Forest Hill Public School has launched a new program aiming to bring family, friends and community members back into the school environment.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
"We were completely shut off, we couldn't have anyone in for any reason," Principal Cameron Williams said of last year's COVID lockdown.
"We needed that reconnection."
The school put out a call for skilled community members to come in and teach special interest classes, and retired ambulance officer Terry Ryan put his hand up.
IN OTHER NEWS:
For the past six weeks, he has taught a group of 18 students - including his grandson Jaxon Robertson - all about woodwork, helping them make toolboxes and bird houses.
"A lot of them have never picked a hammer up, so it builds a bit of enthusiasm, some self-esteem," Mr Ryan said.
"A lot of them have said they aren't afraid now to try something new."
Nine-year-old Jaxon said the best part of the classes was spending time with his Pop. Fellow student Chelsea Bye, aged ten, said she has gained a lot of confidence.
"I loved that even though I'm a girl, I didn't get treated differently to the boys," she said.
"I felt powerful, like I could do it."
Mr Williams is hoping that by the end of the year, all Forest Hill students will have the chance to partake in a special interest class.
Our journalists work hard to provide local, up-to-date news to the community. This is how you can continue to access our trusted content:
- Bookmark dailyadvertiser.com.au
- Follow us on Twitter
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Google News
- Make sure you are signed up for our breaking and regular headlines newsletters