Grandfriends’ Day Returns: A Celebration of Connection Across Generations
After several years apart, our Junior School was once again filled with the warmth, laughter, and love that make Grandfriends’ Day such a treasured occasion. Held for the first time since 2019, this special day returned to our calendar after the interruptions of COVID and the excitement of recent building works. Its return was met with great anticipation, and it did not disappoint.
The morning began with a whole-school assembly, where our Reception to Year 6 girls proudly welcomed their grandfriends. The School Gym came alive with musical performances as well as a special reflection on “what makes our grandfriends special”. These celebrations showcased the girls’ talent and confidence and set a joyful tone for the day ahead.
Following the assembly, grandfriends were invited into classrooms to share in the girls’ learning. From storytelling and art displays to hands-on projects, the classrooms were alive with curiosity and connection. For many girls, showing their grandfriends where they learn each day was a highlight and a chance to share their pride in being part of the Wilderness community.
The joy continued at our Book Fair, where girls and their grandfriends could select a book together to donate to the School Library. Each book chosen will carry a special nameplate to acknowledge the donation, creating a lasting legacy of this shared moment and a beautiful reminder of the importance of reading together across generations.
Despite a morning of torrential rain, spirits were not dampened. Laughter, conversation, and the hum of connection filled every corner of the Upper and Lower Junior School. The morning concluded with a morning tea graciously served by our student volunteers, whose warmth and hospitality embodied the spirit of service at the heart of our school.
Grandfriends’ Day holds a special place in the life of Wilderness. It reminds us that education is not only about what happens within the classroom walls but also about the relationships, values, and wisdom that surround our girls as they grow. This year’s celebration was a joyful expression of belonging and a reminder that the love and encouragement of our grandfriends continues to inspire each girl to be her most true and courageous self.
Liz McCarthy
Head of Junior School
