Holyrood school celebrates mingling of young and young at heart

By Mark Squibb

Students at Holy Cross Elementary threw a celebration for seniors on Wednesday.

The day included a session from the RCMP on fraud, internet safety, and elder abuse, a presentation from Seniors NL about different community services available to seniors, a games hour, lunch, and more.

“The knowledge and wisdom (these seniors) can pass on to you is something very special,” school principal Tyrone Power told a group of students. “Never mind the superstars on Tik Tok — these folks right here will give you lessons in life that are very important.”

One highlight of the day was the talent show.

Students performed a number of musical numbers, traditional and otherwise, dance routines, and showcased other talents, such as Rubik’s Cube solving.

“These kids are excellent,” said Bernadette Hickey, one of several residents who turned up for the day.

Hickey said the idea to host a senior’s day was an excellent one.

“This is absolutely wonderful,” said Hickey. “This is the first time we’ve done this. It’s wonderful. It’s really nice to have someone think about the seniors — besides the seniors.”

Power, meanwhile, said it’s important to keep the connection between students and seniors alive.

“It’s crucial that we keep the connection between our senior mentors and students,” said Power. “I’ve lived and worked and learned with Indigenous peoples and knowledge keepers and senior mentors for 15 to 20 years, and to see the knowledge they can pass on to our students is invaluable.”

Power said events such as the seniors’ day celebration benefit both students and seniors.

“The kids serve the food, they serve the coffee, and they get a chance to sit down with the seniors,” said Power. “Some of these kids, their grandparents may live in another province, and so they don’t get to see them. Some of these seniors don’t have grandkids, so the chance to interact with students is invaluable to them. They enjoy it.”