Junee preschool sings carols for Cooinda Court and Junee hospital residents

Over two weeks, classes at Junee RSL Memorial Preschool performed a medley of their favourite carols for residents of Cooinda Court and Junee District Hospital.

“There’s benefits for the young ones and the elderly, and it’s so beautiful to see,” said preschool director Rebecca Hart.

Months of rehearsals have come to an end at Junee Memorial Preschool, following three separate performances of their chosen carols, Jingle Bells, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and the school’s particular favourite, Santa Wear Your Shorts. 

Tuesday’s rendition was attended by more than 20 hospital residents, who were all wished a personal Christmas message by the students.

The success of the interaction has now prompted the preschool to look into making visits a more than annual event.

“The benefits to the elderly are quite obvious,” Ms Hart.

“They come alive, they just love seeing them. They get excited, I think it reminds them of what their childhood was like.

“For the kids, it's teaching them respect for the elderly and getting involved in their community.

“We want them to be the kind of people as adults who will care for each other.”

The two classes have now performed their songs as well as a few others at Christmas on Broadway, at Cooinda Court on December 4 and their own Christmas party on December 8.

Doubling as a graduation ceremony, last Friday saw the transition of at least 50 preschoolers to kindergarten. 

“At the end of the year, we get sad to see them all go. It’s happy but it’s also very sad.”