In an age where it seems that most of our communication is done digitally, one local primary school is teaching its students about the joys of collecting postage stamps and their role historically in facilitating communication.
Earlier this year, Margaret River Primary School established its very own Stamp Club, led by year three teaching Richard Dowling.
The club, which consists of about 35 students, aims to teach students about the process of exchange and how a handwritten letter in a sealed envelope gets from one place to another simply by buying a stamp.
Each week, students are rewarded with stamps to take home and second-hand stamp albums to help store their growing collection.
Last Tuesday, year three students made the most of the sunny winter's morning and walked to local Post Office to purchase a stamp and post a special letter, detailing the things they enjoy and appreciate about their loved ones and the places they love in Margaret River.
According to Mr Dowling, the excursion allowed students to engage with the friendly staff while learning about communication prior to the digital age.
"For most 8 and 9 year olds, stamps are an anomaly, like VHS recorders and vinyl records," he said.
"Many of these children have never received nor sent a stamp addressed envelope and have little knowledge of regular communication before the digital age.
"It provided a personal and unique opportunity for 8 and 9 year olds to reflect upon what family means and take the opportunity to acknowledge the people who look out for them.
"Making a list of the things that are important to you as an 8 or 9 year old and crafting that into a written letter to family has been a curious yet exciting, process for students.
"Students are able to sort, exchange, and categorize postage stamps from across the world, in a fun, sociable and no pressure environment.
"The response [to the club] has been astounding really.
"It has been great to hear Dads tell me they spent a string of Friday nights around the dining room table sorting stamps with their kids."
Mr Dowling has called on members of the public that may have any old stamps, albums or collection paraphernalia to drop them at Margaret River Primary School on Forrest Road.
"Any donation, however small, is appreciated and will be passed on down the line to families and kids," Mr Dowling said.
