Why talking to a 90-year-old should be part of every school's curriculum
Twice a week, for the past seven years, pupils from Glenwood Public School have walked over to the nearby nursing home to visit their 'grand buddies': elderly residents who have become stand-in grandparents for children at the school, which has a high number of migrant families.
'We are aware that some of our [pupils'] families are refugees and don't have that wider family connection due to the fact their grandparents are living in a different country,' Glenwood Public School principal Jay McInney said.
'There's wonderful stories of students going and visiting their buddies at Christmas and bringing their whole family. It really is something that is authentic.'
He remembered two pupils who learnt their buddy had Parkinson's disease and could no longer play chess.
The children researched the condition, then worked together to 3D-print chess pieces with handles designed for people with the degenerative disease that affects motor skills.
'Our children are connecting their time here at school with the real world, that there is purpose beyond the classroom ... They share other people's experiences, they understand things have changed.'
It's changed the culture of the school, says teacher Charmaine Harper, who helps run the program. The children are more empathetic and look forward to learning from the elderly.
'A classroom is so isolated from outside the gates,' she said. 'This gives them a real experience we often can't give them.'
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The Advertiser
4 days ago
- The Advertiser
Meet the Aussie teen hoping to be the youngest to fly around the world
In 2024, a 14-year-old Byron Waller flew around Australia. Now the young pilot has his sights set on conquering the world. The 15-year-old is aiming to become the youngest person ever to fly around the world. The trip begins on August 2 and will be in a four-seat, single-engine aircraft known as a Sling Tsi. Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, the Middle East and Europe are all on the bucket list. The jam-packed itinerary includes more than 30 countries across seven continents. The longest leg will be a 14-hour journey from California to Hawaii. For Byron, flying has always been a lifeline in a childhood filled with unexplained health challenges. "I missed school, sports, even birthday parties and Christmas because I was always in the hospital or too unwell to get out of bed," he told ACM. "Flying is not just something I love," he said. " It is the one thing that got me going when I was at my worst." Five years ago, Byron's family moved next to the Queensland Children's Hospital after realising they were waiting up to an hour for ambulances to reach their inner city home. He spent nine months in the hospital being treated, and then, a breakthrough with a Crohn's disease diagnosis - an inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling and irritation of the tissues, called inflammation, in the digestive tract. "It explained everything, but it also nearly grounded my biggest dream: to become a pilot," he said. "There were days I needed a wheelchair," he said. Bryon described his 2024 trip around Australia was transformational. "It taught me how to be both a pilot and a decision-maker, someone who doesn't just fly the aircraft but also takes full responsibility for every choice made in the cockpit," he said. "I navigated across deserts, coastlines, mountain ranges and remote outback strips." That journey raised money for Queensland's Children's Hospital, which has been pivotal in his recovery. It also connected him with other young people who have encountered health challenges. "I saw the power of aviation," he said. "Whether it was meeting someone at a remote airstrip who shared their own health battles, or getting a message from a young person with Crohn's disease who felt inspired by what I was doing, I started to see flying not just as a personal goal but as a platform to raise awareness, connect, and to show that young people with invisible illnesses and other challenges you can literally rise above them," he said. The two-month trip around the world will no doubt be more arduous. Depending on the weather, it could potentially be even longer. Byron will be under the supervision of the flying instructor the whole way through and will need to carefully manage Crohn's disease. "Each leg has been carefully planned," he said. "I've been working with pilot mentors, aircraft mechanics, flight planners, air traffic authorities and border officials across multiple continents, and the logistics alone are enormous." The journey will raise money for the Mission Aviation Fellowship. "Through this journey, I hope to meet others facing similar struggles in the countries I visit, hear their stories and shine a light on the resilience it takes to keep going and keep showing up," he said. Byron's trip begins on August 2 from Brisbane, and you can follow his route and track progress here and donate to his GoFundMe to support him. As for his long-term goal? To be a commercial airline pilot. In 2024, a 14-year-old Byron Waller flew around Australia. Now the young pilot has his sights set on conquering the world. The 15-year-old is aiming to become the youngest person ever to fly around the world. The trip begins on August 2 and will be in a four-seat, single-engine aircraft known as a Sling Tsi. Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, the Middle East and Europe are all on the bucket list. The jam-packed itinerary includes more than 30 countries across seven continents. The longest leg will be a 14-hour journey from California to Hawaii. For Byron, flying has always been a lifeline in a childhood filled with unexplained health challenges. "I missed school, sports, even birthday parties and Christmas because I was always in the hospital or too unwell to get out of bed," he told ACM. "Flying is not just something I love," he said. " It is the one thing that got me going when I was at my worst." Five years ago, Byron's family moved next to the Queensland Children's Hospital after realising they were waiting up to an hour for ambulances to reach their inner city home. He spent nine months in the hospital being treated, and then, a breakthrough with a Crohn's disease diagnosis - an inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling and irritation of the tissues, called inflammation, in the digestive tract. "It explained everything, but it also nearly grounded my biggest dream: to become a pilot," he said. "There were days I needed a wheelchair," he said. Bryon described his 2024 trip around Australia was transformational. "It taught me how to be both a pilot and a decision-maker, someone who doesn't just fly the aircraft but also takes full responsibility for every choice made in the cockpit," he said. "I navigated across deserts, coastlines, mountain ranges and remote outback strips." That journey raised money for Queensland's Children's Hospital, which has been pivotal in his recovery. It also connected him with other young people who have encountered health challenges. "I saw the power of aviation," he said. "Whether it was meeting someone at a remote airstrip who shared their own health battles, or getting a message from a young person with Crohn's disease who felt inspired by what I was doing, I started to see flying not just as a personal goal but as a platform to raise awareness, connect, and to show that young people with invisible illnesses and other challenges you can literally rise above them," he said. The two-month trip around the world will no doubt be more arduous. Depending on the weather, it could potentially be even longer. Byron will be under the supervision of the flying instructor the whole way through and will need to carefully manage Crohn's disease. "Each leg has been carefully planned," he said. "I've been working with pilot mentors, aircraft mechanics, flight planners, air traffic authorities and border officials across multiple continents, and the logistics alone are enormous." The journey will raise money for the Mission Aviation Fellowship. "Through this journey, I hope to meet others facing similar struggles in the countries I visit, hear their stories and shine a light on the resilience it takes to keep going and keep showing up," he said. Byron's trip begins on August 2 from Brisbane, and you can follow his route and track progress here and donate to his GoFundMe to support him. As for his long-term goal? To be a commercial airline pilot. In 2024, a 14-year-old Byron Waller flew around Australia. Now the young pilot has his sights set on conquering the world. The 15-year-old is aiming to become the youngest person ever to fly around the world. The trip begins on August 2 and will be in a four-seat, single-engine aircraft known as a Sling Tsi. Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, the Middle East and Europe are all on the bucket list. The jam-packed itinerary includes more than 30 countries across seven continents. The longest leg will be a 14-hour journey from California to Hawaii. For Byron, flying has always been a lifeline in a childhood filled with unexplained health challenges. "I missed school, sports, even birthday parties and Christmas because I was always in the hospital or too unwell to get out of bed," he told ACM. "Flying is not just something I love," he said. " It is the one thing that got me going when I was at my worst." Five years ago, Byron's family moved next to the Queensland Children's Hospital after realising they were waiting up to an hour for ambulances to reach their inner city home. He spent nine months in the hospital being treated, and then, a breakthrough with a Crohn's disease diagnosis - an inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling and irritation of the tissues, called inflammation, in the digestive tract. "It explained everything, but it also nearly grounded my biggest dream: to become a pilot," he said. "There were days I needed a wheelchair," he said. Bryon described his 2024 trip around Australia was transformational. "It taught me how to be both a pilot and a decision-maker, someone who doesn't just fly the aircraft but also takes full responsibility for every choice made in the cockpit," he said. "I navigated across deserts, coastlines, mountain ranges and remote outback strips." That journey raised money for Queensland's Children's Hospital, which has been pivotal in his recovery. It also connected him with other young people who have encountered health challenges. "I saw the power of aviation," he said. "Whether it was meeting someone at a remote airstrip who shared their own health battles, or getting a message from a young person with Crohn's disease who felt inspired by what I was doing, I started to see flying not just as a personal goal but as a platform to raise awareness, connect, and to show that young people with invisible illnesses and other challenges you can literally rise above them," he said. The two-month trip around the world will no doubt be more arduous. Depending on the weather, it could potentially be even longer. Byron will be under the supervision of the flying instructor the whole way through and will need to carefully manage Crohn's disease. "Each leg has been carefully planned," he said. "I've been working with pilot mentors, aircraft mechanics, flight planners, air traffic authorities and border officials across multiple continents, and the logistics alone are enormous." The journey will raise money for the Mission Aviation Fellowship. "Through this journey, I hope to meet others facing similar struggles in the countries I visit, hear their stories and shine a light on the resilience it takes to keep going and keep showing up," he said. Byron's trip begins on August 2 from Brisbane, and you can follow his route and track progress here and donate to his GoFundMe to support him. As for his long-term goal? To be a commercial airline pilot. In 2024, a 14-year-old Byron Waller flew around Australia. Now the young pilot has his sights set on conquering the world. The 15-year-old is aiming to become the youngest person ever to fly around the world. The trip begins on August 2 and will be in a four-seat, single-engine aircraft known as a Sling Tsi. Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, the Middle East and Europe are all on the bucket list. The jam-packed itinerary includes more than 30 countries across seven continents. The longest leg will be a 14-hour journey from California to Hawaii. For Byron, flying has always been a lifeline in a childhood filled with unexplained health challenges. "I missed school, sports, even birthday parties and Christmas because I was always in the hospital or too unwell to get out of bed," he told ACM. "Flying is not just something I love," he said. " It is the one thing that got me going when I was at my worst." Five years ago, Byron's family moved next to the Queensland Children's Hospital after realising they were waiting up to an hour for ambulances to reach their inner city home. He spent nine months in the hospital being treated, and then, a breakthrough with a Crohn's disease diagnosis - an inflammatory bowel disease that causes swelling and irritation of the tissues, called inflammation, in the digestive tract. "It explained everything, but it also nearly grounded my biggest dream: to become a pilot," he said. "There were days I needed a wheelchair," he said. Bryon described his 2024 trip around Australia was transformational. "It taught me how to be both a pilot and a decision-maker, someone who doesn't just fly the aircraft but also takes full responsibility for every choice made in the cockpit," he said. "I navigated across deserts, coastlines, mountain ranges and remote outback strips." That journey raised money for Queensland's Children's Hospital, which has been pivotal in his recovery. It also connected him with other young people who have encountered health challenges. "I saw the power of aviation," he said. "Whether it was meeting someone at a remote airstrip who shared their own health battles, or getting a message from a young person with Crohn's disease who felt inspired by what I was doing, I started to see flying not just as a personal goal but as a platform to raise awareness, connect, and to show that young people with invisible illnesses and other challenges you can literally rise above them," he said. The two-month trip around the world will no doubt be more arduous. Depending on the weather, it could potentially be even longer. Byron will be under the supervision of the flying instructor the whole way through and will need to carefully manage Crohn's disease. "Each leg has been carefully planned," he said. "I've been working with pilot mentors, aircraft mechanics, flight planners, air traffic authorities and border officials across multiple continents, and the logistics alone are enormous." The journey will raise money for the Mission Aviation Fellowship. "Through this journey, I hope to meet others facing similar struggles in the countries I visit, hear their stories and shine a light on the resilience it takes to keep going and keep showing up," he said. Byron's trip begins on August 2 from Brisbane, and you can follow his route and track progress here and donate to his GoFundMe to support him. As for his long-term goal? To be a commercial airline pilot.
7NEWS
28-06-2025
- 7NEWS
From isolation to empowerment: Mark's journey to freedom through inclusive sports
When Mark Stephenson learned his mind and body were failing him, his life as a devoted father and active community member was forever changed. He received a diagnosis of Young Onset Lewy Body Dementia (YOLBD), following an earlier diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. His long career as a firefighter came to an abrupt end, and hobbies he once cherished, such as riding motorbikes, became suddenly out of reach. 'That's what the doctor told me — unfortunately, you won't be able to do your job anymore, and you can't drive home,' recalls Stephenson. 'In an instant, my life, which was once filled with activity and purpose, became very small.' When a person is diagnosed with both Young Onset Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's disease, often symptoms are overlapping, complicating their management. Experts suggest this combination diagnoses may result in a quicker deterioration of cognitive and motor functions. Patients face a range of symptoms including physical stiffness, tremors, memory loss and hallucinations. Stephenson found himself in the grips of despair, feeling directionless and isolated. 'I made endless phone calls to charities and local organisations hoping to volunteer or find recreational activities, but I was turned away every time,' he explained. 'Each rejection felt harder to cope with than the initial diagnosis. 'It was disheartening, causing me to retreat further into myself.' Everything changed when he stumbled upon a social media post from Sporting Wheelies, an organisation focused on promoting inclusive sports for individuals with disabilities. Encouraged by his wife, he decided to give wheelchair basketball a try, despite his fears of being rejected again. 'The first time I sat in that sports wheelchair, I felt a rush of freedom — the kind I hadn't felt in years. 'I called it my 'motorbike feeling. 'It was a game changer,' he shares, his eyes lighting up with excitement. 'Upon arrival, I was welcomed by a diverse group of people, all unified by a shared love for sport. 'Once in the chair, no one noticed it; we were simply a group of individuals playing basketball together.' Stephenson's journey reveals a broader issue: while over 1 in 5 Australians live with a disability — approximately 5.5 million people — opportunities to engage in sports are still limited. According to Dane Cross, Chief Operating Officer of Sporting Wheelies, only 25 per cent of people with disabilities currently participate in sports, despite 75 per cent expressing a strong desire to get involved. 'The reality is there aren't enough accessible sports programs, particularly in regional areas,' Cross states. 'Many clubs lack the resources and knowledge to be truly inclusive, making it difficult for individuals to engage fully in sports activities.' Barriers extend beyond physical access; ingrained societal attitudes and stereotypes also play a role. 'Many people with disabilities aren't seen as athletes,' Cross points out. 'Changing community perceptions is crucial for fostering an inclusive sporting environment.' Organisations like Sport4All are also working towards dismantling these barriers, providing training and support to community sports clubs to ensure they can accommodate individuals with varying abilities. National Manager of Sport4All, Carl Partridge, emphasises understanding the spectrum of disabilities is essential for creating inclusive environments. 'Disability isn't always visible,' he said. 'Financial constraints and preconceived notions can unintentionally exclude many individuals from participating in sports.' Stephenson's involvement in sports has not just provided an opportunity for physical activity, it has also delivered a renewed sense of purpose and connection. 'Through sport, I discovered a supportive community,' he added, reflecting on his experiences with Sporting Wheelies. 'I found friends and purpose again, which has been invaluable for my mental health.' Today, he actively participates in wheelchair basketball, cricket, and AFL, reclaiming his joy, confidence, and meaningful connections. As the financial year ends, Sporting Wheelies urges Australians to donate before June 30. Every contribution is 100 per cent tax-deductible. 'Every gift helps! With the right support, we can bring inclusive sport to communities, but we can't do it alone,' said Cross. '$500 trains a Disability Sport Officer. $1000 helps bring a new sport to a remote town.'
Sydney Morning Herald
16-06-2025
- Sydney Morning Herald
Why talking to a 90-year-old should be part of every school's curriculum
Wednesday is a special day at Whiddon Easton Park Nursing Home. It's the day that children's giggles cut through the air, sticky fingers proudly show off artworks and stories are shared. It's the day the schoolkids come. Twice a week, for the past seven years, pupils from Glenwood Public School have walked over to the nearby nursing home to visit their 'grand buddies': elderly residents who have become stand-in grandparents for children at the school, which has many migrant families. 'We are aware that some of our [pupils'] families are refugees and don't have that wider family connection due to the fact their grandparents are living in a different country,' Glenwood Public School principal Jay McInney said. 'There's wonderful stories of students going and visiting their buddies at Christmas and bringing their whole family. It really is something that is authentic.' He remembered two pupils who learnt their buddy had Parkinson's disease and could no longer play chess. The children researched the condition, then worked together to 3D-print chess pieces with handles designed for people with the degenerative disease that affects motor skills. 'Our children are connecting their time here at school with the real world, that there is purpose beyond the classroom ... They share other people's experiences, they understand things have changed.' It's changed the culture of the school, says teacher Charmaine Harper, who helps run the program. The children are more empathetic and look forward to learning from the elderly. 'A classroom is so isolated from outside the gates,' she said. 'This gives them a real experience we often can't give them.' Eight-year-old Tracian Ghirocian can barely contain a smile when he discusses his grand buddy, Christine Wright, whom he shares with mates Isaac Morrison and Jonathon Bateman.
