Grandparents make lasting memories at Saint Mary's Catholic Voluntary Academy

Grandparents made lasting memories with their grandchildren on a special day just for them at Saint Mary’s Catholic Voluntary Academy in New Mills.

Around 160 grandparents spent time with their grandchildren doing creative activities on Grandparents’ Day at the school.

This was the second Grandparents’ Day held at Saint Mary’s and Patricia Chapman, Headteacher, said it was such a success that there is a plan to hold a Grandparents’ reading day to link in with the National Year of Reading.

She said: “What a lovely day to be part of our school family. I was so pleased to welcome so many grandparents, and the wonderful turnout helped make our Grandparents’ Day such a success.

“Seeing children and grandparents laughing together, sitting side by side creating art and proudly sharing their artwork was a joy. Those little moments of connection made the day truly special, and the lovely comments from our children and families mean so much.

“For me, it brought our school’s strapline to life: ‘Happy Minds, Kind Hearts, Growing Together.’ A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make such happy memories together.”

Pupil Arthur was joined by his grandparents, who said: “This is a wonderful idea, spending time with my grandson doing something creative. So well organised and such fun. I loved the chance to meet other grandparents and share our stories.”

“It was a lovely afternoon spending time with our grandchildren. It was so lovely to see the children so happy and engaged in their tasks and chatting away to adults. Grandparents' day is a lovely experience,” said pupil Mila’s grandparents.

Pupil Ava said: “I liked the art and watching my grandparents laugh - can we have more of these days?”

Pupil Penelope said: “I loved having my grandparents in. I got to do art with them and sit by their side as we paint.”