This year, Le Couteur decided, overwhelmingly, to trial a new partner organisation that would be rewarding and interactive for our Service Learning boys. With the help of Mr Madden, we chose to partner up with the Eileen O’Connor Catholic College, Lewisham. The EOCC, established this year, schools children with complex learning needs such as intellectual disabilities in Years 7 to 8. They provide educational support to children living in all parts of Sydney. On Monday 24 October, we met for the first time.

Ten Year 10 Le Couteur boys greeted our visitors under the flagpole at recess time. Accompanied by Mr Potter and Mr Madden as well as several staff from the EOCC, we then made our way down to the New Gym where we spread ourselves out into pairs, a Newington boy with an EOCC boy. From here, the EOCC boys showed us what they had done in Term 3 on their iPads, whilst also chatting about their hobbies, interests, families and the like, before moving onto basketball mini-games. Observing from a distance, I found that all students, from both schools, seemed comfortable, relaxed and enjoying themselves. From the initial 40 minutes together, it was already evident that everyone had learnt a great deal from each other, and were quite eager to see their new friends again. Hopefully, this will be the start of a long and friendly relationship.

Raymond Huang (10/LE)