St. Anne School celebrates Grandparents Day
On Friday, Sept. 9, St. Anne's School in Barrington held its annual Grandparents Day.
“What a beautiful morning it was for all of our grandparents and children,” said St. Anne School parent Julia Carens. “As my parents and children age, I am grateful for these special moments they are able to share.”
Grandparents Day has been a tradition at St. Anne School for 11 years.
“You can feel the strong sense of community here at St. Anne School,” said new school principal Dawn Kapka, “The amount of families that have flown in, driven many miles and taken time out of their day to visit today is truly remarkable.”
This year, nearly 300 grandparents attended, coming from nine different states.
“This is a unique event that so many look forward to,” said chair Anne Tyndorf. “Families really make it a priority to participate.”
Many of the students have been eagerly awaiting Grandparents Day. As kindergartner Connor Rebbeck exclaimed, “It's the best day of the year!”
The morning began with grandparents being greeted by Father Bernie and Dawn Kapka and then they were sent to the children's classrooms. For grandparents with multiple grandchildren at St. Anne's School, it was a busy morning, as they had to visit many classrooms.
“Three grandchildren, three inspired rooms and three grades of caring teachers,” said grandparent Karen Brady with grandkids in fifth, fourth and first grade. “This is a morning I get to see my grandchildren in a different light. It is a one-of-a-kind experience.”
“Grandparents Day is very special to us,” said grandparent Greta Muscarello. “We get to see how wonderful St. Anne School and its teachers are and see first hand how a Catholic education is benefiting our grandchildren.”
Many of the grandparents were put to the test as they had timed multiplication tests, spelling bees and science experiments.
“We compared life now to when my grandpa was in school,” said fourth-grader Sofia Zitella. “He didn't have a SMART Board and gas was 50 cents a gallon.”
Children who were unable to have grandparents attend, had another relative come visit in their place.
“All these people have helped to shape our young people into such remarkable individuals,” said Kapka, “for that I'm extremely grateful.”
“It was a lovely day to spend with my grandchildren and to see the pride they have for their school,” said Mary Helen McCarthy. “My calendar is already marked for Grandparents Day next year.”