Half a century has passed since many of them left high school, but in mid-August almost 200 grandparents, and even a 96-year-old great-grandparent, spent the morning at St Anne's Diocesan College.
Over the years, the annual Grandparent's Morning has become an exceptionally popular event in the school calendar. A record number of grannies and grandpas turned up to enjoy a beautiful spring morning at the College and experience a bit of what their grandchildren are exposed to on a daily basis at St Anne's.
The morning started with a Chapel Service followed by a short Music Concert; always a highlight. One grandmother commented that "these are the voices we will hear one day when we pass on; they sing like the angels". The Chapel Choir performed 3 pieces, the Vocal Ensemble two pieces, including their haunting version of Coldplay's Fix You, with two outstanding orchestral numbers ending the concert.
A sumptuous tea was served in the College's Indoor Centre, overlooking the Equestrian Field, where some of the College's finest riders competed in the annual Interhouse Equestrian Competition. All six Houses made it through to the second round after which there was a jump-off for second place. The final results left Macrorie House as runners-up and Mollie Stone in First place. Spectators were finally treated to a striking Dressage display by Matric rider, Kirsten Wing, who has been identified as a future Young Olympian for Dressage.
Typically, Grandparents Day is an event enjoyed more at junior school level, but once again the staff at St Anne's were reminded how important this occasion is for so many of the St Anne's girls and their Grandparents; an opportunity for the two generations to share high school stories of the past and present.
Form 5 pupil, Kristin Hyde, has been lucky enough to have had all four of her grandparents attend the event for four consecutive years. Year on year they are blown away by the day. When they comment on the experience and facilities Kristin replies 'It's just a school'... they stop her and say 'it's not just a school, it's an amazing school'.
Pictured here is Judy Gilbert who shares a name with her grandaughter, also Judy Gilbert.
News supplied.