with older generations allows students to practise these values in action—showing respect for those with different life experiences, offering compassion through care and presence, and learning resilience by stepping beyond their comfort zones to form new friendships. These experiences show students that service is about building relationships, where everyone has something to give and something to receive.

The partnership started in 2024. Before Easter, the Year 5 students visited the residents with Easter cards they had made and performed musical pieces. Soon after, the Year 4 students came to share picture books and songs from their upcoming musical. Some residents enjoyed the performance so much that they attended the school production.

As the months passed, the connections continued to grow. Students and residents took part in creative art projects together, working on pieces that reflected their own stories and experiences. At the end of the year, Christmas decorations made by Year 1 students brought colour and celebration into the shared spaces of the residential facility.

By 2025, genuine friendships had developed. Students and residents have engaged in activities such as bingo, interacted socially, and marked events like Friendship Day together, acknowledging the importance of intergenerational connections.

Another development has been the introduction of shared worship. This year, students have attended the monthly communion service held at the care facility. By collaborating with members of the local parish, students have contributed by writing and leading prayers, reading scripture, and assisting with parts of the sermon.It’s been a meaningful way for students to experience how worship brings different generations together and connects them with the wider church beyond their school community.

A new pen pal program has also begun, offering yet another way for students and residents to build friendships—one letter at a time.

This growing partnership highlights the strength of collaboration between schools and local communities. More than simply offering help, it’s about forming meaningful connections that benefit everyone. Students are learning that true service involves building relationships, shared learning and belonging to something bigger than themselves.