St Michael's Catholic School pupils show service to others with a smile

St Michael's Catholic School student Buwanaja Wijekoon (centre), 6, reads to Little Lights Kindy kids Avani Bourne, 4, left, and Anya Hettiarachi, 4. Photo/Ben Fraser

Dancing, smiles and laughter was abundant as pupils from St Michael's Catholic School visited Little Lights Kindy in Western Heights.

The visit was part of the primary school's service day where the entire school took part in activities, including picking up rubbish, helping the school caretaker, and the choir singing at a rest home.

Lorette Tiedt, who teaches the St Michael's Ark class made up of 5, 6 and 7-year-olds, said service to the community was part of the St Michael's ethos.

"Helping others is what we're about."

She said half of her class had come to Little Lights, with the other class being taken to Kids.com with teacher Marion Brits.

"They're excited, they've been mixing and it's a chance for them to play and meet each other ... some of them have siblings here or came here themselves."

Prior to the trip Mrs Tiedt said the class had been learning how the day wasn't about them, "but helping the little ones".

Raina Meha, 6, said her favourite part was seeing the little kids and playing with them.

"It's been lots of fun."

Reading to the little kids was the best part for 6-year-old Seilala Peato.

"If they are crying too, we help them."

Little Lights Kindy teacher Rose Jellard said it was a "cool and exciting" day for the kids.

"There is a relationship and a connection between the schools, this is good for the children's learning and development."

Heather Jeffcote, co-manager and teacher at Little Lights Kindy, said the kids, all 3 years and over, were "really excited" for the visit.

"It's been wonderful. A visit like this really helps the transition process and means the kids are familiar with the teachers [at St Michael's]."

She said aside from the dancing and the reading, they intended to show the St Michael's students their farm with a mini goat and mini horse.

"I might even get them raking up poos - a fun thing to do," Mrs Jeffcote laughed.

Despite some activities postponed due to the wet weather, St Michael's principal Shelly Fitness said the day had been great.

"The Mercy sisters set up our school with the kaupapa of service. We've been looking for a way to honour them ...[today] is an actually authentic experience of the kids giving their time and skills."