It is an eagerly awaited highlight of the College calendar when the Year 7 and 8 students have their grandparents pay a visit to the campus! More than 300 grandparents travelled from across the North Island, some from the South Island and one from London to witness their grandchildren’s education in action.

The visitors were shown to the Sports Centre by student ushers to enjoy a morning tea provided with support from the Parents and Friends’ Association. They were welcomed by the Head of Middle School, Mr Duncan McQueen, and the Head of College, Mr Steve Cole. Mr Cole said that while many facets of education have changed over generations, having an inspiring and caring teacher remains the most important factor in a child’s success in the classroom. He thanked the guests for their deep love and commitment to their grandchildren and for coming today to observe a slice of their daily lives at Saint Kentigern.

When it was time for the students and visitors to meet, the wide smiles and tight embraces showed the regard the boys and girls have for their grandparents, and vice versa! The grandparents were escorted to the Elizabeth MacFarlan Centre where each class had planned a presentation. These included musical performances, speeches, examples of schoolwork and sports reports. This was followed by a quiz for the grandparents on what school was like in their day, which produced some ‘wow’ moments for the students!

A tour of the campus showed the grandparents where the students attend chapel and our other landmarks before reconvening in the Sports Centre for the weekly Middle School assembly. The Middle School Pipes and Drums played as everyone took their seats, and there were also performances from Year 8 dance classes, the Middle School jazz combo and the debut of the Maori and Pasifika Cultural Group. A large number of performing arts participants were receiving badges recognising their commitment to one or more disciplines, and it was extra special for the students to have their grandparents on hand to see this acknowledgment. The visit concluded with the grandparents invited to share lunch with the students in Saints Café.

We would like to sincerely thank all of the grandparents who came from near and far for your support to your grandchildren, families and the College. 

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