STUDENTS from St Joseph’s Regional College spent a school term capturing the life stories of residents at Emmaus Village to create their personalised memoirs.
Putting aside their own personal routines, 15 students sat with six residents and their families to preserve decades of experience, resilience and wisdom.
Pens poised, notebooks open and phones switched off, they leaned in and asked the question that mattered most to residents: “Tell me about your life”.
The initiative, “Through Our Eyes”, was facilitated by St Agnes’ Catholic Parish in partnership with the College.
Students listened to stories of childhoods shaped by war and migration, memories of first jobs and first loves, family traditions, hardship and triumph.
Pastoral and Spiritual Care Team Leader Justine Worner said the impact had been profound.
“When someone sits down and truly listens to you, it affirms your whole life,” Mrs Worner said.
“Our residents were not simply being interviewed – they were being honoured.
“Their stories were treated with care and reverence.”
Assistant Principal, Mission, Matthew Bushe said the students demonstrated remarkable commitment.
“They gave up their own time, week after week, and approached each conversation with maturity and compassion,” Mr Bushe said.
“They understood they were holding someone’s life story in their hands.”
Back at school, the students transcribed interviews, gathered photographs, and used Canva Education to design, edit and print individual memoir books.
“For families, these books are priceless.
“They capture voice, memory and personality in a way that will endure,” said Ms Worner.
In several cases, sons and daughters heard stories of their parents’ early lives shared for the first time.
By Sis HIGGINS
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