YEAR 6 Calvary Christian College students have been working hard in 2019 to give back to their community, starting with those on their doorstep.
During the last school year, teacher Julie Faint and students visited the neighbouring Blue Care Wirunya Retirement Village each week, where students sat down with residents to chat, play games and share stories.
Calvary student Grace even invited her new friend Hilda - who is in her 90s - to spend Christmas with her and her family.
"During 2019, Grace and Hilda have built a unique and special friendship during their weekly visits," a spokeswoman said.
"They celebrated birthdays together and have shared a beautiful bond.
"Hilda attended the awards assembly at the college with her friends and was able to congratulate Grace on her achievements during her junior school journey.
"Although Hilda is blind ... she and Grace have touched each other's lives immensely."
Student Malachi and resident Bronwen also became firm friends during the year after connecting in February over a round of Connect Four.
The Calvary spokeswoman said the pair spent hours sharing stories about cricket, chatting about life's journeys and enjoying each other's company.
"Calvary is proud of their students' openness and ability to connect and learn from these people who have so many life experiences behind them," a spokeswoman said.
"They have learnt new games and improved their communication skills with the residents of Wirunya.
"Each week our students were welcomed with enthusiasm. We look forward to investing and building further connections with the residents of Wirunya."
Wirunya activities officer Kerry O'Loughlin said she had witnessed the benefits and positive impact this community partnership has brought.
"The children from Calvary College have been visiting with our residents at the Blue Care Wirunya facility Carbrook for just on a year now and they have formed bonds with one another that are touching to see," she said.
"The residents have looked forward to every visit and are so interested in what the children have been doing at school and in turn, the children are just as interested in learning life stories from the residents.
"The residents recently (attended) a (ceremony) watching their respective students receive awards, was definitely a high point to the end of school year.
"Some of the children are now visiting their respective resident outside of school and even their families are joining in. This is bringing the communities together for benefit of the elderly and the young."