Oakleigh students lend green thumbs

Published

December 7, 2017

Clients at Uniting St Mark’s were thrilled to have a few extra green thumbs at work in the garden recently when they were joined by 14 year-nine students from Oakleigh Grammar.

The year-nine group spent two days at Uniting St Mark’s as part of their community service unit, but Oakleigh Grammar primary school students have also been visiting for the past three years to perform Christmas carols and an Easter concert.

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The beautiful weather meant students and clients dove into their work in sprucing up the garden for summer with gusto. After some hard work with rakes and shovels, they helped clients put up the Christmas tree, creating a Christmas buzz about the place.

On day two, they were also an amazing help to staff, setting up to prepare for 150 guests that attended the annual Christmas time concert with special guest and acclaimed jazz singer Hetty Kate and trio.

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Uniting St Mark’s Team Leader Ethan Gankanda said that the energy the students bring is a tonic for clients.

“It’s wonderful to see how much enjoyment the students and clients get out of one another’s company,” Ethan said.

“Our clients love to spend time with the students. It’s very special for our Greek clients to be able to speak Greek with the young people,” Ethan said.

“We’re really grateful to Oakleigh Grammar for their support.”

Uniting supports older people to maintain their independence and quality of life through our range of aged care services. We can assist with personal care, cleaning, gardening, nursing and allied health support, as well as supporting clients to get back to the things they love through social groups and connections.

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