There was plenty of chatter and laughter on Henrietta Street recently when Transition Year students from Mount Carmel Secondary School dropped in to spend some time with the older residents. What started as a simple afternoon visit quickly turned into a lively and heartwarming quiz event, with a lots of homemade sweet treats and some very special guests along the way!
The students teamed up with residents for a friendly quiz that tested everyone’s knowledge, from local history and geography to general trivia. Working in mixed teams of younger and older participants meant plenty of collaboration, storytelling, and shared memories. It was wonderful to see how quickly the groups bonded, with everyone contributing ideas and cheering each other on.
Of course, no gathering would be complete without a good cup of tea and some delicious homemade treats. Over tea and biscuits, conversations flowed easily and the quiz teams took the opportunity to get to know each other better. These simple moments are often the most meaningful, creating connections across generations in a relaxed and welcoming way.
When it came time to announce the winners, there was a surprise in store. The prizes were presented by a very cheerful koala mascot, who proved to be a big hit with both the students and the residents! There were plenty of smiles (and photos) as everyone celebrated the effort and enthusiasm shown by all the teams.
For the Mount Carmel students, the visit was also an important opportunity to build valuable skills through their volunteering. By helping to organise and run the quiz, the students developed key interpersonal skills, learning how to communicate and collaborate with people of different ages and backgrounds. Planning the activities, supporting the teams, and keeping the event running smoothly also strengthened their organisational skills.
The students are recording their volunteering through MyVP – the National Youth Volunteering Portfolio, which helps young people recognise and reflect on the skills they gain through community involvement. Experiences like this show how volunteering is not only about giving time, but also about learning, growing, and building confidence.
Most importantly, the afternoon reminded everyone how powerful it can be to simply spend time together. Whether it was solving quiz questions, sharing stories over tea, or celebrating with a koala at the prize giving, it was truly a koala-ty afternoon on Henrietta Street.
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