This week, a heartwarming moment unfolded at our school that reminded us all of the beauty of connection, kindness, and the joy of shared stories. Some of our Year 12 students—the College’s tallest, wisest, and most grown-up young people—spent a special morning with our tiniest learners: the Preps.

The Year 12’s read with warmth, patience, and gentle humour, turning pages slowly and sharing smiles as the Prep Maroon children listened with wide eyes and eager hearts.

After the stories had been told and the last giggle from a silly rhyme had faded, the two age groups moved on to another shared joy – colouring in bookmarks together. Pencils and crayons were passed back and forth, little hands and big ones working side by side to create colourful keepsakes of a morning spent in friendship between the biggest and smallest members of our school family.

The morning finished with the Year 12’s walking their new little friends to their Sport lesson, holding hands, sharing laughs, and showing the same gentle care that began with a picture book. It was a simple act, but one that held deep meaning – for the Preps, a feeling of being nurtured and important; for the Year 12s, perhaps a rare chance to pause, reflect, and see themselves through the admiring eyes of someone just starting their school journey.

These moments reminded us that reading to young children is more than just practicing words, it’s about connection. It’s about creating a space where imagination can grow and friendships can bloom. Watching the youngest and oldest students share that space so naturally was truly special. Some students who used to be in Prep at GCC come as part of the group, marvelling at how the Prep classroom had changed since they were in Prep!

We thank our Year 12s for being such inspiring role models and our Preps for reminding us all how powerful a shared story can be. Here’s to new friends, colourful bookmarks, and the magic of reading together.

Heather Dodwell, Prep Teacher and Team Leader

For more photos please click HERE