General News
30 October, 2025
Buddy bench for kindness
A NEW ‘buddy bench’ has been installed at Miallo State School to promote friendship, kindness and inclusion among students.
The school has a student representative council who meets regularly with the school leadership team to promote strategies to improve student wellbeing, safety and learning outcomes.
As part of this strategy, the school introduced the new buddy bench.
“This special seat will serve as a symbol of friendship, a welcoming place for students to sit if they’re feeling lonely or looking for someone to play or talk with, encouraging others to reach out and make new friends,” said year 6 teacher Mark Barnes.
“The bench will encourage kindness and inclusion, providing a welcoming place where students can connect with others, make new friends and ensure that no one ever feels left out,” he said.
“It will also continue to make a positive difference in the lives of Miallo students for many years to come.”
Local resident Ben Berthelsen designed, built and donated the bench, contributing his time, skills and resources to the project.
“The school student representative council and school community as a whole are extremely grateful for Ben’s generosity and community spirit, recognising his effort as an example of local collaboration and care,” Mr Barnes said.
“The buddy bench is already making a positive difference in creating a more caring and connected school environment in our school that carries the motto ‘Honesty and friendship’,” he said.
Read More: Miallo
