Approved by the Onkaparinga Council, the joint initiative between Southern Montessori School and Kalyra Woodcroft Aged Care will see classrooms for middle school students be co-located alongside the existing aged care redevelopment in Adelaide’s south.

Chief Executive Officer of Kalyra Communities, Sara Blunt, says they are pleased to announce the approval and are keen to move forward with the plan.

“This is a terrific step forward,” she says.

“Now that planning has been approved, the project is full steam ahead.

“Our research indicates that intergenerational life improves the well-being of older people, and is equally good for young people.

“We are really excited that 35 students from Southern Montessori School will occupy classrooms that are on the same site as our residential aged care accommodation [because] this partnership will give students a wonderful learning environment, and ample opportunity to engage with civic and community life.

“Our residents are very pleased to contribute to the life skills of the students and will benefit from lifelong learning, and new technology.”

Kalyra Communities Chair Sonia Bolzon says the new collaboration is part of the providers passion and 125 years of service to people in need.

“Our passion is to enable people to enjoy and thrive in life, whatever their circumstances,” she says.

“These students needed a new home for learning and our residents embraced the concept, telling us it will bring life and joy into their home – it’s a win-win.

“It all came about by chance, when a visitor to our Kalyra Woodcroft Aged Care asked if it would be possible to consider a middle school in the redevelopment, and now it is happening!”

Southern Montessori School Principal Noel Browne says he too is “thrilled” with the outcome brought down by the local council.

“The development offers our students a rich learning environment as we nurture their unique talents and support their growth towards becoming independent, considerate, informed and active young people, who contribute to a better world,” Mr Browne says.

Chair of the Southern Montessori School, Kelly Evans, agrees with Mr Browne saying “This project is the culmination of years of planning and now not only gives our students a permanent home, but opens the way for a truly unique and innovative Middle School program in 2019.”

The new middle school classrooms at Kalyra Woodcroft Aged Care are expected to open in the first half of 2019.