Grandparents enjoy day at Educate Together NS

Mullingar Educate Together National School doubled up on activities for World Mental Health Day and Grandparents Day on October 14, and invited the children’s grandparents in to have a look around.

Grandparents visited the classrooms, played games and saw what their grandchildren do when they’re at school each day.

There were grandparents at all the class levels, from junior infants to sixth class and some went to see the ASD classrooms as well.

A member of the teaching staff told the Westmeath Examiner that it was “wonderful to see all the children enjoying their grandparents for a day in school”.

“There were lots of songs and poems after the classroom visits, and our school choir sang for the visitors in the sensory hall”, where visitors and hosts enjoyed tea, coffee and treats.

The whole school had worked for the week leading up to the day on the CLANG campaign and wellbeing challenge – and the visit of the grandparents was part of that. The aim is to raise awareness of the importance of the five simple actions people can take to help mental health: Connect with others; Learn something new; get Active; take Notice of yourself and those around you; and Give to others.

“We are proud of our students and staff for all their work and preparation for the visit, and we are grateful to the grandparents who were able to make it. It was a great day to celebrate the simple pleasure of being with those we love and making time to enjoy games, songs, poetry and a bit of a laugh with them.”

A part of their preparations during the week, some of the pupils created artwork for the residents of Newbrook Nursing Home, Gemma Duffy delivered to them on the Friday.

“We, the staff, are a lucky bunch to have such a caring, kind and thoughtful student body and they make the day very special for us all. Well done to everyone.”