Generational harmony: Students sing for aged care residents

By Jemma Jones

Jul 12, 2024

In a cross generational collaboration, the Kyabram P-12 College primary students will be working with the Sheridan Aged Care residents, and it all kicked off with a harmonic performance by the choir.

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Students of Kyabram P-12 College Primary choir put on a special performance for the residents of Sheridan Aged Care who visited the school on Friday, June 28.

Five Sheridan residents made their way over to the college on Friday morning for an early morning concert by the student volunteer choir, led by teacher Susan Meeking.

Excitement and anticipation about the day being the last of the second school term was practically emanating off the students, and it showed in their enthusiastic and passionate singing.

The students put on a five-song concert singing Cover Me In Sunshine originally sung by P!nk, Riptide by Vance Joy, You Are My Sunshine, popularised by Johnny Cash, Stand By You originally sung by The Pretenders, and a traditional Aboriginal song introduced by student Emily Van Berlo.

Five Sheridan Aged Care residents with staff members made their way over to the college on Friday morning. The residents who received a concert were Graeme Aitken, Elaine Worm, Janice Cowley, Frances Wintle and Raelene Dean. Photo by Jemma Jones

**Student Emily Van Berlo introduced a traditional Aboriginal song about fending off goanas from food.** Photo by Jemma Jones

“This song is about when the Aboriginals were eating or had food around them, and the goannas would come steal the food , and they would sing this song so that the goannas wouldn’t steal their food,” Ms Van Berlo said.

Choir teacher, and conductor for the morning’s concert, Mrs Meeking said that the group of students that volunteer to be a part of the choir love to come together and perform.

She said that the group of about 30 students are very passionate and enthusiastic about singing and have been preparing diligently for the Victorian State School Spectacular in September.

The concert marks the start of an ongoing partnership between Kyabram P-12 College and Sheridan Aged Care, with students visiting residents weekly to build connections with the Kyabram community.

The program will begin next term, with Year 5 and 6 students rotating visits every Friday throughout the term.

Sheridan volunteer Alma Limbrick visited the class to prepare the students on what to expect, how to act, and what to do with the residents at Sheridan.