Inspired by the brilliant performance of Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge, following their excursion the Annie girls have taken their learning down several different paths. They have written and illustrated postcards and stories to Wilfrid, and contributed to an Annie suitcase of special memories. Just like the items Wilfrid presents to Miss Nancy in the story, the treasures in the Annie suitcase also evoke a wide range of emotions. If you have a moment, I do encourage our Annie parents to look inside the suitcase, as it is an incredibly special treasure chest. Thank you to our parents who helped their daughters to contribute their memory items.

For our Mamie girls, this special story had them consider why people – like the characters in the story – might live in care homes and then, as a result, they shared their joy and kindness with some elderly people.

Why do people live in care homes?

They are from a very long time ago and they can’t move very well. - Ida

You know, they are old. - Halo

Sometimes if they can’t walk, they need to walk with a wooden stick. - Harriet

They can’t live in their homes because they are too old. - Isabel

My other grandma went to an old people’s home because she got older. - Pippi

The old people are on their own. - Hannah

You know, doctors can work in the old people’s home. - Aansa

Miss Nancy lost her memory. – Mirha

Nurses work in old people’s homes too. - Isabel

And servants. - Ida

And cooks! - Amelia

And gardeners. - Pippi

And cleaners. - Ava C

A builder might too. - Ava M

You know, Wilfrid cared for the people… he helped them. - Ida

We could show we care…! We could make them a heart… because we care. - Hannah

From this rich dialogue, the Mamie House decided to deliver some happiness in the form of special hearts to Walkerville Aged Care where Miss Kath’s Pop lived. This learning inspired kindness and enabled the girls to see that they can make a positive difference to the lives of others, especially our elderly, with their own little hands and kind thoughts.

We are incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to bring such a special story to life and we have been heartened by the learning it has generated in our thoughtful, kind girls.