RATHFARNHAM PARISH N.S.  

Children in the senior classes are paired up with children in Junior and Senior Infants in our 'Buddy' system.  This is to allow children in different classes to get to know each other, to encourage them to build relationships with each other and to simply have someone to talk to. 

The children regularly swap classes for a short time to read to each other or some other activity. 

The senior pupils also take it in turns to be buddies in the junior playground to help solve disputes, encourage sharing and generally help out!  

This encourages a sense of responsibility and empathy in the senior children who really enjoy spending time with their little friends!