Last Friday saw our annual Willow ‘Grandparent’s Day’ in Third Form – a day when grandchildren can celebrate and thank their Grandparents, both those living and departed. Conscious of those boys who have lost a Grandparent- or who, through illness cannot attend on the day – our Third Formers are encouraged to remember and talk about ‘Gran’ or ‘Grandad’ – and share their memories.
This event has become popular in recent times as it welcomes a ‘generational mix’ into our schools and allows the children ‘present’ their world to those who love and care for them in a special way. An enriching bond and sense of lineage ensues.
Our changing society means that some Grandparents can play a very active role in caring for our pupils. The traditional ‘nuclear family’ of Mum & Dad is changing –as both parents often have full-time careers outside the home. Thus, the involvement of Grandparents in nurturing and caring for their grandchild is often regular, ‘hands-on’ and direct.
And so, we often see Willow boys being dropped and/or collected by Gran or Grandad on a daily basis. Indeed, as noted on these pages in the past- the relationship between grandson and Grandparent is often noticeably intimate and relaxed - Grandparents having the wisdom, the time and the patience to indulge a ‘needy’ child and make him feel special at the end of a busy school day. The retired Grandparent does not have the work chores and worries of the professional, working parent- who is often pressurised by the demands and ‘just in time’ deliveries of modern business.
What a pleasure it is to see the generations share their experiences and interests. The Third Form boys are proud to show their school, their class-room and their own ‘work’ to their Grandparents – and likewise the Grandparents are genuinely interested and proud of their wonderful and (extended) Grandchildren!
The afternoon of Friday, 18th of October was a truly memorable and emotional one. Congratulations and thank you to all involved.
Finally, I hope all Willow families have a happy, safe, enjoyable Halloween break.