Thank you to all of the grandparents and special elders that joined us on Friday, October 11, 2019 for Saint Columbkille Partnership School’s Grandparent/Special Elder Day. The school had more than 200 visitors from across the country and the world, including Australia, Peru and Egypt.
Remarks from Head of School, Dr. William Gartside, started off the morning. Guests then participated in a prayer service led by the students and a reflection by Fr. Fitzgerald from St. Columbkille Parish. Grandparents and special elders listened to a wonderful performance by the Small Strong Voices and Junior Choirs.
Additionally, generous parents provided all of the home-baked goods that were served. Grandparents were given a book light to remind them of the light they shine on their grandchildren and special friends. Following the initial welcome, grandparents and special elders joined their students in the classroom for activities and learning.
Pre-K students in Ms. Krane’s class sang a fun interactive song with their guests and thanked them for coming to visit the school. K2 students in Ms. McCormack’s class read with their special elders and demonstrated Freeze Dance Friday, where students dance to music and freeze once it stops.
Grade 4 students in Ms. Langfeld’s class heard a presentation from their grandparents with photos from when they were in school. They talked about how different school was when they grew up.
Grade 6 students in Ms. Smith’s class asked their elders about their lives and learned a lot from the visitors. Questions ranged from “How was school different when you were a kid?” and “How have prices changed over the years?” to “What do you remember about the Civil Rights Movement?” and “Did you or anyone you know fight in WWII or the Vietnam War?”