Real friendships. Real connection. Real growth.
That’s what Thursday afternoons look like for a group of Immanuel students who’ve traded classrooms for garden beds—and textbooks for conversations with some of the Sunshine Coast’s most cherished residents.
Since early 2024, students from Immanuel Lutheran College have been visiting Immanuel Gardens Aged Care for Growing Together: A Garden for Generations. What started as a school program has become something much more—a community of hearts, hands, and shared stories.
And now, it’s blossoming into a national model.
A National Vision, Rooted Right Here
We’re proud to share that Immanuel has officially joined GrandSchools—a bold, university-led initiative funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council. Backed by researchers from QUT, ACU, UQ, Deakin and Western Sydney University, GrandSchools is reimagining how schools and aged care communities can live and learn side by side.
Our partnership puts Immanuel at the heart of a national conversation—one that sees school grounds not just as places of learning, but as spaces where people of all ages can thrive together. It’s about tearing down generational silos and replacing them with shared gardens, shared cafés, and shared purpose.
Not Just Gardening—It’s Life Learning
In the garden, students and residents are growing much more than veggies. They’re planting trust, sharing stories, and building friendships that span generations. Some students have been so impacted by the experience that they’ve volunteered their time well beyond school hours. There’s now even a waitlist to join the program.
And it doesn’t stop at the garden. These connections have made their way back onto campus. Residents now regularly visit our College café—Café on the Green—grabbing a coffee and enjoying our welcoming campus space. These simple moments are what GrandSchools is all about: schools as shared spaces, community hubs, and homes for all generations.
As Emily Boyd, our Sustainability Officer and program lead, explains:
“When students and residents garden side by side, they’re not just planting seeds in the soil—they’re planting connection, trust, and hope.”
A Program that Changes Lives
Our students aren’t just learning to garden. They’re learning to care, to connect, and to show up for others. Just ask Pippa, a Year 10 student who’s part of the program:
“Each week I visit Immanuel Gardens my experience reminds me that friendship isn’t limited to age. All the residents have such unique, beautiful, and cheeky personalities that fill the room with laughter and joy. It is such a pleasure to spend time together—I feel that it enriches all of our lives.”
Here’s what both students and residents are gaining from the experience:
Real-world learning that builds empathy, confidence and emotional intelligence.
Connection and purpose—feeling seen, heard, and valued in a shared space.
Meaningful friendships across generations, built through weekly visits and shared stories.
Wellbeing benefits for all—from reduced loneliness and anxiety to increased happiness and belonging.
Learning in nature, away from screens and stress—reconnecting with the outdoors and each other.
A stronger community bond—residents now visit our campus café, Café on the Green, continuing those conversations over coffee.
This program isn’t just something nice to do. It’s shaping who our students become—and showing our older neighbours just how much they’re still needed and loved.
A Future That’s Already Taking Root
Principal Eloise Beveridge sums it up best:
“This program gives students a chance to lead with empathy and initiative. And just as importantly, it reminds us that schools have a role to play in building stronger, more connected communities.”
Through GrandSchools, our students are now part of national research that will shape how schools and aged care services partner into the future.
At Immanuel, that future isn’t some distant goal.
It’s already growing—in our gardens, in our café, and in the hearts of every student and resident who’s part of this beautiful journey.
Want to see it for yourself?
Come visit. Meet our community. Feel the difference.
📍 Book a tour | 📞 07 5477 3444
