North Woodvale Primary School students Ainee Matheen, Lauren Berlandier, Amy Buehrig and Jake Perry-Smith enjoy the buddy bench.
Camera IconNorth Woodvale Primary School students Ainee Matheen, Lauren Berlandier, Amy Buehrig and Jake Perry-Smith enjoy the buddy bench. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Seat of friendship

Lucy JarvisJoondalup Times

North Woodvale Primary School Year 2 teacher Rachael Robertson said the school introduced a positive education program two years ago, which had made a difference in student wellbeing.

“One of the core competencies of positive education is positive school community, where we aim to build positive relationships between students and staff and between students themselves,” she said.

“The buddy bench enables students who may find it difficult to form positive friendships to do so.

“If a student doesn’t have someone to play with, they can sit on the buddy bench.

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“If a student sees someone sitting on the bench, they are encouraged to ask the person on the bench if they would like to play.

“Alternatively, if two students are sitting on the bench- they have found their playtime buddy.”

Staff from Bunnings in Joondalup installed the bench in December, and another at Poseidon Primary School in Heathridge.